Garfield Heights School Board Meeting: Finances, STEM Expansion, Bus Grant

Starting a business in Garfield Hts? Here are the resources you need. GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – The January 26, 2026 Garfield Heights school board meeting covered improving district finances, expansion of STEM opportunities, and approval to purchase a new school bus with help from a state safety grant, alongside wide-ranging updates on student achievements and upcoming Black History Month events. Board Business and Opening Actions The Garfield Heights Board of Education held its regular meeting at the Board of Education office on Briarcliff Drive. After roll call, the board approved the evening’s agenda and unanimously accepted minutes from its December 8 and December 15 meetings. Members and attendees stood for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a student representative. The board president reported no additional items under the president’s report. Committee reports followed, led by a wellness-focused update that highlighted a busy winter season for athletics, music, and band students. Student Activities: Wrestling Wins, Choir Championships And Band Honors A board wellness liaison offered an extensive report showcasing student accomplishments across the district. High school wrestling The high school wrestling team was recognized for consistent improvement over the season. One wrestler was highlighted for earning a 20–6 record, and the team’s next tournament was announced at Shaker Heights High School. Senior night for wrestling is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10. Music Express and Center Stage The district’s show choir, Music Express , will host a premiere night at Garfield Heights High School on Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m., with performances also featuring the middle school’s Center Stage group. At their first competition on Saturday, January 24, Music Express: Captured the overall grand champion title Won medium mixed grand champion Earned awards for best music , best show design , best vocals , best male vocalist for the song Halo , and best overall performer Pep band and boys basketball The pep band is slated to perform at the high school boys basketball game on Thursday, January 29. At the time of the report, the boys basketball team held a 9–4 record, was ranked No. 3 in Northeast Ohio and No. 1 in Division III statewide , with another key game scheduled that week. Middle school and girls basketball The eighth-grade boys team has a home game scheduled for February 2. The girls basketball team was praised for a strong start to the season, sitting at 10–1 with upcoming games on the road against Warrensville and at home against Bedford. Solo and ensemble band success At the OMEA District 7 solo and ensemble contest at Madison High School, 14 student soloists represented Garfield Heights. Seven earned superior (I) ratings and six earned excellent (II) ratings. One senior earned a superior rating with a top-level trumpet solo. Other students at various grade levels were also recognized for superior and excellent performances. Band director’s national performance The district’s band director was recognized for performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California over New Year’s, joining approximately 360 band directors from across the country and around the world. The report concluded with thanks to students, staff, and families for their support of co-curricular programs that continue to bring recognition to Garfield Heights City Schools. Superintendent Highlights Weather Decisions, MLK Legacy And Black History Month Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds used his report to address winter weather decisions, reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, and preview upcoming Black History Month programming. Dr. Reynolds explained that district leaders monitor winter weather and windchill conditions nightly , with particular attention to student safety and the high number of student walkers. He emphasized that any decision to close or delay school is made with the best interests of students and staff in mind. He also reflected on the recent observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day , calling Dr. King a giant of the modern era whose work for equality, justice, and nonviolence continues to shape society. The district, he said, uses the holiday as a springboard into Black History Month , with activities and events planned across buildings to engage students and the community. As part of that celebration, Dr. Reynolds invited the community to a Black History Month concert and cultural immersion event on Thursday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in partnership with a professional dance collective. The performance, titled “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” will: Bring the Motown era to life through dance, music, spoken word, monologue and narration Place Motown in the context of the civil rights movement Highlight how Black artists used joy, excellence and creativity as tools of resistance, unity and cultural transformation More details about the event will be shared with families in t