CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland’s school board unanimously approved a plan Tuesday night that drastically consolidates the school district’s footprint ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District will close 23 buildings and operate 29 fewer schools, changes CEO Warren Morgan says are needed to confront steep drops in enrollment and a looming $150 million deficit.

Morgan and Mayor Justin Bibb, who appoints the school board members, have spent the past month campaigning for the plan , arguing that consolidation is the best way to provide a better education for all students with more academic and extracurricular options.

The board voted, 9-0, to approve the consolidation plan , which changed very little since it was introduced on Nov. 5.

“This is a defining mom

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