Cincinnati Public Schools welcomes 35,000 students

Shauna Murphy, Interim Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools, welcomed 35,000 students back to school this week with this message to CPS families, students, staff and community members:

“I am honored to step into the role of Interim Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools. My passion for CPS is rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to an education that prepares them for future success. I am dedicated to collaborating with our staff, families, vendors, unions, and the entire board to advance our mission of providing high-quality learning and equitable opportunities for all students.

With over 34 years of experience in education and leadership within CPS, I have served as a substitute teacher, English teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and Chief of Academic Achievement and Community Engagement. My experiences span elementary, high school, neighborhood, magnet and central office roles.

The CPS Board of Education has also named Dr. Alesia Smith as Interim Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Smith brings over 30 years of experience and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in instructional strategy and school growth. I am excited to partner with her to positively advance our district.

As Interim Superintendent, I am focused on aligning our initiatives with the board’s goals to ensure every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our immediate priorities include balancing our budget in light of reduced federal COVID relief funds, enrolling students, filling vacancies, and preparing for the smooth school opening on August 14.

To support families with registration, our Customer Care team will provide daily enrollment assistance at the CPS Ed Center. 

I am committed to fostering a positive culture of transparent communication, inclusive decision-making and valuing every voice in our community. Your feedback is crucial, and I am eager to hear your insights and aspirations for our district.

Together, we have an incredible opportunity to positively impact the lives of our students and the future of our community. I look forward to our collaboration and the exciting journey ahead.

Murphy made additional comments at a press conference at Hyde Park School on August 9, noting that the historic Hyde Park School, where Murphy served 4 years as superintendent, is being reopened following renovations, and the recently opened a seventh- and eighth-grades school, renamed the Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning, on Desmond Avenue in Madisonville, which is named after the late physician, public health official, educator, and health advocate Dr. O’dell Owens, to kick off the district’s third century. 

I am excited this year are we focus on new information systems, (take a look) at the whole child, and look at the needs of the seventh- and eighth-grade children,” she said.

Also new at all high schools this year are rules concerning cellphones, which will be locked in a pouch at the start of the school day and unlocked at the end of the day, except for emergency calls. Murphy said the cellphone rule was put in effect in several schools last year, and students reported they liked it as they were less stressed and spent more time with other students.

“We are offering a safe and welcoming environment for your child, they are at the center of very decision we make, and we cannot wait until we see them,” she Murphy said. “For the older students, we are preparing them for their futures.”