Mayor and School Superintendent Forge New Collaboration in Cleveland Heights

Cleveland Heights officials are enhancing collaboration between the city and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights (CH-UH) School District. Mayor Jim Petras and Superintendent Liz Kirby recently held discussions to explore joint initiatives, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen community ties.

During a city council meeting on February 2, 2024, Petras revealed that he and Kirby met three days earlier to discuss various opportunities for partnership. They have committed to quarterly meetings to ensure open communication and effective collaboration moving forward. “We want to make sure we have good, open lines of communication,” Petras stated.

The conversation included plans for a “State of Our Schools” address, which will take place at the Cleveland Heights Community Center on February 27, 2024. Kirby expressed gratitude to Petras for the use of the venue, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Refreshments will be available starting at 08:30, with the program commencing at 09:00.

In a recent update to residents, city officials announced extended public swim hours at the Heights High pool. The changes will take effect after the swim and diving teams conclude their seasons in March. Previously, swim hours were restricted to mornings. As of March 16, 2024, the pool will now be open to passholders from 06:30 to 20:00 on weeknights, in addition to weekend hours from 08:00 to 13:30.

Council President Tony Cuda noted that these adjustments are a result of a collaborative agreement with the school district, which began during his interim mayoral tenure. The school district’s natatorium, funded by a bond issue approved by voters in 2013, will also reopen on Saturdays to residents holding city pool passes. However, locker rooms will be unavailable for public use during specific hours, and patrons arriving before 18:15 will need to wait for students to vacate the area, due to safety policies.

New Leadership on the School Board

The CH-UH Board of Education has recently welcomed new members as part of its organizational meeting in January. Gabe Crenshaw was elected as president, while Phil Trimble took on the role of vice president. The board is now reinforced by the addition of Thomas Hodgkiss-Lilly and Kathi Howard-Primes, who succeeded outgoing members Malia Lewis and Jodi Sourini.

Hodgkiss-Lilly, a real estate professional and Heights High alumnus, expressed his commitment to supporting the district’s evolution in education. “Public education is changing at an incredibly rapid rate alongside technological, economic, and cultural change, and I am committed to helping the district navigate it,” he stated in a press release. He is also a parent of four children who attend CH-UH schools.

Howard-Primes, who serves as Chief Executive Officer for Momentuum, LLC, emphasized her dedication to equitable education. “I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality, equitable education,” she said. This is her first elected position, though she has been active in the district as a PTA president and community supporter.

Both Hodgkiss-Lilly and Howard-Primes are set to play significant roles in shaping the future of the school district as they advocate for academic excellence and community involvement.

Recognition of Outgoing Members

The board acknowledged the contributions of Lewis and Sourini during their eight years of service. Lewis, who plans to focus on her health and continue her involvement in education through tutoring, remarked on the importance of community advocacy for public education. Sourini expressed her gratitude for the community’s support and indicated her intention to remain involved in educational initiatives, stating, “It’s really hard to step away completely from something that’s been a huge part of my life.”

Superintendent Kirby also recognized the dedication of outgoing members, highlighting their efforts in creating opportunities for future generations. As the district embarks on a new chapter with its new leadership, the commitment to collaboration between the city and school district aims to foster a thriving educational environment for all students in Cleveland Heights.