Catalyst Guides CMSD Guide Research Guide Grants Organizations Reform History 2006 2005 2004 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
Reform History :: 1990

1990

January
Judge Battisti orders state schools Supt. Franklin B. Walter to mediate the dispute between Tutela and the board. The board jettisons its resolution on election involvement, and Tutela drops his suit. But he and board member James Carney continue to spar.

Tolliver, a nine-year member and former president, is again chosen to lead the board.

March
Mayor White orders full inspections of schools after fumes from a broken boiler force evacuation of Margaret Spellacy Intermediate. The Fire Department is found to inspect only building exteriors.

Former board president Alva T. (Ted) Bonda proposes that local a local college and university take control of Cleveland schools.

May
Mayor White sponsors the first Cleveland Summit on Education; about 700 parents, students, teachers and community leaders attend. Topics include early-childhood education, academic achievement and school-community communications.

Following months of deteriorating relations, the board buys out the remaining 14 months of Supt. Tutela’s contract for $330,000. Frank J. Huml, a long-time district administrator, becomes the 7th superintendent in 10 years, including acting superintendents.

June
To avoid a possible $32 million deficit, the district freezes hiring and new purchases.

Cleveland Public School 8th graders score lower in mathematics, language and reading skills than pupils in other large and medium-sized districts. .Overall district student attendance is 86.7%. The graduation rate is 43.9%.

September
Carol S. Gibson, new head of the Cleveland Initiative on Education, asks schools to toughen curriculum; says business will continue its commitment to schools.

The board files a motion for release from federal court supervision.

October
The CTU agrees to a three-year contract that will raise the average teacher salary from about $35,000 to more than $40,000.

November
Principals, teachers, parents and child advocates oppose teacher reassignments designed to balance teacher-student ratios and faculty racial composition.


 

Research: Barbara Good and staff

Sources: The Plain Dealer, proceedings of Cleveland School Board meetings, school district annual reports.

Photos: Cleveland Municipal School District, U.S. District Court, Cleveland City Council

CATALYST: For Cleveland Schools is an independent publication created to document, analyze and support improvement efforts in Cleveland's public schools.