1995

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January
The district asks Judge Krupansky to release it from the desegregation requirement that strict racial balance standards be met in each school. Supt. Parrish says $10 million in transportation costs could be saved annually if cross-town busing were eliminated.

February
A superintendent-appointed evaluation committee gives Vision 21 a grade of C, saying it lacks specific performance standards and sound planning.

Parrish resigns, citing long hours and the stresses of managing a large, cash-strapped district. The board worries that a sudden change in leadership will doom an upcoming levy.

March
To replace Parrish, the board favors insider Penning, who acted as chief before Parrish arrived. State Supt. Ted Sanders wants an outsider. Judge Krupansky, in effect, ends the dispute by giving control of the district to the state. Krupansky accuses the board of mismanagement, indecision and fiscal irresponsibility. The transfer of leadership virtually strips the board of policy-making power. Sanders names Penning acting superintendent but then quickly names Lakewood schools chief Richard A. Boyd as interim superintendent. Boyd reports directly to the state.

April
Eleven schools are closed, including John Adams High and Aviation High schools.

May
The district petitions the federal court to approve a plan that would relax racial balance guidelines, reducing mandatory busing and giving parents more say in school choice. Magnet schools will still require busing.

Nearly 30 percent of seniors are ineligible to graduate because they failed one or more parts of the proficiency exam, the state reports. Some who take make-up tests may qualify for diplomas.

June

At the end of the fiscal year, student attendance stands at 82.8 percent, down nearly five percent from 1990. The graduation rate is 34.8 percent, a drop of about 10 percent over five years.

September

To curb truancy, police pick up errant students and drop them off at makeshift courts, where parents or guardians are arraigned. Fines and costs are waived if they agree to counseling.

November

Westside-Eastside Congregations Acting Now (WE-CAN) asks Mayor White to take control of the school district, which would require a change in state law. In a City Club speech, new state schools chief John M. Goff says Cleveland is ready to assume local control of its schools.

December

Interim Supt. Boyd proposes decentralization, which would transfer decision-making authority from central office to individual schools. Gov. Voinovich supports it; Mayor White is critical.

Worried that a third levy attempt in 22 months would fail, the board delays a decision to place one on the March ballot.

Research: Barbara Good and staff

Sources: The Plain Dealer, proceedings of Cleveland School Board meetings, school district annual reports.

Photos: Cleveland Municipal School District, U.S. District Court, Cleveland City Council

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