Dr. Rick Denning, director of schools, said the Cleveland Board of Education had a number of issues facing it this year.
Main projects included work on the new science wing at Cleveland High School, remodeling at Stuart Elementary and replacing tile at Cleveland High School.
Peggy Pesterfield, chairman for the Cleveland Board of Education, said the board was excited about the science wing.
“I think it’s going to be a great asset to the school and the community,” Pesterfield said.
The project is set to be completed on time within the allotted budget.
Pesterfield was also happy with the renovations at Stuart Elementary.
“Its just like a whole new school inside,” Pesterfield said.
The board also began discussion about possible sites for a new elementary school.
Denning said he would have liked for the board to have been able to choose a location before the end of the year, but a final decision will not be made until next year. Any project the board starts funding is always a factor, Denning said. Revenue from a 2009 sales tax increase has continued to help the board finance projects.
This year also marked the beginning of the Race to the Top program locally. Denning said teachers had orientation on the changes in curriculum and assessment as part of the program, with the implementation of the program continuing into next year.
“I have been so pleased with the attitude of our staff and their willingness (with the Race to the Top program),” Denning said.
Race to the Top is funded through the state by funds from the federal government.
In 2010, the board also updated the long range facility plan. Denning said this plan is a continued work in progress.
Denning said he was also pleased by the way the schools show they care about others in the community. This year the high school and middle school had projects to reach out to the needy at Christmas.
Selecting a site for the new elementary school and implementing Race to the Top are the two major goals for the BOE as it starts 2011. Pesterfield said the board will also be focusing on finding a new director of schools for when Denning steps down, a search they hope to have completed by March 2011. Pesterfield also hopes the school will be able to find a way to give teachers and other school administrators a raise.
