Eric S. Gordon, CEO, welcomed those present for the signing and also spoke about the Cleveland Municipal School District and introduced Mayor Jackson and the other speakers including “Denise Link, board chair of the CMSD, and Tracy Radich representing the Cleveland Teachers Union.
It was an historic moment forClevelandschool children in theClevelandMunicipalSchool Districtand charter schools whenOhio’s Governor John Kasich came toClevelandto sign into law HB 525 Monday morning.
Credit for achieving this step was given to Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson for stewarding the plan through the long months of discussion, negotiations and compromise to get to this official signing..
Known as the Cleveland Plan for Transforming Schools with the theme “Let Every Child Succeed,” a coalition came together to bring us to this day.
A drum line welcomed the crowd toJohnF.KennedyHigh Schoolfor the official signing. The Bill makes major changes with the goal of improving the education ofClevelandchildren.
HB 525 was introduced by Rep. Sandra Williams (D) District 11 and Rep. Ron Amstutz (R) District 3 while the companion bill 335 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Nina Turner (D) District 25 and Senator Peggy Lehner (R) District 6. All were on hand for the signing along with Ohio House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R) District 69.
Senator Turner issued the following statement: “Today is a watershed moment in the history of Cleveland and its schools. This is our opportunity to take education in our city to the next level.
“I believe the actions ofCleveland’s leaders will have a profound impact on the lives of children for decades to come. I have been impressed and gratified by the coming together of so many people to do what is right, not what was comfortable. All Ohioans should be proud of the work done by Mayor Jackson, the Cleveland Teachers Union and many others in advancing this,” said Senator Lehner.
State Representative Williams said, “Change is often difficult to accept, but given the horrendous state of our school system ,it is inevitable.”
State Representative Amstutz stated, “I am impressed with the courage ofClevelandleaders that produced this legislative . We all need to join in supporting this legislation at is very important for the children ofCleveland.”
“The signing of this bill may be the end of the legislative process, but it is just the beginning of the hard work that lies ahead. The success of this plan and of the district’s students is up to the citizens ofCleveland. The legislation that the General Assembly passed is a text book example of what cooperation can achieve, if our community can now continue in the same spirit, our students, our city and our region will see huge dividends,” said Senator Turner.
Eric S. Gordon,CEO, welcomed those present for the signing and also spoke about theClevelandMunicipalSchool Districtand introduced Mayor Jackson and the other speakers including “Denise Link, board chair of the CMSD, and Tracy Radich representing the Cleveland Teachers Union.
The All-City jazz Band and All City Choir under the direction of David Thomas entertained the audience prior to the program.
