Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce two leadership updates within the district. Mr. Nat Akiona has been named the next principal of Yates Primary School, and Mrs. Emily Raper has been named the new principal of Cleveland Middle School. Mr. Akiona currently serves as principal of Cleveland Middle School, where he has led since joining Cleveland City Schools in 2021. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Mr. Akiona brings a deep love for students and a heart for service. His move to Yates Primary marks a new chapter of service within Cleveland City Schools, where he will have the opportunity to support some of the district’s youngest learners and the educators who help build their foundation. “Mr. Akiona brings a wealth of school leadership experience to Yates,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “He leads with drive and energy. We are excited for the Yates Primary families and community to experience his care, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping children grow.” “I have always enjoyed the world of elementary education,” Mr. Akiona said. “It is where miracles are considered daily accomplishments. Seeing the growth that happens in this age group and having a part in their development is a great honor. I look forward to working with the wonderful staff at Yates Primary School, many of whom I previously had the privilege to work with.” Mrs. Raper currently serves as an assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School, where she has continued to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her connection to CMS began in 2011, when she started her career in Cleveland City Schools as a student teacher at the middle school. Since then, Mrs. Raper has served Cleveland City Schools in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, BLADE Facilitator, Operations Assistant Principal at Blythe Bower Elementary School, and assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School. Her experience across both instruction and school leadership has given her a strong understanding of what students and teachers need to thrive. “Mrs. Raper is a proven leader who knows and loves Cleveland Middle School,” said Dr. Elliott. “She has built meaningful relationships across this district, and she brings both a teacher’s heart and a leader’s vision to this role. We are excited for her to continue serving the CMS community in this new capacity.” “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of principal at a school that means so much to me personally and professionally,” Mrs. Raper said. “After 15 years serving this community as both a teacher and an administrator, I know all of the amazing things that happen at CMS each day. I am proud to continue working alongside our outstanding students, staff, and families as we build an even brighter future together.” Cleveland City Schools looks forward to Mrs. Raper’s continued leadership at Cleveland Middle School and to welcoming Mr. Akiona to the Yates Primary School community. These leadership updates reflect the district’s continued commitment to strong relationships, meaningful service, and student success across Cleveland City Schools.

Cleveland City Schools Announces Leadership Updates at Cleveland Middle School and Yates Primary School

May 22, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce two leadership updates within the district. Mr. Nat Akiona has been named the next principal of Yates Primary School, and Mrs. Emily R...
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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

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...
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Daddy Daughter Dance

March 16, 2026
Join us for this fun evening on March 27 from 6:30-8:30 in the Ross Gymnasium.
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Spirit Night

August 17, 2025
Our first Spirit Night will be held at Fazoli's on September 11 from 4:00-8:00.
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Grandparents' Day Luncheon

August 17, 2025
Join us for our Grandparents' Day Lunch on September 5.
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Back to School Information

June 28, 2025
2025-2026 Back to School Information
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Staff Members of the Year

November 1, 2024
Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Year!
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Fall Festival Postponed

September 25, 2024
Due to forecasted flooding, Fall Festival will be rescheduled to Friday, October 18th. Any pre-ordered armbands or dinner tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. Thank y...
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Cleveland City Schools Names Casey Price as Assistant Principal of Yates Primary School

July 12, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Price as the new Assistant Principal of Yates Primary School. Price, who previously served as the Assistant ...
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Cleveland City Schools Announces Melissa Bishop as Principal of Yates Primary School

July 11, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Bishop as the next Principal of Yates Primary School. Melissa Bishop, who has dedicated 20 years of servic...
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Cleveland City Schools Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Communication

June 26, 2024
Cleveland City Schools has been recognized by the National School of Public Relations Association (NSPRA) with the prestigious Golden Achievement Award. This honor was awarded for...
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Randy Stephens Chosen as Next Supervisor of Career and Technical Education

June 21, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Randy Stephens as its next Supervisor of Career and Technical Education. Mr. Stephens’ extensive experience as a...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Meeting June 10

June 9, 2024
The Cleveland City Board of Education will meet on Monday, June 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Office Building (AOB). You can view the full agenda here.
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Students giving a presentation on Blind, Deaf, and Mute Cooking

Cleveland City Schools CTE Newsletter

June 3, 2024
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
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Supporting Student Mental Health in Cleveland City Schools

May 15, 2024
Supporting Student Mental Health in CCS The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month, a national observance that started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention...
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Cleveland City Board Names Dr. Jeff Elliott as Next Director of Schools

May 7, 2024
Following a special-called meeting on Tuesday, the Cleveland City Board announced the appointment of Dr. Jeff Elliott as the next Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools. D...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Approves 2024-2025 Budget, Includes 5% Salary Increase for Full-Time Staff

May 7, 2024
During its monthly board meeting on Monday, the Cleveland City Board of Education approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Notably, this budget includes a 5% pay increas...
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Cleveland City Schools Named 2023-2024 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools® District Award Winner

May 6, 2024
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce its recognition as a 2023-2024 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools District award winner. Cleveland City Schools is the fi...
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Universal Screening for Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Support for Students

April 23, 2024
Universal Screening for Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Support As part of our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, Cleveland City Schools wi...
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Cleveland City Board of Education Announces Three Finalists for Director of Schools Position

April 22, 2024
The Cleveland City Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of three finalists for the role of Director of Schools. After an extensive search process, the Board ha...
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