Cleveland City Schools is proud to celebrate the career and upcoming retirement of Melissa Bishop, Principal of Yates Primary School, after more than 20 years of dedicated service to the district. Bishop was hired by Cleveland City Schools in August 2003. Since that time, she has poured her heart into the students, families, teachers, and staff of the district. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal. For the last two years, she has served as Principal of Yates Primary School. In every role, Bishop has been known for her steady leadership, deep care for students, and strong commitment to helping teachers and schools succeed. Her work strengthened support for students and teachers across the district and reflected her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. “Melissa Bishop has made a lasting difference in Cleveland City Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “She has led with wisdom, kindness, and a genuine heart for children. Whether serving in the classroom, supporting teachers, or leading a school, Melissa has always kept students at the center of her work. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her every blessing in retirement.” Bishop said her years with Cleveland City Schools have been filled with meaningful relationships and a deep sense of purpose. “From teaching first and second graders, to leading intervention programs, to serving as a K through 2 principal, my career has been built on one belief: every child can succeed when someone believes in them first,” Bishop said. As Principal of Yates Primary School, Bishop has continued to lead with warmth, purpose, and a strong love for early learners. Her leadership has helped create a school environment where children are known, supported, and encouraged during some of the most important years of their education. Cleveland City Schools extends its heartfelt appreciation to Melissa Bishop for her many years of service, leadership, and dedication to the students, staff, and families of Cleveland.

Cleveland City Schools Celebrates the Career and Retirement of Yates Primary Principal Melissa Bishop

Cleveland City Schools

May 22, 2026

Cleveland City Schools is proud to celebrate the career and upcoming retirement of Melissa Bishop, Principal of Yates Primary School, after more than 20 years of dedicated service to the district.

Bishop was hired by Cleveland City Schools in August 2003. Since that time, she has poured her heart into the students, families, teachers, and staff of the district. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal. For the last two years, she has served as Principal of Yates Primary School.

In every role, Bishop has been known for her steady leadership, deep care for students, and strong commitment to helping teachers and schools succeed. Her work strengthened support for students and teachers across the district and reflected her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

“Melissa Bishop has made a lasting difference in Cleveland City Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “She has led with wisdom, kindness, and a genuine heart for children. Whether serving in the classroom, supporting teachers, or leading a school, Melissa has always kept students at the center of her work. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her every blessing in retirement.”

Bishop said her years with Cleveland City Schools have been filled with meaningful relationships and a deep sense of purpose.

“From teaching first and second graders, to leading intervention programs, to serving as a K through 2 principal, my career has been built on one belief: every child can succeed when someone believes in them first,” Bishop said.

As Principal of Yates Primary School, Bishop has continued to lead with warmth, purpose, and a strong love for early learners. Her leadership has helped create a school environment where children are known, supported, and encouraged during some of the most important years of their education.

Cleveland City Schools extends its heartfelt appreciation to Melissa Bishop for her many years of service, leadership, and dedication to the students, staff, and families of Cleveland.