Covered in plastic, the Kennedy and Obama
Elementary Schools are under construction.
Maple Heights City Schools
Update on construction of 5 new schools
“All five new schools in Maple Heights are now under construction,
although the brutal winter weather has been challenging,” says Project
Director Tom Vaughan.
Contractors are working on the interiors of Milkovich Middle School
and Lincoln Elementary (grades Pre-K and 1) installing interior walls and
mechanical systems. Both these schools are slated to open in the fall of
2011.
However, the combined Kennedy (grades 2 and 3) and Obama Elementary Schools
(grades 4 and 5) were delayed because of poor soil conditions and now the winter
weather has made it difficult to catch up, Vaughan says. The updated schedule calls
for completion by late fall with an expected move-in date over the winter break.
Foundation work at the new high school is underway. “A foundation support
system and building pads were completed just before winter,” Vaughan says,
“and as soon as the weather breaks, we will be pouring footers with the walls
going up next.”
The overall building program is more than $4 million under budget. A
contributing factor is because the Board of Education accepted a design
recommendation to have the Kennedy and Obama elementaries share a gymnasium
and cafeteria to save money.
“However, state laws prohibit using this money for operations,” Superintendent
Charlie Keenan explains. “But, we were able to use the funds to install state-of-the-art
technology in every classroom, as well as upgrade the flooring materials.”
News for the community about the Maple Heights City Schools
A note from the Superintendent
Income tax levy
on May 3 ballot
Inside
Lincoln
Elementary, a
construction worker
installs windows on
the media room.
The exterior of Milkovich Middle School is basically complete.
Maple Heights Board of Education
14605 Granger Road
Maple Heights, OH 44137-1023
Board of Education
Michael White, President
Pamela Crews, Vice President
Lori Chick
Robert Dober
Nicholas Dorsey

For more information, visit our website @ www.mapleschools.com
Maple Heights City schools Feb 2011.indd 2-3
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cleveland, OH
Permit 2369
On May 3rd the
Maple Heights City
Schools are putting a
1.5% income tax levy on
the ballot, estimated to
raise $5 million annually.
Our Board of Education chose the income tax option
because they felt it was a fair way to raise needed
funds for our schools without relying solely on property
owners. Plus, an income tax levy costs nothing
for residents on Social Security, disability or public
assistance.
We expect severe budget cuts—perhaps more
than $3.4 million from the State of Ohio—this year.
This is in addition to losing over $2.5 million in federal
funding and grants. Because almost two-thirds of our
operating revenue comes from state and federal funds,
we are in a precarious position. By law, districts cannot
operate on a deficit, and we anticipate a $5 million
shortfall at the end of next year. We have no choice
than to put a levy on the ballot.
Please be aware that we have already made
substantial reductions. Thirty personnel positions have
been eliminated, as well as some non-core academic
programs. We’ve cut deeply into our supply and other
budgets. We need additional revenues to provide the
education that the students in our community need
to succeed in the future. I believe we have worked
hard together to provide an excellent education for
the young people of Maple Heights. We ask for your
continued support of our schools. Our schools are the
heart of our community!
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlie Keenan
Superintendent of Schools
March 2011
Ohio National Guard Colonel Alfred Faber and
Sergeant First Class Tony Patterson present the
Tour of Champions trophy to Coach Todd Filtz.
From left, team captains Shaq Washington, Donovan
Garner, John Welcome and Andre Stubbs with Coach
Todd Filtz.
Football team gets rings to mark state championship win
Seventy members of Maple Heights High School’s football team recently received
“State Championship” rings marking their incredible 2010 season. At a special
ceremony held during halftime of the February 15 basketball game, players and
coaches received their rings, purchased with donations to the Maple Heights Athletic
Boosters by alums, friends and the Boosters group.
