CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Cincinnati Public Schools issued its State of the Schools address Wednesday, which ended up being more of a celebration of the district than an audit of current issues.

Jazz music from students of the School of Creative and Performing Arts welcomed guests for Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy’s State of the School Address.

“Here for the kids” was the tagline of the evening as she began by sharing feedback she received from students who were asked how the district can better serve them.

“One young man said something that really struck me, and that something was, ‘Recognize me.’ Acknowledge me,” Murphy told the crowd.

As a result of student demand, Murphy began recognizing students for their academic and extracurricular activities at the address.

The superintendent then began discussing the district’s growth plan, which consolidated four different schools for the 2024-25 school year.

“Our new middle school: amazing. It’s small but mighty. We are extremely proud of our new director, Danielle Battle,” Murphy announced.

She also talked about the proposed second phase of the growth plan, including expanding the food pantry and services for students experiencing homelessness.

After the speech, Murphy talked more about consolidating more schools.

“It includes the creation of new secondary schools, high schools. It includes going back to a 9-to-12 high school. It includes different programmatic pieces that are added to our buildings,” she said.

That plan is still being discussed by the school board, but if approved in its current state, it would cost more than $2 million over the next five years. Murphy says she’s willing to make changes as needed, but thinks the public might be willing to accept a tax levy to support the plan.

“If we can show the public that we’ve been good stewards of their money, I think if we can show them how efficient we are with their money up front, I think they’ll at least listen and consider it.”

The superintendent concluded her speech by reiterating that CPS students need a good community to succeed.

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