Rumors Dispelled: Beachwood Memorial Isn't Going Anywhere

BEACHWOOD, OH — Beachwood Superintendent Robert Hardis sent a reassuring letter to families and the community, telling them a memorial for Arnie Finkle and Robert Jacobs was not being removed. Hardis felt compelled to dispel rumors to the contrary.

In his letter, Hardis said that a rumor started on social media accused the district of considering removing the memorial to Finkle and Jacobs, two students that were killed in a lightning strike on the football field in 1970. "This rumor has no basis in fact — it is a complete fabrication," Hardis said.

"Two years ago, the memorial was moved from the corner of the football field where very few people could see or read it, up to the entrance area of the main stadium. This place of great prominence, illuminated at night, allows thousands of Beachwood community members to see the memorial and honor the memories of these two members of the Class of 1974. Arnie Finkle and Robert Jacobs live on in the hearts and minds of the Beachwood community," Hardis said in his letter. "Those of us who work for the Beachwood City Schools consider it our responsibility to make sure their memories endure."

The superintendent added that he did not know where the rumor started, but he hoped it was the result of a miscommunication, not a smear job against the school system.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends who may have been disturbed and hurt by this baseless, awful rumor," Hardis concluded his letter.

The leter was posted to social media on Monday and can be seen below.

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