1989

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January
The board elects Ralph J. Perk Jr. as president. He vows to end federal court supervision of the district.

February
The board, CTU and other organizations, including the Cleveland Budget Coalition, call for a "school/parent partnership agreement " to make increased parental involvement a high priority.

The board votes to bar Supt. Tutela from involvement in board elections. Tutela alleges violation of his right to free speech.

The administration and board are doing only "passable work," a CTU survey of residents finds. Teachers receive a slightly higher grade.

August
The NAACP refuses to support the board’s attempt to be released from federal court supervision. The board approves an expulsion and suspension policy that limits expulsion to students who threaten to harm teachers or students. Disruptive students are to be referred to special programs.

In an attempt to achieve racial balance, seven schools’ attendance boundaries are changed.

December
CTU asks Mayor Michael R. White, elected in November, to form a citywide school-improvement task force. The board objects, calling it premature.

Supt. Tutela files a lawsuit against the board, alleging violation of free speech.

 

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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.