CLEVELAND — Two members of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education — its former chair and current vice chair — are stepping down from the board this summer.
According to a news release from CMSD administrator Candice Grose, vice chair Leah Hudnall and longtime board member Denise Link will wrap up their service as the school year ends.
Hudnall explained she would leave her seat "to pursue new opportunities that will align with my long-term career goals." Link, a vice president at PNC Bank who has served on the board since 2007, said her "professional work responsibilities and travel have increased to the point that I can no longer devote the time necessary to serve effectively on the Board."
In a statement, board chair Sara Elaqad expressed her "profound gratitude" to Hudnall and Link for their "faithful service."
"It has been an honor to work alongside them on behalf of Cleveland children and families. They will be sorely missed," Elaqad said. "We will work closely on next steps and timelines to fill the vacancies created by their departures.”
Hudnall, an assistant professor at Cleveland State University who was appointed to the board in 2022 and named vice chair last July, said she remains supportive of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan.
"I’m grateful to have served alongside dedicated education champions," Hudnall said. "During my time on the Board, I have been passionate about elevating the voices of students, parents, alumni, and the community. My family has been connected to the District for generations, and I will continue to advocate for high-quality education for every child in Cleveland."
Hudnall added she looks forward to supporting CMSD's bond issue and operating levy in the fall elections.
Link has served four terms on the board and was chair from 2009 to 2017. Before joining the board, the University of Michigan and Case Western Reserve University alum served on the CMSD Bond Accountability Commission.
"I am honored to have served the students and families of Cleveland since 2007," Link said. "I look forward to continuing to support the school district and board leadership as a champion of public education in our city.”
