Cleveland City Schools to bring groundskeeping in‑house; board approves equipment purchase and hires

The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education on the evening approved a plan to bring groundskeeping services in‑house, authorizing $150,000 to buy equipment and directing staff to hire a lead and crew so district employees can take over operations when the current contract expires March 15.

Facilities director Mr. Taylor told the board the district will seek to hire a lead in January to organize equipment and onboarding and fill two full‑time and two part‑time groundskeeping positions so the district is operating its own grounds crew by March 15. Taylor said bringing services in‑house will allow the district to handle year‑round exterior work beyond lawn maintenance, including pressure washing, playground repairs and mulch management.

Board discussion focused on costs and service quality. Director of Schools Dr. Elliott and board members said community complaints about lawn upkeep motivated the change; Mr. Taylor said the district historically observed cost savings and better maintenance when similar functions were managed internally. Board member Matt Coleman moved to adopt the recommendation; Renee Dimon seconded. The clerk read roll call and all listed board members voted yes; the motion passed.

The board did not provide a detailed line‑item comparison of long‑term costs versus the contracted service in the public discussion, but Mr. Taylor said the district expects savings and added flexibility once positions and equipment are fully operational. Next steps include advertising the lead position in January, purchasing the equipment with the approved funds, and returning to the board with implementation details and timelines as hires are made.