Board approves Saturday school as alternative to short suspensions for tardiness

The Warrensville Heights City Board of Education on July 11 unanimously approved a Saturday school program intended as an alternative to short in‑school suspensions and a targeted intervention for chronic tardiness.

Superintendent (S2) said the program will run at the middle and high schools from 9 a.m. to noon on scheduled Saturdays and will offer three options for students: teacher-led academic support, supervised campus work (such as custodial assistance), or independent study. "So instead of suspending students, they're required to come in for Saturday school from 9 to 12 on Saturdays," the superintendent said.

The superintendent described the staffing model: a Saturday‑school lead (a principal or an aspiring principal) and two academic teachers on each date. He said custodial costs should not be additional because custodians already work Saturdays at the schools. The superintendent recorded a total program cost of $11,000 and said the schedule includes 17 dates; he added the district may cancel some dates if tardiness improves.

Parents will be notified automatically for any detention or suspension and must consent to their child attending Saturday school. The superintendent said the program will also be offered in lieu of some minor suspensions and that students who do not attend Saturday school will be subject to suspension.

Board members raised procedural questions about implementation and communications. The chair moved to approve item 6.1; the motion was seconded and carried on a recorded voice roll with a 5–0 tally.

The superintendent said he will convene a Saturday school team and provide a written report to the board next week with details and the district's current tardiness data.