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Board approves consent agenda, local tech policy change and in-house groundskeeping plan
Summary
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, adopted a local technology safety policy (4.214) on first reading, and voted to bring groundskeeping in-house in 2026 with equipment purchases and new hires funded from the district budget.
The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved three voting items at its regular meeting: the consent agenda, a local technology policy change (policy 4.214), and a recommendation to transition groundskeeping services from an outside contractor to in-house staff.
The board approved the consent agenda on a motion by Matthew Coleman, seconded by Carolyn Ingram. The roll call recorded "Yes" votes from Renee Diamond, Matthew Coleman, Carolyn Ingram, Andy Lay, Peggy Pesterfield, Jody Riggins, Nate Tucker and others; the board secretary announced the motion passes.
On a first-reading vote, the board accepted revisions to policy 4.214, described in the meeting as a local change from the technology department "for safety purposes." Board member Jody Riggins moved the policy change and Peggy Pesterfield seconded; the board voted yes on the motion.
Facilities staff proposed ending the current groundskeeping contract (which runs through March 15) and using roughly $150,000 to purchase equipment, hire two full-time and two part-time groundskeeping employees and operate groundskeeping in-house beginning in spring 2026. Facilities staff said an in-house crew would be available year-round and perform additional exterior tasks such as pressure washing, playground maintenance and mulch replacement. Board member Matt Coleman moved the recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Summary of formal actions
- Consent agenda: Motion to accept the consent agenda as provided; mover Matthew Coleman; second Carolyn Ingram; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved.
- Policy 4.214 (local technology/AI safety): Motion to accept policy change as presented; mover Jody Riggins; second Peggy Pesterfield; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved (first reading/action recorded).
- Groundskeeping services: Recommendation to purchase equipment (~$150,000) and hire two full-time and two part-time groundskeeping staff to replace the contractor by March 15, 2026; mover Matthew Coleman; second Renee Diamond; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved.
The meeting packet did not list detailed contract cost comparisons; board members discussed anticipated equipment and startup costs and said the district expects to expand groundskeeping duties beyond lawn care. No member voted against any motion.
