GCP Board approves further steps to support CMSD transformation plan

Friday, December 10, 2010

Will form coalition to advocate for changes in state-mandated teacher seniority rules

Cleveland, Ohio—The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) Board of Directors has voted to move forward with action steps that will further support the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s (CMSD) Academic Transformation Plan. The Board gave its approval for the GCP to play a leadership role in organizing a statewide coalition in 2011, which will advocate for changes in state-mandated teacher seniority rules.

The Board took this action as an important step toward helping the CMSD and other Ohio districts deliver effective and efficient learning environments. “Putting the best teachers in front of students every day is essential to improving the education for our children,” said GCP Board Chair William F. Christopher, president, Alcoa Engineered Products and Solutions. “Experience in the classroom is an important factor, but it can’t be the only factor.

“Performance has to be recognized, and current state laws do not allow for this critical consideration,” Christopher said. “We believe it establishes an environment of entitlement versus one based on merit. That needs to be changed.”

Organizing the coalition is a continuation of the GCP’s involvement, begun in June, in support of District CEO Dr. Eugene Sanders’ efforts to implement the CMSD transformation plan. The GCP will seek support from other Ohio metropolitan chambers of commerce and the foundation community. The Cleveland Foundation has expressed strong support for improving teacher quality and raising standards and accountability. This includes working collaboratively to change Ohio’s teacher seniority rules as an important step in public education reform.

In addition, the GCP will work with elected officials in Columbus to achieve this important change that will help provide a better educational future for Ohio’s public schoolchildren.

“An efficient and effective school district is within reach, if fundamental environmental changes are pursued and realized,” said GCP President and CEO Joe Roman. “These changes also could benefit other districts facing similar challenges.

“Like we’ve done with other state issues, such as the Third Frontier bond renewal, the GCP will begin to build a coalition among parties in the business community and other sectors that want to join an effort to remove these barriers to providing our children with the very best teachers, based on a variety of performance factors,” Roman said. “This is clearly an important factor in these trying fiscal times.”

The GCP Board also approved continuation of work with the CMSD to realize an efficient and effective transformation plan founded on financial sustainability.

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As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region.
www.gcpartnership.com
 

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