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Board debates memorial-resolution process after delayed resolution for Dr. Hayward Sims
Summary
The board unanimously adopted memorial resolutions for Dr. Hayward Sims and Zaddy Cole but several members raised objections that the Sims memorial had not been routed through the Welfare & Public Relations Committee and that the process had been delayed; the board asked staff to propose a formal process at the next work session.
The East Cleveland City School District Board of Education adopted two memorial resolutions on April 14 — one honoring Dr. Hayward Sims and another for Zaddy Cole, a longtime assistant principal — but the board's discussion focused on how memorial resolutions should be handled going forward.
A board member raised procedural concerns: "This was never brought to our committee, the Welfare & Public Relations Committee," the member said, noting they had not had the opportunity to discuss or vet the resolution in committee before it appeared on the agenda. Other members confirmed the memorial had been submitted late and agreed the timing meant the family’s service was missed.
Members debated historical practice versus routing requests through committees. One board member suggested reinstating the historical, expedited approach when families request timely memorials; another proposed a formal process through the Welfare & Public Relations Committee so every board member is aware and the committee can vet requests. Board members asked staff to work with the committee and present recommendations at an upcoming work session.
Despite the procedural disagreement, the board voted unanimously to adopt the memorial resolutions for Dr. Hayward Sims and for Zaddy Cole, and agreed to have staff return with recommended procedures for handling future memorial requests.
The discussion clarified that the board wants a consistent, transparent method to decide which memorial requests appear on the agenda and how quickly staff can process them so family services can be accommodated when requested.
