CLEVELAND — On Thursday afternoon, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, alongside a coalition of local ministers, held a press conference to discuss significant changes to school buildings proposed by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) CEO, Eric Gordon.
During a board work session at the Arnold Pinkney East Professional Center on Wednesday night, Gordon laid out a restructuring plan aimed at addressing the district’s pressing budget challenges. He emphasized the necessity for transformative action, stating that inaction will not resolve financial constraints or guarantee equitable access to education, athletics, extracurricular activities, and support services for all students.
The district is grappling with a projected budget deficit by 2028 unless it implements crucial changes, with the need to save $150 million in the coming years. The ambitious “Building Brighter Futures” initiative is designed to save approximately $30 million annually through the proposed downsizing of school facilities.
Notably, CMSD has seen a dramatic decline in student enrollment, losing nearly 50% of its student population over the last two decades. In response, Gordon suggested that 29 schools should operate fewer during the 2026-2027 academic year, leading to a total of 39 mergers and relocations. His recommendations also indicate that 18 CMSD-owned buildings and five leased facilities will cease operations as schools in the next academic year.
These recommendations, aimed at creating a more sustainable educational future in Cleveland, reflect a broader recognition of the changing dynamics within the district and the urgent need for strategic adjustments to better serve its remaining students. The involvement of community leaders, including Mayor Bibb, underscores a collective commitment to ensuring quality education despite significant challenges ahead.