June 20, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

Today marks the first day of summer! It is hard to believe we have moved so far from the winter weather that threatened school closings just a few months ago. As we embrace the warmer season, the temperatures are expected to climb significantly this weekend and into early next week.

The National Weather Service has issued guidance about the upcoming heat: daily high temperatures are forecast to rise into the 90s with heat index values likely meeting or exceeding 100 degrees from Sunday through Tuesday. This will be a long duration heat event with little overnight relief. Please stay safe and cool during this period, check on your neighbors, and take care of your pets.

Our summer construction projects continue to progress on schedule, and we remain grateful for the hardworking crews who are making these improvements possible. It was also wonderful to see Safety Town return to our campus for our youngest community members. Thanks to Mike Tulcewicz and his team for facilitating this important learning experience that teaches children valuable safety skills.

Stay cool and have a safe weekend!

Matt Young
Superintendent

As part of my commitment to keeping our community informed about issues affecting our schools, I want to provide an update on three bills currently moving through the Ohio legislature that could impact our district's finances and operations.

What are these bills? 

House Bill 96 is the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, making state appropriations and including policy changes related to education funding. House Bill 335 proposes significant changes to local government taxation and school district financial operations. House Bill 355 would increase the voter approval threshold for local tax measures from a simple majority to 60%.

Current Status 

All three bills are progressing through the legislature. HB 96 must be passed and signed by June 30, 2025, before the new fiscal year begins July 1. 

Key Provisions and Potential Impact 

These bills contain several provisions that could significantly affect our district:

Voting and Governance Changes:

• Levy cycles could change from every 10-12 years to every 2-4 years

• 60% approval required for all future levies instead of simple majority

• Two-thirds board vote needed to place levies on ballot

Financial Constraints:

• $5.4 million would need to be moved from general fund to capital or permanent improvement funds for building projects much earlier than planned

• $2 million annual revenue loss from eliminated inside millage

• Reserve limits could trigger mandatory spending or levy reductions

Why This Matters 

Our district has maintained responsible fiscal management through strategic planning and careful resource allocation. These proposed changes could disrupt long-term financial stability and require more frequent voter support, even to maintain current service levels.

Our Engagement 

We are actively monitoring these bills and working with other districts to communicate potential impacts to legislators. There appears to be ongoing discussion about modifications that could address some concerns while maintaining accountability.

Next Steps 

I am closely following these bills and will continue advocating for approaches that preserve our ability to serve students effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As discussions continue, I am committed to providing regular updates on any developments that could affect our schools.

If you have questions about these proposed changes and their potential impact on our district, please don't hesitate to reach out.

For the first time since COVID, the Cuyahoga Heights PTO Safety Town program has returned—and it’s making a major comeback!

This year, 32 young Red Wolves are kicking off summer by learning how to stay safe in their communities. With the help of 12 awesome student volunteers, our three Village Police Departments, and the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department, they’re diving into real-life lessons on pool safety, fire safety, stranger safety, poison safety, and more.

From stop, drop, and roll to staying away from harmful substances and knowing who to trust, our future safety stars are gaining the tools they need to make smart choices all summer long.

Let’s start the season with safety and confidence—because safe kids are happy kids!

Current: Freshman | Sophomores | Juniors

The teachers at Cuyahoga Heights High School are donating their time to offer ACT Prep Classes for current Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors.

In the spring sessions, students will get test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and then review the test.

In the summer sessions, students will receive more extensive test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and review the test.

On August 10, students will take a full-length practice test (all 4 subjects) and get scaled scores.

These courses are free but require the purchase of the book. You can purchase it on Amazon by clicking here: The Princeton Review 2025 ACT Review.

Please call Mrs. Connors in the main office at 216-429-5708 to register your child for one or all of the available dates.

Lamar Advertising is currently installing a new digital billboard at the rear of our school property along I-77. As part of this project, an access road is being restored and widened to allow semi-truck access to the installation site.