CPS Board, January 14, 2008, eBoard

A brief look at the Cincinnati Public Schools' Board of Education's meetings, compiled by the Public Affairs Department.

January 14, 2008

Board members present: President Eve Bolton, Vice President Chris Nelms, Melanie Bates, Susan Cranley, Michael Flannery, Catherine Ingram and Eileen Reed.
Superintendent Rosa Blackwell and Treasurer Jonathan Boyd attended.

The Board's meeting began at 7:15 p.m. in the Education Center, the district's headquarters in Corryville.

Students from Rees E. Price Academy's Empowerment Eagles student-leadership program led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance, then recited their school's pledge. Alesia Smith is principal of the Price Hill school.

Presentations

President Bolton presented outgoing president Eileen Reed with a plaque recognizing her service to the Board in 2007.

Principal Alesia Smith led a presentation describing the academic strides being made at Rees E. Price Academy, which moved up on the 2006-07 Ohio Report Card into the Continuous Improvement category.

Architects from Moody Nolan presented the schematic design for the full renovation and expansion of College Hill School. The building will continue to front on Cedar Avenue, with a new bus lane created on the east side of the property exiting at the rear and a 13,399-square-foot addition built with new classrooms. An original building at the back will be demolished and replaced with a playground. Other improvements include an elevator, expanded administration offices and a renovated kitchen, cafeteria and auditorium.

Architects from Moody Nolan also presented the schematic design for the full renovation and expansion of Hartwell School. The building will continue to front on Vine Street, with a bus lane added across the front of the property. An existing student entrance at the back of the building will be enhanced, adjacent to a new 200-seat gymnasium. A soccer field will be added to the large expanse of asphalt now at the back of the building.

Robert Knight, of GBBN Architects, gave an update on the sustainable design program within the Facilities Master Plan. The program aims to build and renovate CPS' buildings in ecologically friendly ways that can be maintained over time. The methods include energy-efficient heating, air-conditioning and lighting; indoor air quality; and managing storm water run off.

Board Action

FAILED a resolution requesting the withdrawal of the tax levy on the March 4, 2008 ballot.

APPROVED the superintendent's recommendations including

Consolidating Hoffman and Parham schools at the close of the 2007-08 school year.
Closing Burton School, Carthage Paideia Academy and Schwab School at the end of the 2007-08 school year.
Authorizing removal and replacement of the gym floor at Frederick Douglass School, which was damaged by a water leak.
Accepting the resignation of Woodrow Fitzmaurice, director of pupil transportation, effective March 1.

APPROVED a resolution authorizing the start of bidding for two packages related to the construction of the new Carson School: No. 7, Office Furniture, and No. 8, Academic Furniture.

APPROVED two resolutions approving schematic designs for renovations and expansions of College Hill School and Hartwell School.

APPROVED a resolution detailing the project schedule and cost estimate for the new Sands Montessori School, which will be built on the Sands campus in Mt. Washington.

APPROVED a resolution requesting an advance payment of taxes due to the district from Hamilton County.

APPROVED a resolution adopting tax budgets for fiscal year 2008-09 for the General Fund, the Bond Retirement Fund and the Permanent Improvement Fund.

APPROVED a resolution to join the Ohio School Boards Association's Legal Assistance Fund.

APPROVED a resolution to rejoin the Family and Children First Council.

ACCEPTED the report of the Board's Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, which focused on an update on the Facilities Master Plan and discussion of a draft recommendation for school closings and consolidations for 2008-09.

APPROVED the treasurer's report.

The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

The Board's next regular meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, January 28, 2008, at district headquarters, 2651 Burnet Avenue, in Corryville.