Cleveland Teachers Union and School District Strike Deal to Rehire 60 Laid-Off Educators
In a significant move to address staffing concerns, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and the Cleveland Teachers Union (CTU) have reached an agreement to rehire 60 laid-off educators as “Enhanced Building Substitutes” for the 2026-27 academic year. The decision comes after months of protests from staff and students, who have voiced concerns over widespread layoffs and school closures.
Under the terms of the agreement, announced Tuesday afternoon, the rehired teachers will retain their current salaries and benefits while serving as substitutes across district buildings. CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan and CTU President Errol Savage emphasized in a joint statement that the deal aims to provide stability for educators while maintaining high-quality instruction for students.
“This agreement offers a positive opportunity for teachers who could otherwise be separated from district employment,” the statement read. “It ensures 60 fully accredited and licensed teachers remain in our schools, supporting teacher retention and benefiting our students.”
However, Savage stressed that the deal is only a partial victory. While 60 educators will regain employment, nearly 300 others remain out of work. “I’ll be happy when all 300 people are called back to work,” Savage said in an interview with Spectrum News. “This is a good start, but our goal is to see every laid-off teacher return to their classrooms.”
CMSD’s Building Brighter Futures Plan Sparks Debate
The agreement comes amid ongoing controversy over CMSD’s Building Brighter Futures plan, a cost-cutting initiative that includes closing 18 buildings, shuttering 29 schools, and merging 39 others. The consolidation has led to 410 layoffs, sparking criticism from educators, parents, and community members.
At a City Club of Cleveland forum on Tuesday, Dr. Morgan and Board Chair Sara Elaqad defended the plan, citing declining birth rates and reduced federal and state funding for public education as key factors. Elaqad highlighted the financial disparity between public and private schools, noting that Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion program provides up to $6,166 per student in grades K–8 and $8,408 for grades 9–12 to private schools.
“We’re not operating with the same resources as private schools,” Elaqad said. “Our public school kids rely on us to make the most of the funding we receive, and we’re committed to doing just that.”
Governor DeWine Weighs In on School Choice and Consolidation
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also addressed the issue at a Tuesday event, defending the state’s support for both public schools and the EdChoice voucher program. DeWine emphasized the importance of providing parents with educational options, particularly for families who cannot afford private school tuition.
“Parents should have choices,” DeWine said. “It’s not fair to restrict those choices to people who are wealthy enough to afford them.”
When asked about CMSD’s consolidation plan, DeWine acknowledged the challenges faced by school districts amid declining enrollment. “Districts will have to make tough decisions,” he said. “Closing schools is never easy, but it’s necessary when you don’t have enough students to support them economically.”
Mixed Reactions from the Community
While the agreement to rehire 60 teachers has been welcomed as a step in the right direction, some educators and families remain frustrated by the broader layoffs and school closures. Critics argue that the Building Brighter Futures plan could impact the quality of education and disrupt communities.
Savage said the CTU will continue advocating for the reinstatement of all laid-off teachers and called on state and local leaders to prioritize public education funding. “Our public schools are the backbone of our community,” he said. “We need to invest in them, not cut them back.”
As CMSD moves forward with its consolidation plan, the district’s leadership has pledged to focus on ensuring students continue to receive quality education despite the challenges.
— Reported by Nexio News
