CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Board of Education at their Oct. 5 meeting approved the district's budget for the 2026-27 school year.
“Cleveland Public Schools remains in a strong financial position with healthy reserves and stable revenues,” Superintendent Sol Bayouth said. “However, like many rural districts, enrollment has gradually declined and is projected to continue trending downward. Because state funding is tied directly to student enrollment, those changes will influence future revenues.”
Bayouth said the good news is that the school district is not facing an immediate crisis. “Instead, we have the opportunity to plan ahead thoughtfully and strategically. Over the next two years, district leaders and the Board will continue making intentional decisions regarding resources, programs, staffing, and long-term sustainability while protecting the experiences and opportunities that make Cleveland Public Schools special,” he said.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer to help modernize and stabilize the district's transportation fleet.
“The addition of the Wagoneer, along with recently acquired passenger vehicles, allows the district to better match vehicle size with travel needs while extending the life of older vehicles,” Bayouth said. “Smaller vehicles will continue to handle local travel, training trips, and supply runs, while larger activity vehicles and passenger vans will serve student groups and activities. This approach helps maximize taxpayer investments while ensuring students and staff have safe, reliable transportation.”
The Board approved the election resolution for the 2027 School Board election for the Ward 2 seat, which is currently held by Larry Brown.
“Filing for this position will begin during the first week of December. Community members interested in serving on the Board should get in touch with the Pawnee County Election Board,” Bayouth said.
Recent state requirements will require districts to add the equivalent of five additional instructional days beginning with future school calendars.
“To get ahead of the process, Cleveland Public Schools is moving calendar planning forward and will convene its Calendar Committee this October rather than waiting until January,” he said.
Bayouth said starting earlier allows staff, families, and stakeholders to provide feedback and consider questions such as placement of additional instructional days, timing of breaks and holidays, impact on the four-day school week structure, student, family, and staff needs.
Bayouth said Cleveland Public Schools remains committed to continuous improvement and responsible stewardship of the trust the community places in the school district.
He said every decision made by the Board of Education and district leadership is guided by one central question: How does this help us better serve students?
“Whether we're planning future budgets, updating facilities, investing in transportation, exploring calendar options, or creating new opportunities for students, our focus remains the same,” he said. “We want every child who walks through our doors to have access to a safe environment, meaningful opportunities, caring adults, and a highquality education that prepares them for whatever path they choose after graduation.”
Bayouth said the school district has a great deal to celebrate.
“From the accomplishments of our students and staff to the support of our families and community partners, Cleveland Public Schools continues to thrive because of the people who believe in and invest in our schools,” he said. “While challenges such as declining enrollment require thoughtful planning, we are confident in our ability to meet those challenges while preserving the traditions, opportunities, and sense of community that make Cleveland special.”