CLEVELAND — Monday, students and teachers returned to classrooms in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

CMSD has momentum with voters approving a levy and bond last year and improvements on the state report card, where the district earned an overall three out of five stars for the first time.

But tough decisions are looming as leaders plan for school closures and consolidations to avoid deficits. Leaders are trying to tackle an increase in operating expenses, funding cuts, and declining enrollment.

CMSD said its enrollment was about 70,000 students in 2004 and about 34,000 in 2024.

CMSD

The district’s CEO, Dr. Warren Morgan, has been leading the district for more than two years.

Projections show the district could run out of cash by 2028. Leaders say it’s unavoidable. They ne

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