We, the undersigned members of the Shaker Heights community, formally submit this petition to urge the Board of Education and District Administration to reverse the decision to close the Innovative Center (IC). While we recognize the financial and structural challenges facing our District, we believe the sudden elimination of this program creates an immediate crisis for a vulnerable subset of students.

The Critical Role of the IC: The IC serves as a vital lifeline for students who struggle in the traditional high school setting for a variety of reasons including complex learning differences and social or emotional challenges. For many of these students, the IC has been the only environment where they feel capable of succeeding academically. Addressing the District’s Rationales We challenge the primary reasons cited for the closure:

● The Stephanie Tubbs Jones (STJ) Building: While the City may require the use of the STJ space, the location should not dictate the existence of the program. IC programming can and should be transitioned to another suitable location within the district.

● Raider Academy vs. IC: The administration has suggested that Raider Academy can replace the IC. This is inaccurate. Raider Academy focuses on credit recovery, it does not provide the same highly personalized environment that IC students require.

● Student Interest: We question the validity of district claims of ‘low interest’ in IC programming. Students struggling with complex social or emotional challenges, academic failure and school avoidance are often least likely to advocate for themselves in the academic setting.

We also question the validity of claims the district actively recruited to improve IC enrollment. Many families currently at the IC report they were never told about IC programming, even when their child struggled in a traditional setting. We believe there are many more students in the district who would benefit from IC programming who are unaware of this option.

Our Demands We respectfully request that the Board:

1. Halt the Closure: Maintain IC programming for the 2026-2027 school year while a comprehensive, transparent review is conducted.

2. Data Transparency: Release all data regarding student surveys, 504/IEP compliance related to alternative settings, and the specific cost-benefit analysis used to justify this closure.

3. Consultation with Families: Engage in a formal dialogue with the parents and students currently served by the IC before making a final decision.

In conclusion Shaker Heights has traditionally benefited from strong public trust and a commitment to meeting the needs of all children. Closing the IC breaks our social contract with families who have already faced significant educational hurdles. We ask you to fulfill your responsibility to these students through active attempts to preserve the program that allows them to thrive.