The Observer, February 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 16
Cleveland on Fire: Sanders devoted to better city education
In a game of numbers, the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) is at the bottom end of a thirty-year tailspin. Known as one of the best districts in the state through the 1960's and early 1970's, the schools are now a reflection of a hollowed-out urban core. No tax levies have passed since 1996, and in 2006 not a single state standard was met (there are 25. Eugene Sanders, the new CEO of the district, has developed a radical plan to change CMSD, and although true change needs to happen in the homes of our neighborhoods, his ideas are moving in the right direction.
Hired as one of the nation's top performers in working with under-privileged districts, Sanders has been active in learning the ropes and now is planning for the future. With the district being as low as it can possibly be, he is in an ideal situation to implement change – failure cannot bring the CMSD down, so there is a free range for ideas.
Sander's sweeping plan calls for adjustments in all areas of the district. One of the simplest yet most lauded changes is the call for an installation and enforcement of a dress code. This change will be backed by financial support for families that cannot afford the uniforms and will hope to bring regiment and attitude changes into the schools. "Students no longer will come to school looking like they're ready for a rap video," Sanders said.
However, his more drastic ideas are what offer the greatest potential benefit to the city and its schools. Some of the major goals of his plan are:
• an all-boys residential school for at– risk students
• single-gender schools
• regional magnet boarding schools
• specialty schools and individual mentors
Each idea is exciting in its own way for the district. Studies have shown that students in single-gender schools perform consistently higher and although the schools will open as elementary schools, Sanders hopes to expand them every year by a grade level. Specialty schools will focus on areas of education that many charter schools have developed in an effort to maintain students in the district and lure them back away from other competitors.
The two most intriguing ideas are the Ted Ginn Academy and regional magnet boarding schools. Named after the security officer and Glenville High School coach who championed the idea, the Ginn Academy will be a unique facility as it will offer a home for students if their home-life is deterrent to their learning experience. Many supporters feel that if students can focus on their academics without distractions, their potential will be reached. Although questioned for the potential sports implications due to Ginn's background, the school will not offer athletics.
A grand vision for a regional magnet school in Cleveland is the innovative and bold thinking necessary for the district's revival. To create a school that is not only desired by students of the district, but of the entire Northeast Ohio region, is simply visionary.
Although it will take significant funding, attitude adjustments, and collaboration, the plans are in place. Reaching for the stars is necessary for this failing district, and Sanders has Cleveland moving in the right direction.
Verespej is a senior Political Science/Pre-Law student involved in the performing arts and is also the Executive Director for the Student Turning Point Society.
