November 30, 2006
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS , OH – Cleveland Heights High School, one of the community’s most historic buildings, has seen many changes to its structure over the years. The school, which opened in 1926, continues to undergo renovations that not only keep the building running efficiently, but also enhance the learning environment for students. Students returning to Cleveland Heights High School in August saw more significant changes throughout the building.

“The District is effectively managing its permanent improvement funds in a way that seeks energy and building efficiency, while enhancing the learning environment for our students,” according to Director of Business Services Stephen Shergalis. “There have been some key improvements made to the Heights High facility in the last few years that were greatly needed.”

Third Floor Classroom Space One of the most visible changes this year was made to the space on the third floor above the auditorium, formerly occupied by the school’s media center. This space was converted to additional classroom space for the Renaissance and Legacy Small Schools. Local historians and alumni of the school will appreciate some of the building’s original features being brought back into focus thanks to the renovation. Over the years, many of the school’s natural charms were covered. Among the goals for the renovation was to revive and emphasize some of the original architecture of the building, including arched ceilings and reopening of skylights that were previously covered up, introducing daylight into the halls. The space on the third floor is being used for two computer labs, an art room, and several classrooms.

Media Center The school’s new media center opened in October with a fresh new look. The media center’s new location will satisfy the volume of storage needs and will maximize technology uses, allowing for wireless laptops, along with banks of computer workstations. The location will also provide easier handicapped access and access for potential community use.

First Floor/Mac Lab Last year on the first floor, Heights High welcomed the addition of a Mac Lab for the use of editing and production software by students. Students have been filming various productions, including guest speakers and the homecoming football game, to air on the District’s cable station, Channel 22.

The past few years have brought about other renovations to the school.

Windows The architecture of the Cleveland Heights High structure is a treasure, and many of the renovations and additions were completed in a way that enhanced the structure’s original features. A massive window replacement project, completed in the fall of 2005, gave the exterior a boost and allows the building’s temperature to be controlled in a more efficient manner.

“We chose a window that would look architecturally authentic to the school’s original design, but these windows will prove to be energy cost-savers for the District in the long term,” Shergalis said.

Transition ProgramAlumni would never recognize the space formerly occupied by the north pool. The area has been renovated into several classrooms, offices, and a computer lab for the school’s transition program.

Other recent upgrades were made at Cleveland Heights High School to the unit ventilators, fire alarms, musical instrument storage room, and the school’s restrooms.

Some changes were able to be made without contracting outside workers. Some simple cosmetic changes have greatly enhanced the look and school spirit around the hallways of Heights High. Trades and grounds personnel repainted all the lockers and stairwell banisters, previously teal, to black. Trim around the walls in the hallways was painted black and gold to match the school’s colors and add to the color scheme of Heights High banners around the interior of the school.