I used to live in Cleveland (and loved it) but have recently bought a house in Shaker Heights.  The largest factor in this decision was the relative school districts.  When I lived in Cleveland, the comment I most heard from other friends and colleagues who also had lived or thought about living in Cleveland but passed, was that they just weren’t satisfied with Cleveland public schools.  Granted, there are numerous challenges facing Cleveland’s teachers and school administrators, but it seems that an improved and safe school system is a key part in attracting and retaining people in Cleveland. I know the mayor is not directly involved with the schools, but how much of a priority is this for the guests today.  It seems leadership in this area has been sorely lacking in the last few years.

The reasons the schools are getting worse is that the students are getting worse (except for the few that are siphoned off to the boutique schools). Talk to any CMSD teacher and you will hear how most of these kids have no fear and no respect for any authority - and they have no desire to learn.

If the district would grow some and throw out the gang-bangers and thugs, we could probably educate those that remain satisfactorily.