South Euclid-Lyndhurst board accepts Cassandra Jones' resignation; Vice President Crystal Shelby named president
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Summary
The South Euclid-Lyndhurst Board of Education unanimously accepted board president Cassandra M. Jones' resignation and, citing board policy, elevated Vice President Crystal Shelby to serve as president through the remainder of 2025. Trustees and district leaders paid tribute to Jones' years of service before a ceremonial plaque and swearing-in.
The South Euclid-Lyndhurst Board of Education on July 22 accepted the resignation of Board President Cassandra M. Jones and, invoking board policy 0152, elevated Vice President Crystal Shelby to serve as board president for the remainder of calendar 2025.
Trustees voted by roll call to accept Jones' resignation. After the vote, board members presented Jones with a plaque and flowers and offered public tributes recounting her years on the board and support for district staff and students.
Superintendent Dom Capel, who praised Jones during the meeting, said, "You believed in me. You gave me a shot, and you never wavered in your support." Capel added that Jones "led with heart, courage, and with the kind of strength that doesn't need a spotlight."
Jones, speaking to the board, said she would not say goodbye. "I don't say goodbye. I say farewell," she said, and asked trustees to keep focusing on students. Several board members recounted personal memories and thanked Jones for her service dating back to 2009.
Following a motion to cite board policy, trustees moved to appoint Shelby under the board's succession policy. The board then held a short oath of office in which Shelby affirmed she would "support the constitution of the state of Ohio, and ... faithfully and impartially discharge" her duties as board president.
Justin Tisdale, identified in the meeting as city council president, read a proclamation recognizing Jones' contributions to the district and community. The proclamation cited Jones' service since 2009 and named multiple community roles she held.
The board also noted it would forward the superintendent's final evaluation summary to human resources as part of the evening's additional business; that action was taken earlier in the meeting and recorded in the minutes.
Votes at a glance: the resignation acceptance and the motion to appoint Crystal Shelby as president were both approved by unanimous roll calls recorded during the meeting. No dissenting votes or abstentions were recorded on those items.
The board indicated the vice president will serve as president per policy 0152 until the next election or further board action. Trustees closed the meeting with brief remarks thanking Jones and wishing Shelby well in her new role.
