Superintendent outlines '45‑day reset' and enrollment push after return to local control; community member urges program reinstatement

The superintendent told the board on Jan. 12 that the East Cleveland City School District has returned to local control and outlined a short-term plan to sustain and build on recent improvements.

"This is the first meeting where, according to the state of Ohio, the East Cleveland Board of Education has returned back to local control," the superintendent said, noting recent local media coverage and community recognition. He described a "45‑day reset" to focus on immediate instructional priorities, to meet targets before the next round of assessments, and to formalize monitoring and accountability practices.

The superintendent also previewed a coordinated recruitment and enrollment campaign aimed at adding 100 new students by August. The plan includes establishing an enrollment command center with one point of contact to respond to inquiries, a tour program for prospective families, and targeted outreach on social media and billboards. The district plans to track conversion from outreach to enrollment and retention beyond the first year.

During public comment, Leon Hines congratulated newly sworn board members and the superintendent on recent progress and urged the board to revive former programs that supported student retention, including an elementary after‑school program described as the "diamond" program and the Shaw High Academic Achievement Committee for upper‑class mentors.

The board accepted the superintendent's recommendations later in the meeting, approving professional leaves, appointments and resignations as presented.