The Cleveland Board of Education held its September meeting with a full agenda of approvals, updates, and exciting announcements for our schools and community.

Honoring Service – Mr. Richard Forbes
This month, we recognized the retirement of longtime board member Mr. Richard Forbes (Ward 5). Mr. Forbes has faithfully served the Cleveland School Board for 20 years. Throughout his tenure, he often spoke of his responsibility to represent his ward with integrity and care—and he lived that out unwaveringly. Mr. Forbes and his wife have decided to devote more time to their grandchildren. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the best in this next season of life.

Welcoming a New Board Member
With Mr. Forbes’ resignation, the Board appointed Mrs. Kim Garrison, a Cleveland graduate and longtime resident, to serve as the new representative for Ward 5. Mrs. Garrison took the Oath of Office at the meeting and will begin serving immediately.

Board Reorganization
Due to the vacancy, new board roles were designated:
Kristina Horine will serve as Board Clerk
Cullen McCowan will serve as Deputy Clerk

Fitness Court Campaign – Big News for Cleveland!
One of the most exciting highlights of the September meeting was the announcement of a new outdoor Fitness Court coming to CimTel Trail.

Cleveland Schools is partnering with the National Fitness Campaign, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, and the City of Cleveland, who together have pledged $135,000 toward this project. The Fitness Court will provide students, families, and community members with a state-of-the-art outdoor workout space along our walking trail.

We are continuing local fundraising to expand the project and bring the very best version to Cleveland. To learn more, see the campaign letter and sponsorship opportunities [linked here].

Tiger Vision 2025: Facility and Furniture Updates
Through Tiger Vision 2025, we are preparing for major upgrades across our schools. This month, the Board approved:

Ordering new middle school and high school furniture, covering about 80% of student seating, with the first installment of $533,000 (well under budget).
Surplusing older desks, chairs, and cafeteria tables to make room for these improvements.
Approving contracts for geotechnical evaluations to ensure safe, strong foundations for upcoming additions and renovations.

Our long-term Tiger Vision 2025 projects continue moving forward. While some plans are slowed by water runoff and drainage studies, these steps are critical to ensuring solid foundations before millions of dollars in renovations and new construction are invested.

School Operations & Policies
The Board also approved:
Annual financial reports and spending limits for 2025–26 (Estimate of Needs).
MOUs with Dayspring Community Services, CREOKS Mental Health, and the Pawnee County Health Department for expanded student support services.
A new contract with Envision Therapies for behavior services.
The sanctioning of the Cross Country Booster Club.
Updates to the district’s policy book for the 2025–26 school year.
This year’s Gifted & Talented Committee.

Celebrating Student Opportunities
We continue to invest in programs that make Cleveland Schools a place families want to be. From aviation, audio/video production, and construction trades to middle school 3D-printing projects and elementary parent access programs, our district offers unique opportunities unmatched by schools of similar size in the region.

Literacy Grant Progress
Thanks to the Oklahoma Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, we are working through professional development, curriculum updates, and new instructional tools that will elevate student reading success. Visiting trainers and state partners have praised Cleveland’s staff for being open, adaptable, and committed to excellence.

“bruh. Be Nice” Campaign
Our new kindness initiative is launching this month. On September 25, students in grades 1–12 will hear from national speaker Jeff Veley on how to respond to social aggression using the “Peace-Sign Approach.” That evening, families are invited to an outdoor picnic, giveaways, and a Family Fun Night event with Mr. Veley. The following day, staff will receive specialized training to help spread this message of kindness and resilience across our schools.