Cleveland Council members Kevin Conwell and TJ Dow shared these comments in reaction to Eugene Sanders’ announcement that he’s stepping down as superintendent of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District:

The resignation of Dr. Eugene Sanders as CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District leaves us with one clear emotion – disappointment.

Just months into the massive Transformation Plan, Dr. Sanders announces it is time for his departure. And as the district works to find an interim director and eventually a new CEO, thousands of students, teachers and staff will forge ahead with uncertainty. 

His departure leaves questions over leadership, commitment and direction.  Many in the community stood behind him and the board as their radical Transformation Plan took shape and launched in August.  Again, Cleveland must adjust and await the direction of yet another school CEO. Hopefully, we can bring in a leader that exudes integrity, commitment and the ability to see our children through to success.

We understand that in life one must make changes to grow and develop their careers. However, when one is a leader for our children, a role model, and someone who must set an example of commitment you cannot simply walk away. Dr. Sanders will leave Cleveland behind, but our children remain in a school district struggling to redefine itself.

Dr. Sanders had expectations for the students of Cleveland. He expected them to commit to their studies, face the everyday challenges of urban life, progress through the school system, and graduate. It is a shame that he could not commit the same to them.

Season's Readings, an annual fundraiser, offers a festive evening aimed to raise money to purchase new books for the libraries of seven Cleveland Metropolitan School District elementary schools.

The fundraiser takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Club at Key Center, 127 Public Square Downtown.

Emcee Councilman Joe Cimperman will be joined by CMSD CEO Eugene Sanders, Principal Toni Miller of Douglas MacArthur School and a host of other guests for this festive evening aimed at "opening a new chapter for Cleveland School."

This year's Season's Readings benefit includes an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District All-City Jazz Band, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and the opportunity to participate in a live auction.

Dozens of live and silent auction items would make great holiday gifts, including:

• Napa Valley Wine Country Experience for two
• Cavs bench passes for the pre-game warm-up and tickets for the February 11 game
• An aerial tour of the Lake Erie Shore
• A Pin Flag and other authentic Masters Golf Tournament item
• And much, much more.

All proceeds from the event will go to the purchase of new library books for Euclid Park Elementary, Warner Elementary, Douglas MacArthur Elementary, Miles Park Elementary, Hannah Gibbons Elementary, Waverly Elementary and Buhrer Elementary.

Tickets ($50) are still available and can be purchased at the door.

Kent State University and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission are pleased to announce that the 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Gymnastics Championships will be hosted in Cleveland from April 15-17 at the Cleveland Wolstein Center. The championship field will consist of 12 teams, 12 all-around competitors and event specialists, all vying to be crowned the nation’s best. Approximately 200 gymnasts will compete in team and individual events including vault, bars, beam and floor. The top three teams from each semifinal will advance to the Super Six Team Finals on April 16th and the top four individuals from each semifinal in each event (plus ties) will advance to the Individual Event Finals on April 17.

"It’s an honor to serve as the host institution for the 2011 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships. Gymnastics has a long and storied history in Kent State athletics and we’re pleased to partner with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Wolstein Center to bring this event to Northeast Ohio for the first time in the nearly 30-year history of the championships,” stated Joel Nielsen, Kent State Director of Athletics.

Tickets are now on sale and start at $15 for individual sessions or $36 for all session passes. Discounted group rates for ten or more adults and/or youth tickets are also available.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ncaa.com/wgym or call the Cleveland Wolstein Center box office at (216) 687-4848.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Cleveland to host such a prestigious event as the nation’s best in women’s collegiate gymnastics will take the stage,” stated David Gilbert, President & CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.