In addition, Coach Todd Filtz was presented with the MaxPreps Tour of Champions
trophy by two officers from the Army National Guard. MaxPreps ranked the 2010 Maple
Heights football team 45th in the nation out of 16,000 teams. The Army National Guard
is a sponsor of MaxPreps, a CBS Sports-owned website covering all high school sports.
Pathfinders recognized for setting example of success
As part of Black History Month, Maple Heights City Schools held its seventh annual
Pathfinder’s Assembly in February. The event recognizes alumni and friends for their
exceptional achievements and contributions to the community.
Again this year, National Honor Society members introduced special guests and
hosted a luncheon after the ceremony. Those recognized as 2011 Pathfinders include:
Arts & Science: Allan Atienza, M.D. is an emergency room physician at Aultman Hospital in Canton. He is
a cum laude graduate of Case Western Reserve University and received his medical training at the Medical
College of Ohio in Toledo.
Business: Robert C. Reed is the CEO of RCR Technology in Indianapolis, a data management and
warehousing firm he started 14 years ago. His company employs more than 140 consultants across the
United States. Reed is a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Citizenship/Government: Richard Richey, Director of Security for the Maple Heights City Schools, has
ensured that students have a safe and welcome learning environment for the past 14 years. He also
volunteers as a girls’ basketball and track coach at Maple Heights High School and encourages students to
be involved in positive school activities.
Education: Lucy K. Kimes has served as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Raymond
Elementary since 1994. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree
from Cleveland State University.
Humanitarianism: Shirley Merritt, long-time school supporter and volunteer, has served as a PTO
Regional President and been instrumental in creating programs and events to benefit Maple Heights’
students. As an Employment and Family Services supervisor for 21 years, she is committed to helping people.
2/17/2011 3:55:33 PM
 Mustang
Winter Sports Update
Wrestlers poised to set records
With 20 dual meet victories, Maple
Heights’ wrestling team has already set an
all-time record for a single season.
Junior wrestler Almonte’ Patrick holds
the school pin record with teammate Melvin
Johnson close behind, according to coach
Jamie Milkovich.
Sophomore Richard Robertson is ranked
sixth in the state with a 25-3 record, Patrick is
ranked ninth with a 30-2 mark and heavyweight
Aaron Pipkins is rated 15th with a 26-2 record.
Other key team members are Devin Revels,
Delorean Stafford, Jaron Robertson and
Deshon Johnson. Boys’ basketball team
headed to winning season
Posting an 15-2 record, the Mustang boys’
basketball team is currently tied for first place
in the Lake Erie League. According to coach
Phil Schmook, “We’re on our way to another
winning season, which has not happened at
Maple Heights in many years. Our team has
parlayed outstanding defense and unselfish
play on the offensive end to achieve this
success.” Team members include Remond Houston,
Andre Bryant, Kevin Smith, Chaun Shell,
Ardell Coleman, Cornelius Sandford,
Devaughn Reed, Brenntein Hill, Angelo
Shaw, Deshaun Bush, DeQuan Bush, Marquis
Robertson, Phil Black and Sahbree Walker.
Girls’ basketball team
wins LEL championship
The Mustang girls’ basketball team recently
defeated Warrensville High School to be named
Lake Erie League co-conference champions.
According to Coach Ricky Watters, “We are
very dominant with strong guards and four
very experienced senior post players.”
Leading the Mustangs are Dominique
Smith, Kaila Bannister, Ashley Bridges,
Aliyah Hammid, Dannielle Robinson and
Eboni Adams. Post players include Shereetha
Wiley-Smith, Dassia Thomas, Roch’e
Wimberly and Nichole Thomas. 
Maple Heights City schools Feb 2011.indd 4-5
Q and A about the proposed
income tax operating levy
Q: What is the financial situation facing Maple Heights Schools?
A: Like all schools in Ohio, we anticipate even more drastic cuts in state
funding. Governor John Kasich is proposing a 20 percent cut, which could
mean an additional loss of $3.4 million next year. In addition, our federal
funding and grants have been cut by over $2.5 million. Plus, health care
insurance costs are increasing by 10 percent. By law, school districts cannot
operate on a deficit, and we anticipate a $5 million shortfall next year.
