Board takes first reading of charter and reimbursement policies, agrees timeline for FY2027 budget draft

At its January meeting, the Cleveland City Schools Board heard first readings of two policies and agreed a timeline for the FY2027 budget draft.

Miss Diamond presented policy 1.901 (charter school applications) with tightened language on application processes and policy 2.804 with several additions related to expenses and reimbursements, including annual review of expense allowances, travel reimbursement set to the U.S. General Services Administration rate, a 30-day submission window for reimbursement requests and a requirement that the director of schools develop consistent procedures and forms. The board discussed adding language clarifying that the director of schools will make determinations about permissible reimbursements and ensuring the policy complies with state law.

Miss Diamond read the reimbursement language to the board and the members accepted the policies on first reading with a unanimous roll-call vote.

Separately, the FY2027 budget calendar—pulled from consent for discussion—was reviewed. Matt Coleman asked for earlier distribution of the first full draft so board members could review before the retreat; Dr. Elliott said the full draft will be provided by April 20 and the budget will come to the board for vote on May 4. The board approved the calendar as revised to accommodate Coleman’s requested change.

"We will go over the preliminaries at the spring retreat, but you'll get the first full draft by April 20," Dr. Elliott said. "We will try to provide drafts at least one week before the retreat if feasible."