Cleveland’s Empty Schools: What’s Next for Our Neighborhoods?

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is embarking on a significant consolidation plan, set to close 18 school buildings and drop several leases. As families and educators prepare for these major changes, many Clevelanders are asking a crucial question: what will become of these left-behind buildings, and how will it impact our communities?

CMSD’s Consolidation: The Current Landscape

Facing a projected $150 million budget deficit, CMSD’s plan aims to cut costs through real estate and administrative restructuring, including a reduction in principals and vice principals. Officials believe larger, consolidated schools will provide more uniform access to courses and activities across the district. However, this leaves a substantial portfolio of properties across the city, ranging from historic landmarks to newer structures, poised for an uncertain future.

The Tricky Road to Repurposing Former Schools

Transforming old school buildings into new community assets is rarely straightforward. Arne Goldman, an architect at Marous Brothers Construction, describes these as “really hard projects.” While some former schools have successfully been converted into apartments or training centers, many remain vacant despite years of effort.

Key Challenges in Redevelopment:

• Historic Significance vs. Renovation Costs: Buildings like Collinwood High School, Mary Church Terrell, and Tremont Montessori are city landmarks eligible for historic tax credits. However, preservation incentives alone often aren’t enough to cover the extensive costs of renovation, especially for structures that have sat empty and fallen into disrepair.
• Vandalism and Environmental Hazards: Vacant schools can quickly deteriorate. The historic Longfellow school, for instance, was ravaged by vandals who exposed asbestos, making initial assessments and cleanup extremely challenging.
• Changes in Funding Mechanisms: A critical blow to redevelopment efforts came in late 2022 when the General Assembly prohibited developers from simultaneously using federal low-income housing tax credits and state historic preservation tax credits. This change, according to Goldman, makes “projects like these much, much more difficult to make pencil.”
• Layout and Efficiency: Schools have unique layouts with wide corridors and large shared spaces (gyms, auditoriums) that aren’t easily converted into rentable units, making them less efficient for developers compared to new construction. Extra land, like former athletic fields, can sometimes provide crucial space for new development to make a project financially viable.

A Look at Repurposing Efforts in Cleveland

The city and CMSD have previously solicited proposals for vacant school buildings, with mixed results. Here’s a brief comparison of outcomes:

Community Impact and What’s Next

For residents like Nancy D’Amore, whose great-granddaughter attends Mary Church Terrell, the closure of neighborhood schools is deeply personal. D’Amore fears the loss of a vital community hub and worries about the impact of a vacant building on her West Boulevard area. “It’s a waste,” she laments, “what are you gonna do with an empty building?”

Mayor Justin Bibb, alongside CMSD CEO Warren Morgan, has acknowledged the “unique opportunity” presented by the surplus real estate. Bibb stated that a plan would be announced from his administration, in partnership with CMSD, to outline a vision for integrating these old school sites into a broader community development strategy. Under state law, charter school operators will get the first opportunity to purchase the buildings at fair market value, with developers getting a chance afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is CMSD closing school buildings?
  CMSD plans to close 18 buildings as part of a consolidation and cost-cutting strategy to address a projected $150 million budget deficit and offer more uniform educational access.
• What happens to the empty school buildings?
  The district must first offer them to charter school operators at fair market value. If no charter schools express interest, developers can then bid on the properties.
• Are there successful examples of old schools being repurposed?
  Yes, the historic Henry W. Longfellow School was successfully redeveloped into affordable senior housing. However, such projects are becoming increasingly difficult due to changes in tax credit laws.
• What makes repurposing these buildings so difficult?
  Challenges include extensive renovation costs, asbestos and vandalism damage in vacant properties, and recent changes in state law that prevent developers from combining federal low-income housing tax credits with state historic preservation tax credits.
• How is the city addressing this challenge?
  Mayor Justin Bibb and CMSD are working on a plan to integrate these sites into a broader community development strategy, with more details expected soon.

As CMSD navigates this transition, the future of these buildings will significantly shape Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Staying informed and engaging with local leaders will be key to ensuring these properties are reimagined in ways that benefit the community for years to come.

Cleveland School Closures What Next For Neighborhoods