A message from Brian McDonald, Executive Director of the Joan C. Edwards Charitable Foundation:

“As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting with deep gratitude on 20 years of the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine (CSSM) and 16 years of partnership with the Joan C. Edwards Charitable Foundation. What started as a bold idea on the John Hay Campus has become one of Cleveland’s greatest public-education success stories.

CSSM’s record speaks for itself: consistent five-star ratings, top U.S. News & World Report rankings, 98–100% graduation rates, and near-universal college acceptance. But its true strength is its culture — dedicated teachers, University Circle partners who open real-world pathways, and students who rise to every challenge. Graduates leave for careers in medicine, nursing, engineering, law, and science, with many returning to serve Cleveland.

I’m especially grateful for the Joan C. Edwards Charitable Foundation’s unwavering support. For 16 years, its scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities have lifted countless students into STEM and healthcare careers and helped CSSM grow into one of the best public schools in the country.

As we look ahead, my hope is simple: that we honor this remarkable legacy not by closing doors, but by expanding them. CSSM’s excellence is something to protect and preserve for the next generation. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for everyone who has built and sustained this school — and committed to ensuring its impact continues for decades to come.”

Please help by signing this petition to urge the district to reconsider its plans. 

https://www.change.org/p/stop-cmsd-from-closing-4-vital-cleveland-high-schools-cssm-cehc-csad-and-cihs