Councilman Mike Polensek: The Bibb Administration and School District have Hurt My Ward
Oct 08, 2026
CLEVELAND, OHIO—Today, Ward 10 Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek released a letter to Matthew Moss, Deputy Director of Land Strategy and Asset Redevelopment for the City of Cleveland’s Department of Development, decrying the damage the Bibb administration and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District have done to the Greater Collinwood neighborhood, which he now represents.
“Together, the Bibb administration and the school district that reports to him have shown a pattern of arrogance, disdain, and disrespect toward the Collinwood community,” Councilman Polensek said. “Enough is enough.”
Councilman Polensek’s letter follows his strong statement at Monday night’s City Council meeting, where he opposed Ordinance 927-2026, authorizing the Bibb administration to execute a land swap with the school district to obtain recently closed schools and begin their redevelopment.
“We just experienced four schools being closed with the support of the mayor,” Councilman Polensek said. “Collinwood High School, Hannah Gibbons–Nottingham, Euclid Park, and the Kenneth Clement All Boys' Leadership Academy. If that wasn't bad enough, then out of the clear blue sky comes this announcement that the J. Glen Smith Health Center is being closed in the Glenville community.”
“The decision by the Mayor, the mayor-appointed school board, and Dr. Morgan to close the historic Collinwood High School, despite the surrounding community's objections, was a slap in the face,” Councilman Polensek wrote.
By closing Collinwood High, the school district also eliminated the Schools as Neighborhood Resources program, which Cleveland City Council funded to provide after-school and weekend recreational opportunities in the Collinwood-Nottingham SPA and Euclid-Green SPA. Closing Collinwood High also eliminated all recreational programs for young people in these areas.
“Dr. Morgan and the Mayor cannot deny our families the recreational opportunities they once had, and they don’t have to,” Councilman Polensek said. “Portions of Collinwood High are in good shape and could host a satellite recreation center.” Councilman Polensek stated it was his understanding that the winning proposal to redevelop the high school calls for demolishing the outstanding, free-standing gymnasium, demolishing the pool, and mothballing the auditorium.
Councilman Polensek criticized the Mayor and Dr. Morgan for not having a game plan for the East Side.
“I don't say anything behind closed doors I won't say publicly. I don't think the mayor understands Cleveland's East Side. I don't think Dr. Morgan understands the East Side because they don't live on the East Side.
“This is very personal for me,” Councilman Polensek wrote. “My two sisters, three of my children, and I attended Hannah Gibbons Elementary. I am a proud graduate of Collinwood High School, as were my late mother, two sisters, and some of my aunts and uncles. I grew up in this neighborhood, and it’s still my home.”
“CMSD and Dr. Morgan have—and continue to—hurt my neighborhood. We won’t forget that.”
In closing his letter, Councilman Polensek asked Mr. Moss to change the city’s approach in Cleveland’s northeast neighborhoods. “You and your team have an opportunity to reverse this pattern and do the right thing. This Councilman will be watching you every step of the way, because I am not about to allow my neighborhood to be screwed again.”
“I have to tell you, I am one pissed-off Councilman.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Office of Councilmember Mike Polensek
Cleveland City Council, Ward 10
(216) 664-4236