The future of many Cincinnati students hangs in a delicate balance as the constellation of local schools may soon see a shift in their academic firmament. The Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education is deliberating on a far-reaching redistricting proposal with consequences. With headquarters in Avondale abuzz, a special meeting has become the central stage for parents, educators, and students to voice their opinions. According to FOX19, the $200 million plan would create six new middle schools, alter magnet statuses, and affect nearly 30 other schools.
While positioned to save money and address spatial inefficiencies across the district, the plan has faced considerable blowback. Some parents and teachers argue it prioritizes budget concerns over student welfare. On the other hand, as per Local12, Superintendent Shauna Murphy defends the initiative’s focus on educational quality and the intended improvement of academic outcomes by specializing in the teaching of middle-aged children.
One notable change in the proposal outlined by WLWT involves addressing the overcrowding at high schools. Already in its second phase, the plan has been applied at the start of the year by shuffling many students to different buildings. With the potential reshuffling of additional elementary school students looming, the district promises a more balanced enrollment across the spectrum.
The special meeting allowed for public input, but some board members have expressed concerns about the depth of community engagement. "I'm wondering how much we have surveyed people that are impacted by these results," Dr. Kareem Moffett questioned during the session, an interaction recorded by Local12. Superintendent Murphy responded, "We haven't done a survey." Instead, she explained, the engagement had taken the form of discussions with community councils in proposing.
Amidst the debate, the CPS board has yet to decide and plans to vote on the redistricting proposal on December 9, School Board President Eve Bolton confirmed to both FOX19 and WLWT. The proposal would see the merging of several schools, saving the district $2.36 million. Despite the potential for savings and more concentrated academic environments, some argue that the treatment of the community as customers rather than partners, noted by NAACP Cincinnati President-Elect David Whitehead, signals a need for much more dialogue.
