Cleveland Schools Unveils Plan to Consolidate and Close 23 Buildings
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is set to implement a major restructuring plan that will consolidate and close 23 school buildings. This initiative addresses a significant decline in student enrollment and aims to reduce operational costs amid a projected $150 million deficit. The changes are expected to take effect before the 2026-2027 school year.
Cleveland Schools Plan to Consolidate and Close Buildings
CMSD CEO Warren Morgan presented the plan, which could save the district at least $30 million annually if approved. The savings will primarily arise from reducing administrative positions as the number of schools decreases. Despite the consolidation, CMSD intends to maintain its current number of teachers, though some layoffs may occur as staffing needs evolve.
Reasons for Changes
- Enrollment has dropped by more than 50% since 2000, from 70,000 students to approximately 34,000.
- Current operational costs are unsustainable, leading to a looming deficit.
- Many schools suffer from inadequate facilities, prompting the need for better-maintained buildings.
During a recent board meeting, Morgan emphasized that the consolidation will not only cut costs but also enhance educational opportunities for students. The revised plan will reduce CMSD’s footprint significantly, moving from 61 PreK–8 schools to 45 and from 27 high schools to 14.
Details of the Consolidation
Under the new plan, 18 CMSD-owned buildings will be closed, along with five leased spaces. However, many students will not need to relocate, as several campuses currently host multiple schools under one roof. For example, well-known Cleveland high schools like John Hay and John Marshall will merge divisions into a single institution.
Benefits for Students
CMSD’s restructuring is designed to ensure that at least 95% of affected students relocate to schools with better building conditions. Additionally, the plan retains specialized programs that are currently offered at merging schools.
Timeline for Implementation
The CMSD board is set to vote on the consolidation plan on December 9. Morgan believes no significant modifications will occur prior to this vote, citing extensive public engagement over the past year. In light of the changes, families are eager for a swift decision to prepare for the upcoming transitions.
Recommended Mergers and Closures
Some key mergers in the consolidation plan include:
- K–8 Schools Merging:
- Hannah Gibbons to merge with Memorial
- Euclid Park to merge with East Clark
- Stephanie Tubbs Jones to merge with Franklin D. Roosevelt
- High Schools Merging:
- Collinwood High School with Glenville High School
- MC2STEM High School with East Tech High School
- John Marshall Campus schools merging to form a single John Marshall High School
In summary, this consolidation plan represents a transformative effort for Cleveland Schools, aiming for financial sustainability while enhancing educational quality for all students.
