Three Students Named National
Heights High School seniors Eleanor Lubbers, Gabriel Mallamad, and Lev McFarland have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS - UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOLS
Merit Scholars
More than 1.3 million students entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in fall of their junior year.
The three were announced as semifinalists in the fall, among only about 16,000 students, or 1% of all high school students in the U.S. As finalists, the students qualified for one of nearly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships that are worth nearly $26 million.
Heights Schools Announce Tri-C Direct Admission Program
The Class of 2026 will be the first Heights class to participate in the Tri-C Direct Admission Partnership. Through the new program, CHUH students are automatically admitted to Cuyahoga Community College in the fall of their senior year, eliminating traditional barriers and streamlining shared data between the two institutions.
“Our school district is highly committed to providing our students with equitable opportunities for their futures, and this partnership will help us fulfill that commitment in an important way,” said Superintendent Liz Kirby.
Tri-C will also provide personalized resources, such as advising and financial aid workshops for students and their families.
Heights High Athletes Are College-Bound
Thirteen Heights High student-athletes from the Class of 2026 have signed their official College Letters of Intent. Congratulations to the following students:
Noah Blue - University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Basketball
Ta’Mya Bouie - Georgetown College, Wrestling
Jhayce Boyd - University of Mount Union, Basketball
Avery Craft - Denison University, Volleyball
Van Dietrich - University of Rochester, Soccer
Chelsea Gipson - Mercyhurst University, Wrestling
Sirr Gibson - Youngstown State University, Football
Celia Lyford - Whitman College, Lacrosse
XY’Lia Owens - Wilberforce College, Flag Football
Henry Perrymond - University of Akron, Football
Deon Solomon - Ashland University, Football
Jamell Stephens - Marietta College, Basketball
Paige Swoope - Central State University, Basketball
Fiala Is Ohio School Social Worker of the Year
CH-UH school social worker Edie Fiala has been named the 2026 School Social Worker of the Year by the Ohio School Social Work Association.
From her nomination: “Edie has built a career grounded in advocacy, leadership, and unwavering compassion. Known as a resourceful advocate and collaborative leader, Edie consistently goes above and beyond--often working long hours to ensure families have the stability and services they need.”
Fiala currently serves Fairfax and Oxford elementary schools and as the District Homeless Liaison.
Heights High School social worker Allison Craig received the award in 2023.
Letter From The Superintendent
Dear Heights Community, I hope that the start of summer has been enjoyable for you. As I wrap up my seventh school year as superintendent, I am filled with pride in our students’ achievements, our staff’s determination, and our community’s support.
Heights High School and Baumgardner Middle School were named Momentum Schools by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This honor is reserved for buildings that have made significant improvements on their state report card scores. Additionally, the CH-UH City School District was named one of seven Ohio Districts on the Rise by Education Scorecard for our improved reading scores from the 2024-2025 school year.. I am proud of our students’ exceptional academic growth and their educators’ unwavering commitment to success.
However, we continue to face budget cuts due to a lack of fair school funding and have had to make difficult decisions, including reductions in force, as a result. Our educators, Board members, and community advocates
69 Heights High Students Named AP Scholars
Nearly 70 members of the Heights High School Classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027 have been recognized by the College Board for their outstanding performance in Advanced Placement classes.
• 38 AP Scholars: For earning scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams.
• 14 AP Scholars with Honor: For earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
• 17 AP Scholars with Distinction: For receiving an average score of 3.5 or higher on all exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Heights Athletes Score Big Wins in March
March 2: The Tigers Indoor Track & Field team wrap up the regular season in impressive fashion, with six athletes qualifying for a total of five events for the Indoor State Championship Meet.
March 7: Heights High Boys Basketball wins the OHSAA Division I District Finals, securing a spot in the regional semifinals.
March 15: Seniors Ta’Mya Bouie and Chelsea Gipson earn 6th and 8th place respectively at the OHSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament in March.
continue to fight for fair school funding in Columbus and beyond. I want to thank our advocacy groups, along with countless individuals, for never giving up on this work.
These accomplishments and efforts would not be possible without you. No matter what your ties are to Heights Schools, our students and staff are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive, proud community behind them.
TheHeightsHighSchoolClassof2026graduatedwith$15.2million inscholarshipawards,includingnearly$130,000fromtheHeights Schools Foundation and local donors.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Liz Kirby
Heights CTE Students Inducted Into NTHS
Fourteen Heights High School students were inducted into the 2026 Heights Career Tech class of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in February. The NTHS mission is “to honor students’ achievements, leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership.”
Student Artwork Awarded, Showcased In Community
Heights High School’s Art Department had an exceptional year at the 2026 Midwest Regional Scholastic Art Competition and Exhibition, where 11 of their students won 16 awards--2 Gold Keys, 5 Silver Keys, and 9 Honorable Mentions. Micheal Beauford and Zay’von O’Neal went on to the national competition in New York City.
