Garfield Heights School Board Farewells, Maple Leaf Progress, United Athletic Conference

RELATED: Starting a business in Garfield Hts Business? Find resources here. GARFIELD HEIGHTS , Ohio – The Garfield Heights school board closed out 2025 with an emotional December 15 regular meeting at Maple Leaf Elementary, saying goodbye to two veteran board members while celebrating Maple Leaf’s academic growth, approving a new strategic plan, and joining a new regional athletic conference. Board Bids Farewell to Dr. Millette King and Nichelle Daniels Board President Dr. Millette King, M.Ed., L.S.W. , and member Nichelle N. Daniels attended their final Garfield Heights school board meeting, each honored with a formal commendation resolution. Resolution 2025-60 recognized Dr. King for her steady leadership as board president, her student‑centered focus, and her role in helping guide meetings, agenda setting, and governance. Resolution 2025-61 honored Mrs. Daniels for her years of service, her advocacy for students and families, and her work on policies tied to student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. Dr. King used her final board president’s report to thank Maple Leaf staff and students for hosting, to wish the community a safe and joyous holiday season, and to reflect on her tenure. She highlighted: Helping author two strategic plans during her time in office. Passage of a levy that keeps the district solvent in the short term. The district’s move to a three‑star rating on the state report card. She said she hopes the district is “better than when I first became a board member” and expressed confidence that Garfield Heights’ best days are still ahead. Mrs. Daniels spoke emotionally about stepping away from the board to focus on family, thanking her loved ones for “serving alongside me” and making room for her to give the district “my whole heart.” She also thanked fellow board members, Superintendent Dr. Richard D. Reynolds , and Treasurer/CFO Phillip Oko, MBA for their shared commitment to students. Dr. Reynolds praised both leaders for their impact, calling them trailblazers and “status disruptors” in service of the community. He also congratulated Dr. King on a recent graduation milestone celebrated the prior weekend. Two newly elected board members will be sworn in at the January 5, 2026 organizational meeting at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education office. Maple Leaf Elementary Highlights Growth, Attendance Gains Maple Leaf Principal Mike Freilino and Assistant Principal Shayla Ivezzy presented an in‑depth report on the school’s academic performance, student supports, and community engagement. On the most recent state report card, Maple Leaf contributed to the district’s overall three‑star rating with: Two stars in Achievement Three stars in Progress Two stars in Gap Closing A key metric, the performance index , climbed from 56.3 two years ago to 60.1 last year, reflecting overall academic growth. While fourth- and fifth‑grade ELA scores dipped, Freilino said staff responded with a 40‑minute daily WIN (“What I Need”) block , where students are flexibly grouped across teachers for targeted skill work. Groups are reassessed every two weeks to keep instruction aligned with student needs. Maple Leaf showed steady growth in math , with students in both grades exceeding expected progress. Science scores have risen sharply since 2023, though growth was mixed between cohorts. A growth‑over‑time chart showed fewer students in the lowest “limited” category and more students moving into “basic,” “proficient,” and advanced levels. A new “advanced plus” category appeared last year, indicating some students are being pushed to even higher achievement. The building also earned the PBIS Gold Award for a second consecutive year, which Freilino noted will be the last year the state recognizes PBIS tiers. Attendance Efforts Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Maple Leaf reported significant progress on attendance: 2023 chronic absenteeism: 47% Last year: 42.2% Current year to date: 32% Freilino credited: The district’s “Stay in the Game” partnership with the Cleveland Browns and a dedicated Browns room as an incentive. Weekly and monthly raffles for students with strong attendance. Consistent messaging in the cafeteria, over morning/afternoon announcements, and in his weekly newsletters, which now include the school’s current chronic absenteeism rate. Regular public recognition of students with perfect weekly attendance . Maple Leaf’s guidance and family engagement work has expanded through a partnership with Communities In Schools , as well as a growing food pantry and clothing closet operated out of the building. Freilino described how a student recently came forward seeking food, underscoring the importance of having visible, accessible supports. Other Maple Leaf highlights included: A motivational assembly featuring former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Cardale Jones through the “Pledge to Be Present” initiative. Ongoing work to develop a partnership with CareSource around the CANS (Child and Adolescent N