Here's What Columbus Is Saying About Heights Superintendent

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools Superintendent Talisa Dixon is going to take over the largest public school district in Ohio, Columbus. She'll depart her current position in March, leaving before the school year is over.

In fact, between January 1 and early March, Dixon will be expected to split time between her current district and Columbus. She will officially begin her new job on March 4.

The pressure to leave CHUH before the end of the school year irked the district's Board of Education, which released a scolding statement over the weekend. The Board questioned the integrity of Columbus' superintendent search process and its negotiations.

For their part, Columbus' school district leaders seem less than bothered by the criticism.

“We’re happy to have successfully concluded this important process and welcome Dr. Dixon back home to Columbus City Schools. She rejoins this District at a critical time as we look to build upon the successes in our classrooms and confront head-on the challenges facing our District to best serve our students and their families,” said Gary L. Baker II, president of the Columbus Board in a statement. “Dr. Dixon has already begun to engage key stakeholders in the administration and throughout our community to ensure an effective transition.”

Part of the reason for Columbus' urgency in acquiring Dixon is the hardships facing the district. Columbus Schools launched a Facilities Task Force that recently recommended the district close seven school buildings, four schools and three administrative sites.

The Task Force also recommended making substantial changes to 29 different buildings under Columbus' control. The district is also faced with the prospect of state takeover if it cannot improve its performance on the annual state report cards (where the district has been receiving steady 'F's).

Dixon, in a statement, said "I understand the urgency in wanting me there sooner in Columbus."

Dixon had previously assured residents and the community that she would be in Cleveland Heights through the end of the school year. The CHUH Board of Education said it had no interest in holding Dixon hostage to her contract, but they did want to see her complete the school year.

That will not happen.

"We must express strong concerns about the integrity of the Columbus Board of Education and how this process has played out. We approached Dr. Dixon's departure with good faith that Columbus would honor the need for her to complete the school year. With disregard, they chose otherwise," the CHUH Board of Education said in a statement.

The CHUH Board said it has hired Ray and Associates to conduct a national search for the district's next superintendent. The Board expects to hire a full-time superintendent, as replacement for Dixon, by the end of the current school year.

However, because of Dixon's premature departure from the district, the Board will also be forced to hire an interim superintendent to finish the school year.

"We are focused on finding the next great leader that our community deserves, a leader who will build upon our success and take our district further," the Board said.

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Photo from CHUH Schools