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CPS introduces principals for new middle schools and outlines implementation timeline
Summary
Cincinnati Public Schools introduced principals for six new middle/junior-high schools and laid out training, facility and community-engagement steps to open the schools in August.
The district introduced principals who will lead six new middle/junior-high schools and provided an implementation timeline for the transition.
Superintendent Murphy and curriculum and operations staff described a phased rollout that began with principal selection and training in February and included principal institutes, staff institutes in May, facility and transportation preparations in June–July, and August “jump start” activities so every student will be assigned a class on day one. Mike Turner, who leads the scheduling work, said principals have been developing master schedules, staffing plans and community engagement events. Hamilton County Educational Service Center staff have supported principal institutes tailored to middle school practice.
Principals’ presentations - April Simmons (South Avondale Middle School) emphasized mentorship, daily intervention/enrichment and community visibility. - Alita Hardy (Pleasant Hill Middle School) described a social-justice-themed program integrating community engagement and project learning. - Antoine Lewis (Hartwell Middle School) outlined a STEM focus and broad extracurricular offerings. - Britney Tudor (Evanston Junior High) said Evanston will open with an International Baccalaureate middle‑years strand plus a business/career focus. - Nathaniel Snow (Ethel M. Taylor Junior High) highlighted experiential public-service and first-responder partnerships and career‑tech exposure. - Danielle Battle (Schroeder Middle School) summarized year‑one outcomes at Schroeder and described scaling project-based instruction, CTE links and improvements in student behavior and performance.
Why it matters: The district’s move to restore and expand middle/junior-high programming changes scheduling, transportation and staffing and requires community outreach. Principals said community engagement, open houses and “bridge” activities are planned; board members asked for stronger public-facing communications and urged visible board participation at events.
Athletics and extracurriculars: District athletics staff assessed facilities and recommended fall offerings (examples: flag football, football, volleyball, basketball; spring track, baseball/softball and girls flag football depending on interest). Principals and district athletics staff will refine offerings by June.
Next steps/direction: Principals will finalize staff institutes in May and a final principal institute in June; board members were invited to attend a May 8 engagement event (Ethel M. Taylor noted specifically). Administration will provide ongoing schedules, enrollment lists and detailed transportation plans.
