The Cleveland City School Board on Wednesday approved a $41.9 million balanced budget that includes step increases for employees who qualify as well as a two percent increase for all employees.
The total 2015-16 budget is $971,332 more than the amended 2014-15 budget or an overall increase of approximately 2.37 percent, officials said.
Also included are two additional teaching positions. one for the ESL (English second Language) program "to accommodate our growing ESL population and one to be determined." One additional teacher assistant at the Teen Learning Center is also included.
Funds for the Teacher Leader program, $50,000, are included as approved earlier by the School Board.
Funds have been added to instructional equipment to complete the first-year phase-in of the Digital conversion Plan.
School Director Dr. Martin Ringstaff said, "We are pleased that we can maintain services, begin new programs, and give employees a much deserved salary increase as we continue to serve every student every day."
The board approved tearing down a wall in the football field house. The wall currently divides an equipment closet from the weight room.
Officials said the purpose of the demolition is to re-purpose this space as a new training room. This will allow female trainers access to the room without direct proximity to the locker room. The current training room will be used as a film room once the new training room is ready.
The cost estimate by J.M.S. Enterprises is $594.