For what the taxpayers are spending here over $19,000 a pupil we should be rated excellent or close!

But, but, but I thought the State achievement tests don't matter! Or at least thats what the apologists for the Heights schools always are saying. LOL!

I just remember that having gone to Heights opened a lot of doors for me, since the school system, especially the high school's reputation was sterling. We need to figure out a real way to get that back.

I know how we can reclaim the once sterling reputation of Cleveland Heights Schools. We must produce students who are proficient in Math, Science, English and preferably a trade of some sort. A 200 million dollar levy on the back of the already broke citizens of Cleveland Heights and University Heights will not achieve this desired outcome. Shiny buildings with new age Architecture don't produce stellar students. Hard work, a strong work ethic, and a hunger for knowledge produces stellar students. Students today take no personal responsibility for themselves, nor do the parents. I know this is a blanketed statement and does not apply to everyone. If a student doesn't want to learn and is more interested in social media, and their place on the social ladder, which counts for nothing especially in high school, then let them. They will face the cold harsh reality of the world soon enough. I would be in favor of busing them to the East Cleveland school system. That way they can be around others who share their views.

There should be an initiative to find the students who want to learn and who posses the most promise. The school system should then groom those students for success. I know this might sound cold and heartless, but we can't save everyone. In this game of life someone has to lose. It is up to the individual to choose his or her fate. Also if you can instill in children a desire to learn at an early age say 4, or 5 I think it will save a lot of headache down the road. The BOE should complete the 40 million dollars in deferred maintenance and that should be that. Also who really honestly believes that new buildings built in 2013 will be stronger than the buildings that are already standing? Those buildings are historical land marks and should be handled with some sort of reverence. Why is today more than any other time the solution to our problems automatically bulldozing something that has stood there for over fifty years. Chagrin falls isn't bulldozing their old school buildings. Oh I know because the tax payers will foot the bill, it makes it all OK. No, it is not OK.

The architecture of new buildings today is sub par at best. Quality of materials and workmanship has diminished not increased. The truth is, They don't build them like they used to. I think the BOE is fishing for money, claiming it's for the well being of our children, while all along we know that scores and test results will not improve. This whole charades game is disgusting. I know that sociological and economical issues along with demographics are all parts of the larger problem. Well when life gives you lemons, I suggest you make lemonade. Section 8 pretty much destroyed the school system and no one wants to admit it for fear of being politically incorrect. Well personally I don't care, I'm not here to lie for the sake of others feelings. If you want to know the mysteries of the universe and have a significant role in this universe, then act like it. If not, good luck because you will need it. Being stupid is not cool, it might seem like it is now, not so much when you are 30 with two kids, and no career. I know most of this will fall on deaf ears, but I do hope it reaches someone who will do something positive with it.

If this levy comes our way in November I urge the citizens of Cleveland Heights and University Heights to say NO. Get these incompetent elected officials and the current BOE out of here. Lets replace them with individuals who can do the job, preferably individuals with higher than average intelligence. The people who hold these positions currently, obviously don't know what they are doing and haven't for some time. Also what is all this talk about I pads? You know these tablets will be stolen, or go missing. Why are you asking to be robbed lol? If it weren't so sad, it would be funny. In my day we did it with a book, some paper, and a pencil; along with the help from our teacher who possessed knowledge and the ability to write on the blackboard with some chalk. It's really not that hard folks and 200 million dollars will not fix these problems. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result.

Nathaniel, you sum up the situation as well as I've seen it summed up. This financial and education charade must stop. I urge all to go to chuhfacilities.org. and go the the supposed discussion forum called Civic Commons to see how screwed this community is. Between the arrogance and just blatant incompetence of our supposed leaders, I would urge anyone to avoid moving to Cleveland Heights unless you are already stuck here. You are asking for a total loss on any home investment and that's the truth. I recently heard someone say this city was the home to the instant equity wipeout, and you know what their right. Pass a $200 million tax levy to rebuild the schools, not even including the renewal levy of next year and you are going to see home prices plummet, and in fact most will be unsaleable.

Kids who want to learn in our district can. There are many fabulous teachers at Heights and some phenomenal kids. Unfortunately there are kids who are ignorant and disruptive.These are the kids you see when you drive past the high school. You do not see the kids who are inside working. You do not see the kids who got on the bus at 6 am this morning to go to a symphony contest. You do see the kids who were on academic challenge. You do not see the kids in the national honor society. You do not see the kids who take 6-10 AP classes in high school, or are attending college while in high school. Please find a way to help improve our city rather than insulting others.

michaelschwart, you present the issues in such a hyperbolic and cartoonish manner that it's difficult for anyone to take you seriously.