Nearly 280 students attend Cranbrook Elementary School, which has been a valued educational institution in the Cranbrook neighborhood for decades. It is a hidden gem that has evolved over the years to specialize in educating a multicultural population - over 32 nations are represented by the student body. The educators who work here are talented in working with all of their students, including the 62% of the student population who are English Language Learners and the 14% of the student population who receive special education - they are even slated to open a Pre-K special education class in the 2024-2025 school year. The school offers many wonderful opportunities to its students, including after school clubs, a student musical, the MOMENTUM Dance Program, gardening in the expansive natural space located just outside the school's doors, soccer, Girls on the Run, and international festivals.

Unfortunately, the Cranbrook Parent Teacher Association and neighbors were deeply disappointed with the announcement that the Superintendent’s Community Facilities Task Force identified Cranbrook Elementary as a school for closure in 2025 to the Columbus City Schools Board. The school is well maintained, with recent upgrades to the roof and HVAC system, along with the addition of more lighting and smart devices in every classroom and located in a lovely neighborhood full of neighbors that support the school - neighbors who recently worked with local community organizations to raise $100,000 to replace the much needed footbridge that connects the north and south sections of the school property, which is split by a large stream.

The time to act is NOW. The Columbus City Schools Board will vote on these recommendations in June 2024. We need to tell them now that:

• Closing neighborhood schools does not serve our children or communities. It disregards the voices and experiences of the staff and teachers that work with the kids on a daily basis.
• We will not allow the district to displace our students. We are prepared to fight this proposal to ensure our community continues to have access to the education and support our children deserve.
• It is not an acceptable recommendation that they will send OUR students to "other area schools," when the nearest area schools in our quadrant are already at or have exceeded their building capacities!

Join us as we work to save Cranbrook for our kids and our community!