CMSD CEO Makes Request for Schools
CLEVELAND — Some disappointing news for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
A preliminary report card from the Department of Education shows no improvement for students on the state’s achievement tests.
CEO Eric Gordon said he anticipates a drop from “academic watch” status to an “academic emergency” rating when the 2010-2011 report card is officially released.
Gordon spoke on Thursday at The City Club downtown saying he has a plan to bounce the district back.
“Now is the time to come together as a city and support Issue 107,” said Gordon.
The 15-mill tax levy will be on the November ballot.
It would allow the district to bring in the most talented teachers and principals and pay them competitive wages, upgrade technology and allow for calendar changes – like longer school days and a longer school year.
The average Cleveland homeowner would have to pay about $300 more a year in taxes.
It’s been 16 years since the district has asked for an increase. Early ballots go out Oct. 2.
The one bright spot in the state’s report card was graduation rates. They’re up 4 percent.
