CMSD board adopts 'Building Brighter Futures' consolidation plan after hours of testimony

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 5.01 — the "Building Brighter Futures" facilities recommendation — after more than two hours of public comment and a lengthy presentation by CEO Doctor Morgan. The vote, taken by roll call, recorded nine yes votes and adopted the plan as presented.

Supporters of the plan say consolidations are necessary to concentrate resources and expand college and career programs. Doctor Morgan told the board the recommendation reduces the district's 61 elementary schools to 45 and its 27 high schools to 14, a net reduction of 29 buildings, and that the changes will allow every high school to offer college and career programming and nearly all elementary schools to offer enrichment beyond art, music and PE. "This is a plan to ensure that all of our students, no matter where they go to school … have expanded…