Some Cincinnati Public Schools board members say they have engaged in a lot of healthy debate recently, while others say their counterparts have been downright disrespectful about alternative opinions.

        But the three incumbents and one newcomer elected to four-year terms Tuesday agree on at least one thing: The board needs to work more cooperatively in the coming months.

        “The contention on the school board slows further progress of the district,” said Sally Warner, a longtime parent activist who was elected for a second term. “The board needs to set goals and strategies for themselves. We have never done that.”

        Relations among board members was an issue in this year's race. Some board members say others don't support the superintendent and impede necessary reforms for this district, which is labeled in “academic emergency” by the state. Others feel their questions on important issues are ignored.

        But none of Tuesday's winners disputes the progress made so far in student achievement and the need for that success to continue.

        “I think it's always important to ask ourselves what's best for the children and is the information given to me compatible with what's best for the children?” said Catherine Ingram, an adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University who will begin her third term on the board in January.

        Sometimes perceived as an opponent of Superintendent Steven Adamowski, Ms. Ingram said she will continue her efforts to hold the administration accountable to the public.

        She said that will be especially important as the 42,000-student district implements sweeping changes, including redesigning five low-performing neighborhood high schools into smaller, program-focused schools of choice.

        But greater changes are planned for the school buildings themselves. Officials will soon unveil the biggest facilities building project in CPS history.

        The fate of the district's 76 school buildings will be disclosed by the end of January. The state has said 61 buildings should be replaced or closed rather than renovated.

        If the district agrees on which buildings to renovate and which to replace, the state says it will pay 23 percent of the cost. The total rebuilding project has been estimated at up to $900 million. The district will have to come up with the rest through a bond issue and other means.

        Board member Harriet Russell, a retired teacher elected to her third term Tuesday, said the district should inform and involve the public as soon as possible regarding the facilities improvements.

        She also said the discord among board members, though exaggerated, must be mitigated.

        “We should respect each other for our right to ask questions,” she said. “I don't believe anyone who elected me expects me to be a rubber stamp or a blind cheerleader.”

        Newcomer Melanie Bates, a seven-year state board of education member elected Tuesday, said the community isn't aware of the board's agenda.

        “The first thing the board needs to do is set their own goals,” she said.

        But she said her priority will be supporting more training opportunities for teachers and ensuring the community is informed about the facilities upgrades.

        Mr. Adamowski said he hopes the board looks at the “big picture” for proposed changes.

        “We will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to give our students the same quality schools that other students in the state have,” he said. “My best hope for the board is the board will take advantage of this.”

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