A brief look at the Cincinnati Public Schools' Board of Education's meetings, compiled by the Public Affairs Department.
Board members present: President Eileen Reed, Vice President Melanie Bates, Susan Cranley, John Gilligan, Catherine Ingram, Florence Newell and Rick Williams.
Superintendent Rosa Blackwell and Treasurer Jonathan Boyd attended.
The Board's meeting began at 7 p.m. in the Education Center, the district's headquarters in Corryville.
Students from Western Hills Design Technology High School led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance, then spoke to the Board about their school and some of the engineering projects, including a working robot, completed by students. Herbert Smitherman is the school's principal.
APPROVED two resolutions concerning tax levies the Board is considering for the March 2008 ballot. Both resolutions now go to the Hamilton County Auditor for certification. The Board has until December 21, 2007, to decide which levy amount, if any, will go to voters in March. The two resolutions propose:
APPROVED three resolutions recognizing outgoing Board members:
APPROVED a resolution recognizing Suzann Tragesser for 30 years of service to CPS, including the past 15 years as administrative secretary in the Board's Office. She is retiring effective January 1, 2008.
APPROVED a resolution authorizing the purchase of three pieces of commercial property in Over-the-Rhine — 1122-1126 Elm Street and 129 W. 12th Street — to complete the site for the new School for Creative and Performing Arts, now under construction.
APPROVED a name change for George W. Hays School to Hays-Porter School, in honor of Jennie D. Porter and George W. Hays, two African-American leaders in education who served Cincinnati's schoolchildren for many years.
APPROVED a name change for Pleasant Ridge School to Pleasant Ridge Montessori School, to recognize the school's adoption of the Montessori teaching style.
APPROVED the superintendent's recommendations including
APPROVED a resolution authorizing bidding to begin on two bid packages for office and classroom furniture for the new Covedale School, now under construction.
APPROVED a resolution awarding a contract to:
APPROVED a resolution amending the project agreement with the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) for Segment 2b of the Facilities Master Plan.
APPROVED a resolution officially non-renewing Superintendent Rosa Blackwell's contract, which expires July 31, 2008. Superintendent Blackwell told the Board in August 2007 of her intent to retire when her contract ended.
APPROVED a resolution requesting an alternative license for a CPS employee.
APPROVED a resolution strengthening the Board's commitment to open communication and engagement with school families and the community.
ACCEPTED the report of the Board's Policy Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, which included a review of the district's Sexual Harassment Policy and the Conflict of Interest Policy.
ACCEPTED the report of the Board's Student Achievement Committee meeting on Thursday, November 29, 2007.
ACCEPTED the report of the Board's Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, which focused on discussion of the district's financial options.
ACCEPTED the report of the Board's Facilities Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 2007.
APPROVED the treasurer's report, including
The meeting adjourned at 10:38 p.m.
The Board's next regular meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2008, at district headquarters, 2651 Burnet Avenue, in Corryville. The Board will hold its organizational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, to elect a president and vice president.