Welcome to a new school year – Cleveland’s first full year as a chapter of Say Yes to Education.

Thanks to the generous support of the community, Say Yes Cleveland will provide new graduates of CMSD high schools with scholarships for up to the full value of tuition, minus federal and state aid, to all public colleges, universities and Pell-eligible industry certificate programs in Ohio. The scholarships also can be used at more than 100 private colleges and universities in Ohio.

This is a historic opportunity that will yield great benefits for our families, the region and its workforce. But remember, to qualify students must live in the District or city of Cleveland and be continuously enrolled in a CMSD or partnering charter high school from ninth grade until graduation. Keep that in mind as you spread the word about Say Yes.

Say Yes also is aligning support services like mental health counseling, legal services and after-school programs that will help families overcome barriers to success and keep students on track to graduation. Services will be rolled out at 10 K-8 schools and six high schools this fall and at all schools within four years.

Waverly School students are beginning the school year in a new building, part of an ongoing modernization program paid for with funds from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and local bond issues. The year also will bring completion of work on a new West Side high school and JFK Campus.

Going forward, we face decisions about the future of academic programs and facilities in both our K-8 and high schools.

The Board of Education will make the final decisions based on extensive public input and data reflecting academic quality, enrollment trends and forecasts, and building use and conditions across the city. Another round of public meetings is planned for September and October, and decisions are expected in November. The goal is to make efficient use of limited resources while also keeping our promise under The Cleveland Plan to provide every student and every neighborhood with access to a quality education.

Above all this school year, we look forward to continuing the work mapped out in The Cleveland Plan. CMSD’s gains have made it one of the fastest improving urban districts in Ohio. Please support us as we continue our progress.

Sincerely,