Superintendent mourns two staff members and urges community vigilance on safety

The superintendent of Maple Heights City School District told the board on April 13 that the district is grieving two recent losses: Mr. Dennis Brown, a district tradesman, and Mr. Robert Yates, the high-school varsity boys head coach and family engagement liaison. The superintendent described both as deeply engaged with students and families and asked the community to remember their contributions.

She reminded families that Ohio State testing is underway for students in grades 3 through 12 and urged parents to maintain students' routines during testing. The superintendent also highlighted a prom-assistance program (contact: Gia Mccants, communications coordinator) for students needing help with attire.

Addressing concerns about a recent safety scare reported locally, the superintendent said the district has "adjusted some things" and urged community cooperation: "we are working extremely hard to make sure that you do feel that your children are safe in Maple Heights." She encouraged residents to report concerns through the state's safer-schools tip line, which is available 24/7 on the district website. The superintendent said the district is working with the Barack Obama team and the Maple Heights Police Department on safety measures.

She closed by asking the community to participate in keeping students safe and to consider the positive legacies of the staff who recently passed.