(January 10, 2014
Cleveland Heights, OH
After years of trying to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with local private K-8 school Mosdos Ohr Hatorah for the use of the former Millikin School facility proved ultimately unsuccessful, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District plans on moving forward with other plans that will bring activity and use back to Millikin.
“We were disappointed that we weren’t able to reach an agreement with Millikin after all this time but we feel very good about the direction we are heading,” said CH-UH Board President Ron Register. “The latest plans are to bring the Heights Youth Theatre into Millikin, along with our trades and grounds staff. We will work closely with the Cleveland Heights planning department as these changes are implemented.”
Retired Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward J. Kelley stated “My first choice would have been Mosdos Ohr Hatorah for the Millikin site. However, it is time to move forward and I am pleased that Millikin will be put to good use again.” Kelley further commented “The Millikin neighborhood is strong and family oriented. The Heights Youth Theatre has found a good home”.
Heights Youth Theatre is currently using the Wiley Middle School auditorium for its practices and performances. The Wiley campus will be used as interim swing space for Heights High School during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years, during which there won’t be enough room for Heights Youth Theatre.
Steve Shergalis, CH-UH Director of Business Services, held an initial meeting with Pam Fine, Director of Heights Youth Theatre, to discuss alternative locations. During these meetings, Millikin was identified as a very real option for the relocation of Heights Youth Theatre. After touring Millikin, Pam Fine stated that the building’s large gymnasium and existing stage area could accommodate the Heights Youth Theatre program very nicely with some renovations. “We are committed to staying in the Heights. We’re going to have to do some fundraising and work out all the details, but if we can make this happen, we’d be thrilled to move into the Millikin building,” stated Fine.
The Board of Education has directed Mr. Shergalis to continue to discuss the possibility of Heights Youth Theatre leasing space in the Millikin Building.
The Board has also directed Mr. Shergalis to investigate the possibility and costs associated with installing a community playground on the Millikin property for the neighborhood’s use.
The District is also exploring the possibility of relocating its Trades and Grounds staff to the Millikin building. The staff is currently located in the former industrial arts space at Wiley. That space will also be needed to accommodate high school programs. “Many of the currently empty classrooms at the Millikin Building could easily be utilized as temporary storage space for District furniture and equipment during the construction projects,” stated Shergalis.
Mr. Shergalis noted that the District will work very closely with the City of Cleveland Heights, and in particular their planning department, as these changes are implemented.
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