Four seniors also had artwork exhibited in the prestigious Beachwood Arts Council’s Ileen Kelner Juried High School Art Show.
Heights High Barbershoppers Receive “Outstanding” Ratings
The Men’s and Women’s Barbershop vocal music ensembles received top marks at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Festival in California.
Both ensembles had the honor of receiving the “Presenter’s Award” from Deke Sharon, arranger of the songs from the Pitch Perfect movies. The women’s ensemble also received the Plateau AAA Award, the top award given to an ensemble of their member size.
A highlight and first for the barbershoppers was the department’s two student-led quartets, The Freakybobs and The Pitches, competing and receiving “Outstanding” ratings in the Top 15 Youth Quartet competition.
Canterbury Elementary has been named a National PTA School of Excellence for 2024-2026.
This recognition supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools that enrich students’ educational experiences and create a welcoming, connected community.
Boulevard teachers Tameka Bradley and Laura Preston brought students together throughout the school year through a Reading Buddies program, pairing older and younger learners. Meeting regularly, students build literacy skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Roxboro Elementary had quite a surprise back in April, when Olympic gold medalist and Rox El alum Laila Edwards stopped by for a visit! Laila made history this year as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. women’s Olympic ice hockey team.
Angele’s 3 Things
At each regular Board of Education meeting, Chief Financial Officer Angele Latham presents her “3 Things,” breaking down the complexities of school funding into useful and digestible bites. Here are a few recent topics:
1) Property Tax Levies: Operating
Operating levies fund the day-to-day expenses of the school district like salaries, classroom supplies, utilities, transportation, and curriculum materials. They are typically “fixed-rate levies,” meaning they are expressed in mills. They can be for a specified number of years or for a “continuing period of time.”
Hodgkiss-Lilly, Howard-Primes Join Board of Education
The CH-UH City School District has welcomed two new members to its Board of Education, Thomas Hodgkiss-Lilly and Kathi HowardPrimes.
Hodgkiss-Lilly and Howard-Primes took the oath of office at the Board’s January 6 meeting, having been elected in November. Member Dan Heintz also took the oath of office after being elected for his third consecutive term.
Hodgkiss-Lilly and Howard-Primes succeeded members Malia Lewis and Jodi Sourini, who did not run for reelection after each serving two consecutive terms.
Noble Elementary’s dedicated attendance team uses creative strategies—including dance parties—to boost student attendance. By analyzing data, supporting families, and developing fun incentives, the team reduced chronic absenteeism by 9%.
Being four can be “ruff,” but it got a little easier for Gearity preschoolers after a special visit from service dogs. Students met a certified service dog and dogs-intraining from Canine Companions, practiced giving commands, and learned how these animals support people with disabilities.
Roxboro Middle School hosted a Power of the Pen tournament, welcoming more than 130 young local writers for a day of creative competition. Led by coach Suzanne Nelson, the Rox Mid team excelled, earning team awards and individual honors.
2) Property Tax Levies: Emergency
Emergency levies address a declared financial emergency or to prevent a deficit in the district’s operating budget. Unlike operating levies, emergency levies are “fixed-sum,” meaning they generate a specific dollar amount each year. They cannot exceed a period of 10 years.
3) Property Tax Levies: Permanent Improvement
Permanent improvement levies fund improvements or repairs that have an expected useful life of five years or more. This includes things like new roofs, HVAC systems, technology infrastructure, or facility renovations. These funds are explicitly restricted and cannot be used for daily operating expenses like salaries.
Read more at chuh.org/departments/finance/public-school-funding
Now Enrolling New Tigers! Important Dates
Registration for rising kindergartners is now open in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools. Kindergarten in CH-UH is tuition-free and full day. Specials include Music, Art, Spanish, Physical Education, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Visit chuh.org/district/registration or scan the QR code for details on how to enroll your child. We look forward to welcoming our newest Tigers!
Saturday, July 4: Independence Day
Tuesday, July 7: Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Kindergarten Kickoff, Heights High School (time TBA)
Saturday, Aug. 15: Back to School Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to noon at HFRC (Delisle)
Wednesday, Aug. 19: K-12 First Day of School
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Preschool First Day of School
Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day - All Schools Closed
Monday, Sept. 21: Yom Kippur - All Schools Closed
Subject to change. Visit CHUH.org.
Thank You and Best Wishes, Retirees!
Join us in congratulating the CH-UH City School District employees who have retired during the 2025-2026 school year.
Nancy Ballou
Amy Bloomberg
Andrea Clay
Patricia Earley
Vivian Gatta
Tamar Gray
Karen Hodson
Deb Holland
Cary Jackson
Michael Jones
Kathleen Kotnik
Robert Manning
Kay Milkie
Arlene Mohammadpour
David Moss
Robert O’Deens
Lawrence Perel
Jacqueline Price
Shelley Pulling
Dr. Hannah Reid
Jaqueline Thornton
Robert Weaver
Karen Work-Heinsbergen