Q: What are the facts about the May 3 levy?
A: Maple Heights City Schools is asking voters to approve a 1.5 percent
income tax operating levy, which will generate an estimated $5 million a year.
Q: What is an income tax operating levy?
A: Residents pay school district income tax just as they pay state income tax—
mostly through employer withholding. This type of levy costs NOTHING for
those residents on Social Security, disability or public assistance.
Q: How much will the income tax levy cost me?
A: Based on the average Maple Heights income of $40,000, the levy would
cost about $50 a month. Residents on Social Security, disability or public
assistance would pay NOTHING.
Q: Why choose an income tax levy instead of property tax?
A: The Maple Heights Board of Education voted to put a 1.5 percent income
tax operating levy on the ballot because they felt this was a fair way to raise
needed funds for our schools without relying solely on property owners. Plus,
this type of levy costs NOTHING for those residents on Social Security,
disability or public assistance.
Q: What cuts will be made if the levy does not pass?
A: Final decisions have not been made, but reducing bus transportation to state
minimum standards is under serious consideration. This means no busing for any
students, including those in kindergarten and first grade, who live within two miles
of school. Tentative plans could include eliminating five administrators, 33 teachers
and 15 non-teaching staff members. Cuts to full-day kindergarten, special education
and vocational programs, as well as extracurricular programs and positions, building
security, DALIS and the Program for Independence are being considered.
Q: What about the bond issue passed in 2008?
A: Thanks to the community’s support, five new schools will be built in Maple
Heights at less than half the cost to taxpayers. State funding pays for 51 percent.
These bond funds can be used only to construct buildings, not pay for
operational costs such as supplies, textbooks, utilities or salaries.
What we’ve already done to save money
• RIFs and personnel reductions of more than 30 positions totalled an annual
cost savings of almost $3.3 million.
• Reductions in contracted services helped save almost $1.2 million.
• Cutbacks in budgets for teaching supplies and materials saved $500,000.
• Thanks to our membership in State-approved consortiums, we can purchase
at a discount without carrying a large inventory of supplies. This allows
the district to begin phasing out warehouse operations, which will save
approximately $180,000 a year.
• When our five new buildings open, cost efficiencies in transportation,
maintenance and instructional administration, should help improve our
bottom line.
What we will do to save more money
• All administrators have taken a salary freeze and have agreed to accept
further concessions made by the teachers’ and non-teachers’ unions.
• The teachers’ union has agreed to concessions, and a signed agreement is
pending.
• The non-teachers’ union is still in discussions about concessions but is
expected to agree soon.
• Cuts in staffing will be made as we transition to the new buildings.
• Our new energy efficient buildings will help reduce energy costs.
Full restitution sought
in the Cuyahoga County
corruption cases
Over the past year, the Maple
Heights City Schools and Board of
Education have cooperated fully
with the FBI in the Cuyahoga County
corruption investigation.
According to Superintendent
Charlie Keenan, “Some residents of
Maple Heights have asked about the
Board of Education’s response to the
corruption investigation. In addition
to our full cooperation, the Board
also hired an independent financial
consultant who provided information
to the FBI.”
New district accounting and
purchasing procedures have been put
in place, Keenan says.
The Board of Education is also
taking proactive steps to ensure that
the district receives the maximum
amount of restitution possible from
those individuals charged who have a
connection to the schools, Keenan says.
“The Board has directed that
the district’s attorney and the
superintendent attend the sentencing
of all former employees in order
to make the claim for complete
restitution,” he explains. “Of the
seven individuals already sentenced,
the judge awarded the district over
$48,000 in restitution from them
individually; plus, they collectively
share an additional $35,000.” Eight
others are awaiting sentencing.

2/17/2011 3:55:39 PM