Left to Right: Dr. Charles T. Keenan (Maple Heights City Schools); Terrance S. Olszewski (Garfield Heights City Schools); Jennifer Moles - on behalf of Superintendent Linda Reid - (South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools); Matthew L. Montgomery (Revere Local Schools); Jennifer Dodd (Educational Service Center); Joelle Magyar (Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools); David W. James (Akron Public Schools); Dr. Andrea Celico (Bedford City School District); Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. (Shaker Heights Schools); U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King, Jr.; Dr. Renee Willis (Richmond Heights Local Schools); Carl H. Hilling (Parma City School District); Robert Hardis (Beachwood City Schools); CEO Eric S. Gordon (Cleveland Metropolitan School District); Dr. Charles Smialek (Euclid City Schools); Donald J. Jolly, II (Warrensville Heights City School District).

 

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Yesterday, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) was joined by U.S. Education Secretary Dr. John B. King Jr. for a working meeting with superintendents from Cuyahoga and Summit counties to discuss the state of public education in Northeast Ohio.  The two-hour meeting was private and held at the Cuyahoga County Educational Services Building. 

“I thank our superintendents for attending.  The exchange of legislative and programmatic ideas with our local education leaders will continue to influence my work in Washington,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “The challenges faced by educators in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District are great. Budgets are shrinking, while the demand for resources is growing. To ensure that our system works for every child, the federal government must take an active role in strengthening public education. Our conversation yesterday is only the beginning.”

While at the event, Secretary King answered questions from local education leaders and discussed the importance of the role of educators in his life.  The Secretary called teachers ‘life savers,’ and described how they helped him survive after losing both of his parents.  “They are the reason I became a teacher and principal.  My approach to the work that we’re doing at the Department [of Education] is driven by my clarity that schools save lives,” Secretary King told the superintendents. “Thank you for what you do every day.” 

As ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, Congresswoman Fudge is committed to strengthening our education system and supporting early childhood programs that provide a foundation for our children.  She stands by her goal of making sure every child in this country receives a quality education.  Since 2012, Congresswoman Fudge has invited federal officials to meet with superintendents to discuss policies that are important to their districts.

Superintendents in attendance were:

Dr. Andrea Celico, Bedford City School District

CEO Eric S. Gordon, Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Robert Hardis, Beachwood City Schools

Carl H. Hilling, Parma City School District

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Shaker Heights Schools

David W. James, Akron Public Schools

Donald J. Jolly, II, Warrensville Heights City School District

Dr. Charles T. Keenan, Maple Heights City Schools

Joelle Magyar, Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools

Matthew L. Montgomery, Revere Local Schools

Terrance S. Olszewski, Garfield Heights City Schools

Jennifer Moles (on behalf of Superintendent Linda Reid), South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools

Dr. Charles Smialek, Euclid City Schools 

Dr. Renee Willis, Richmond Heights Local Schools

 

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