Students and trustees urge preservation of Cleveland School of Science and Medicine

Students and trustees urged the Cleveland Municipal School District Board of Education on Sept. 23 to preserve the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine’s specialized programs as the district considers building consolidations. Sanaba Hadur, a junior at the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, and Jonathan Parker Jr., a senior, described the school’s pathway programs, advanced coursework and partnerships with Case Western Reserve University and the American Red Cross that, they said, give students hands‑on experience in science and medicine. “CSSM gives students the tools, experiences, and support to pursue meaningful careers in science, medicine, and public health,” Hadur said. Brian McDonald, executive director of the Jones c Edwards Charitable Foundation and chair of the board of trustees for CSSM, told the board the school has operated as a district specialist for 20 years and urged administrators and trustees to preserve its model as consolidation proceeds. “Since its founding 20 years ago, CSSM has been one of the district's most successful endeavors,” McDonald said, calling out partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and local foundations that provide mentorship and internships. Students described the white‑coat ceremony, pathway seals and extracurricular opportunities that they said distinguish CSSM. Both students and trustees asked Superintendent J. Morgan and the board to consider CSSM’s legacy and its role in preparing students for Cleveland’s health‑care economy when making consolidation decisions. No district action on CSSM was taken during the Sept. 23 meeting; comments were delivered during the public participation portion of the agenda. The speakers asked the board to preserve specialized pathways and to weigh community partnerships in any future changes to school assignments or building use.