Cleveland City Schools adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan and seeks city partnership to fund two new elementary schools

The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education on June 1 adopted a 2025–2030 strategic plan and approved a resolution formally requesting that the City of Cleveland collaborate on funding and land acquisition to construct two new elementary schools, including consideration of a property tax increase.

The board said the move responds to district growth and school capacity limits. Director of Schools Jeff Elliott asked the board to adopt the summary and full strategic plan and told members, “I propose that the board adopt these plans, the summary report and the full detailed strategic plan for 2025 … 2030.” The board passed the adoption by voice vote.

The strategic plan centers on four priorities: student academic success, supporting students and families, highly effective employees and clearer communication. The plan includes an action item to design and install Cleveland City Schools exterior logo signage across schools (estimated cost about $30,000) and sets a key performance indicator to reduce chronic absenteeism by about 1.5 percentage points per year, targeting 17 percent by 2030.

Following discussion about how to proceed with site selection and funding, the board approved a series of steps to work with the city: it authorized three members of the district facilities committee—Andy Lay, Matthew Coleman and Peggy Pesterfield—to serve on a joint ad hoc committee with city council representatives (two at‑large council members and the mayor) and district staff (including Elliott and Joe Favis). The board also approved engaging realtor Brian Wertman to assist with property search and acquisition.

The board then considered and approved a resolution that states the district’s intent to move forward with plans to build two elementary schools and “formally request collaboration with the Cleveland City Council to establish a funding mechanism, including consideration of a property tax increase in order to meet the critical infrastructure needs of the school district.” The resolution text presented to the board said the district recognizes growth-driven capacity limitations and that timely construction will require significant financial investment.

Board members discussed communication, partnership expectations and deliverables. Board member Renee Diamond suggested a wording change to emphasize partnership with the city rather than restating construction; that edit was made before the vote. Members also urged a proactive public communication plan, visual renderings for stakeholders and clear stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Votes and motions passed by voice vote with all board members present voting yes (Renee Diamond; Matthew Coleman; Carolyn Ingram; Andy Lay; Peggy Pesterfield; Jody Riggins; Nate Tucker). The board did not set a final tax rate or a timeline for a public referendum; the resolution asks the city to explore funding mechanisms and to continue the partnership.

The district indicated next steps will include convening the ad hoc committee, coordinating property searches with the city, preparing communication and business plans, and returning to the board and city council with more detailed proposals and cost estimates.