Last week, the Cleveland Board of Education was updated about the 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,” Superintendent Sol Bayouth said. “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.”
In other matters, the BOE recognized the retirement of longtime board member 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,” Bayouth said.“Mr.Forbesandhiswife 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.”
With Forbes’ resignation, the Board appointed Kim Garrison, a Cleveland graduate and longtime resident, to serve as the new representative for Ward 5. Garrison took the Oath of Office at the meeting and will begin serving immediately.
Bayouth said through Tiger Vision 2025, the school district is 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; 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,” Bayouth said.
Bayouth said CPS continues 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,” he said.
Bayouth said thanks to the Oklahoma Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, the school district is 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,” he said.
Bayouth said the school district is rolling out its new “bruh. Be Nice” campaign.
“Our new kindness initiative is launching this month,” he said. “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.”