CMSD Board of Education

Cleveland’s current school governance structure was created by Ohio House Bill 269 in 1997, and took effect September 9, 1998. The Board of Education is made up of nine voting members appointed by the Mayor of Cleveland from a slate of nominees selected by a local nominating panel, established under State law. At least four of the nine members must have significant expertise in either education, finance, or business management. Board members must be residents of the School District, and at least one of the nine members must reside in that part of the School District that is outside the City of Cleveland (Bratenahl, Linndale, Newburgh Heights, and parts of Brook Park and Garfield Heights).

State law also provides that the presidents of Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the Board.

The Board of Education functions as the governing body of the School District. Board responsibilities include: hiring the School District Chief Executive Officer (with the concurrence of the Mayor); setting School District policy; approving the School District budget; establishing goals and accountability standards; and promoting parent, family, and community involvement in the schools.

The Board of Education meetings are held on two Tuesdays each month at 6:30pm. The first meeting of each month is a work session, held at the Board of Education Administration Building, 1111 Superior Avenue E, Cleveland, and devoted primarily to information gathering, discussion and deliberation on issues or topics for future Board business meetings. The second meeting of each month is a business meeting, held at various schools throughout the School District, and devoted primarily with the consideration of and voting on Board resolutions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the meetings will be conducted remotely utilizing video conferencing technology. Information will be posted on the District homepage and the Board calendar with a link and access for video and audio.

Parents and the community are encouraged to attend Board meetings. In addition to conducting the business of the School District at these meetings, the Board also provides for public participation (at Board business meetings) in order to hear community concerns, and recognizes the achievements of our students and staff, and the contributions of our community partners. The Board also holds a number of Community Forums throughout the year on policy issues of interest to the community.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns about the School District, you may contact the Board Office at (216) 838-0030 or email the Office staff below. The Board members are here to serve our children and their families.