By Cincinnati NAACP President David Whitehead and Education Chair Jennifer Myree
On Monday, June 2, Dr. Moncree-Moffett, President of the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board, along with the board members, exemplified the transparency and courage long sought by the community. A proposal from the superintendent to promote two administrators, including an Interim Principal at Withrow High School, was brought forward. However, after thorough discussion and input from the public, the CPS board decided against approving the promotions.
This decision was not a reflection on the candidates’ skills or qualifications to lead; no concerns about their abilities were raised. Instead, it was an acknowledgment of the issues voiced by the Withrow High School community. For several months, the Withrow High School Local School Decision-Making Committee (LSDMC), the Withrow Alumni Association, and other community members had consistently appealed to the CPS Board. Their concerns focused on the principal selection process, including the limited number of candidates, the interview procedures, and the interim principal’s appointment. The Withrow community rightly emphasized that CPS administration had not adhered to CPS Policy 9142, which governs the fair and transparent selection and assignment of principals at Withrow High School.
The Local School Decision-Making Committee (LSDMC) plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and transparency within Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). As a diverse coalition of community members, the LSDMC operates with a commitment to advancing the interests of the school and its Community Learning Center (CLC). The committee consists of 12 members who serve for 2-year terms, either through selection or appointment, bringing a variety of perspectives to the table. Among its key responsibilities is the task of participating in the principal selection process, where members contribute by engaging in interviews and providing recommendations to the Superintendent. This policy not only ensures that decisions remain inclusive but also empowers the school community by keeping LSDMC meetings open to the public, allowing for a robust exchange of ideas and concerns.
This decision by the CPS Board underscored the importance of respecting established policies and the voices of the community in critical decisions. The Withrow High School community, through the LSDMC, highlighted the significance of following CPS Policy 9142, which ensures a transparent and collaborative process in principal selection.
In urban school districts like CPS, principals play a vital role, not only as educational leaders but also as trusted figures within the community. Therefore, their selection process must reflect fairness, inclusiveness and adherence to policy. The events surrounding Withrow High School illustrate the need for the CPS administration to remain vigilant in honoring these procedures and empowering local decision-making bodies to advocate effectively for their schools.
When CPS principals are hired, it represents a significant financial and community commitment, as their salaries are notably higher than those in nearby districts. The influence and effectiveness of LSDMCs can differ across the district, but every school benefits from having a dedicated, local, decision-making board, such as Withrow’s LSDMC, to advocate for and support its success. Furthermore, the CPS School Board must remain vigilant in ensuring that administrative actions align with established policies and make necessary adjustments when required.
Managing a large urban district presents the CPS school board with significant challenges, including budget balancing and other critical decisions. However, the collaboration between the Withrow LSDMC and the CPS School Board highlights the power of genuine community engagement. When such opportunities are nurtured, families are empowered to advocate effectively and secure positive outcomes for their students and schools.