January
A state audit finds mismanagement in the controversial school voucher program.

February
Byrd-Bennett proposes a plan that would eliminate school suspensions for minor offenses but punish serious offenses more harshly. With modifications it is approved in July.

March
The district notifies 14 principals that it does not intend to renew their contracts. In July, the non-renewals are whittled to nine—four of the 14 get one-year contracts, and one retires. Another 44 of the district’s 118 principals are given one year to save their jobs through improved performance.

Byrd-Bennett appoints six regional superintendents. Their primary goal is to quickly solve problems facing their schools.

April
Six new charter schools are approved for Cleveland, bringing the district’s total to 10.

The state’s report card on the district says it meets none of 18 academic standards. Less than 23 percent of 4th graders pass the reading portion of the proficiency exam.

The CTU announces a campaign to reduce class size in kindergarten through 3rd grade as a way to boost 4th-grade proficiency reading scores.

June
The Summer Literacy Program, an all-day, free summer school, opens with 11,000 students—10 times the enrollment of previous years. About 180 teachers learn about literacy-based teaching at the Summer Literacy Institute.

Fourth-grade proficiency test scores show the highest improvement in the state. Sixth graders show the least gains.

July
The board approves a $583.9 million temporary budget, which includes $3.4 million for option schools, $4.4 million for literacy and proficiency, and $1 million for staff development.

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Research: Barbara Good and staff

Sources: The Plain Dealer, proceedings of Cleveland School Board meetings, school district annual reports.

Photos: Cleveland Municipal School District, U.S. District Court, Cleveland City Council

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CATALYST: For Cleveland Schools is an independent publication created to document, analyze and support improvement efforts in Cleveland's public schools.