1988

---

January
Local corporations and foundations fund the Scholarship in Escrow program, which will award college tuition to students who achieve A, B or C averages.

The Probate Court chooses Mildred R. Madison as school board president, following a deadlock between hopefuls Stanley E. Tolliver and James M. Carney Jr.

February
After bitter negotiations fail, Cleveland Teachers Union strikes, shutting schools for six days.

March
CTU balks at a proposed "career ladder," which would reward teachers for student achievement. It says the concept does not give enough weight to experience and post graduate-education. Though dissatisfied with the contract agreement, teachers return to work March 4.

May
For the first time, the city agrees to share revenue generated from downtown developments that receive tax abatements. Schools receive $500,000 in services instead of cash.

June
The board asks U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Battisti to end court-ordered busing, which resulted from the court’s 1976 finding of racial segregation in the district. The state opposes the request.

October
For the first time, school principals are to be evaluated based on accomplishing self-set goals.

December
The National Coalition of Advocates for Students reports that Cleveland schools suspended 12% of students in 1985-86, a highest rate among large school districts.

 

---

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

---

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