Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Superintendent Shauna Murphy recently presented the 'State of the Schools' address, highlighting district achievements and future plans. Murphy declared a "new era" for education within CPS, emphasizing progress made and challenges overcome, including significant budget adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- CPS students improved in 80% of Ohio's tested subject areas.
- The district successfully closed a $51 million budget gap.
- Phase three of the growth plan focuses on expanding technical education and multilingual family engagement.
- Issue 28, a levy renewal, seeks to secure $48 million for the district without new taxes.
Academic Progress and Growth Initiatives
Superintendent Murphy's address focused on the positive strides CPS has made in student achievement. She noted that students showed improvement in 16 out of 20 tested subject areas across Ohio, representing an 80% success rate.
This academic progress follows the completion of the second phase of the district's comprehensive growth plan. This phase introduced several key initiatives designed to enhance educational opportunities for students.
Among these initiatives were the establishment of education corridors, providing more choices for school selection. The district also opened several new middle schools, expanding capacity and access. Gifted programs, the popular zoo academy, and multilingual programs all saw significant expansion, catering to a diverse student body.
CPS Achievement Snapshot
- Improved in 16 out of 20 Ohio tested subject areas.
- Expanded gifted programs.
- Introduced education corridors for school choice.
Navigating Financial Challenges
The past year presented considerable financial hurdles for Cincinnati Public Schools. The district successfully navigated a challenging fiscal environment, managing to close a substantial $51 million budget gap. This required difficult decisions, including the elimination of more than 100 jobs over the summer months.
In addition to internal financial adjustments, the school board faced external pressures. The federal government threatened to cut crucial grants for the school system. Superintendent Murphy expressed pride in the board's decisive action.
"Our board of education stood up and said, 'We are going to sue the federal government,' and that's what they did. I'm super proud of that," Murphy stated.
The legal action ultimately led to the renewal of funding, and the lawsuit was subsequently dropped. This outcome underscored the district's commitment to securing necessary resources for its students.
Financial Resilience
Facing a $51 million budget deficit, CPS implemented strategic cuts, including over 100 job reductions. The district also successfully challenged potential federal grant eliminations, ensuring vital funding continued.
Looking Ahead: Phase Three and Funding Needs
Superintendent Murphy also outlined the ambitious third phase of the district's growth plan. This next stage will significantly expand technical education offerings, introducing programs in automotive skills and cosmetology. These additions aim to provide students with practical, in-demand skills for future careers.
Another critical component of phase three is increasing engagement with multilingual families. This effort seeks to better support and integrate these families into the school community, ensuring all students receive the resources they need.
To realize these goals and maintain overall district operations, Murphy stressed the importance of full funding. She specifically highlighted Issue 28, a levy renewal appearing on the ballot in the upcoming election.
Phase Three Focus Areas
- Expanding technical education (automotive, cosmetology).
- Increasing engagement with multilingual families.
The Importance of Issue 28
Issue 28 is a critical ballot measure for Cincinnati Public Schools. If passed, this levy renewal will secure $48 million in funding for the district. Superintendent Murphy clarified that this is a renewal, not a new tax.
"This renewal will last for 10 years beginning in 2026," she explained. "[It is] critically important for the funding of our district."
Murphy indicated that the district sought this levy renewal in anticipation of potential future federal grant cuts. The renewal ensures stable funding for a decade, allowing CPS to plan and implement its educational strategies without immediate financial uncertainty.
Voters will decide on Issue 28 in next week's election. Its passage would allow the district to continue its growth trajectory and support its diverse student population effectively.
Community Involvement
Superintendent Murphy concluded her address by urging community members to become more involved in education. She specifically called for volunteers to serve as tutors for students, emphasizing the direct impact individuals can have on student success.
This call to action highlights the district's belief that a strong community partnership is essential for a thriving educational system. Engagement from parents, residents, and local organizations can provide invaluable support to students and teachers alike.
