Cincinnati Public Schools is actively reorganizing its learning environments and modernizing classroom technology. The district implements a comprehensive "District Performance, Redesign, Sustainability, and Growth Plan" for the 2025-2026 school year, establishing new middle school models and updating school attendance boundaries. This involves deploying interactive learning ecosystems and managing student device usage across its campuses.
These initiatives create operational pressure on existing systems, requiring seamless integration of new instructional tools and coordinated management of student movement and technology. Learning management systems and campus network infrastructure become critical for supporting reorganized school structures and advanced classroom technology. Vendors can support Cincinnati Public Schools by providing solutions for technology integration, facilities management, and educational support systems that facilitate these significant operational shifts.
Cincinnati Public Schools Snapshot
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio School District: Cincinnati Public Schools Grades Served: Preschool to 12th grade Technology Environment: Interactive learning ecosystems, 1:1 device management, Clear Touch interactive panels Key Initiative: District Performance, Redesign, Sustainability, and Growth Plan Website: https://www.cps-k12.org
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
| Funding Activity | Amount | Operational Area | Current School-Level Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Planning Consulting Services (ITB B2600003) | Not specified (consulting services) | District Operations / Planning | Supports the development of strategic goals influencing future resource allocation and operational priorities for Cincinnati Public Schools. |
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shauna Murphy | Superintendent | Administration | murphys@cps-k12.org |
| Michael Gustin | Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer | Finance | gustinm@cpsboe.k12.oh.us |
| Jeremy Gollihue | Chief Information Officer | Information and Technology Management | - |
| Christopher Burkhardt | Chief Operating Officer | Operations | - |
| Dr. Alesia Smith | Deputy Superintendent | Academics | - |
| Robin Brandon | Facilities Department Contact | Facilities | (513) @cpsboe.k12.oh.us (email incomplete in source) |
| Michael Turner | Career and Technical Education Manager | Career and Technical Education | (513) 363-0383 |
| nvendor@cpsboe.k12.oh.us | Purchasing Department Contact | Purchasing | nvendor@cpsboe.k12.oh.us |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Implementing Phase 2 of the District Performance, Redesign, Sustainability, and Growth Plan for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Reorganizing school structures by establishing a middle school model and updating attendance boundaries.
- Expanding specialized learning environments, including Montessori programs and Career Technical Education pathways.
- Modernizing classroom technology with interactive learning ecosystems across school buildings.
- Maintaining and enforcing student mobile device policies with physical storage solutions.
- Developing new strategic planning goals through consulting services.
- Establishing Welcome Centers at high schools to support newcomer and English Learner families.
What Companies Can Sell to Cincinnati Public Schools
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Planning & Consulting Services | Developing strategic planning goals for the district. | Coordinating diverse stakeholder input across academic, operational, and community groups. | Offer structured planning methodologies to integrate feedback and define actionable objectives. |
| Classroom Technology Providers | Modernizing classroom technology with interactive learning ecosystems. | Ensuring consistent device functionality and support across over 60 school buildings. | Provide integrated interactive display solutions that offer remote management and robust support. |
| Expanding specialized learning environments, including Career Technical Education pathways. | Equipping new CTE programs with industry-relevant tools and adaptable learning stations. | Supply hands-on educational technology tailored for vocational and technical skill development. | |
| Student Device Management Solutions | Maintaining and enforcing student mobile device policies with physical storage solutions. | Managing device distribution, collection, and charging logistics for Yondr pouches in multiple schools. | Deliver secure storage and charging systems for student devices, ensuring operational efficiency. |
| Network Infrastructure Vendors | Implementing Phase 2 of the District Performance, Redesign, Sustainability, and Growth Plan. | Supporting increased data traffic from expanded technology use and new school configurations. | Propose scalable wireless and wired network upgrades to ensure reliable connectivity. |
| Educational Software & Content | Establishing a middle school model and updating attendance boundaries. | Delivering consistent instructional resources and digital curricula across reorganized grade levels. | Offer adaptable digital learning platforms and curriculum content for diverse student populations. |
| Facilities Support & Maintenance | Operational needs for existing infrastructure. | Ensuring safe and functional learning environments across all campuses. | Provide specialized maintenance services for school facilities, ensuring compliance and operational readiness. |
| Language & Immigrant Support Services | Establishing Welcome Centers at high schools for newcomer and English Learner families. | Providing comprehensive translation services and culturally sensitive support materials. | Offer multilingual communication tools and professional development for staff supporting EL students. |
| School Safety & Security Vendors | Maintaining and enforcing student mobile device policies with physical storage solutions. | Ensuring physical security of student devices and managing compliance with district policies. | Supply secure storage solutions and access control systems for student cell phones within school premises. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Cincinnati Public Schools
- The district is undergoing significant structural reorganization for the 2025-2026 school year, creating new operational needs.
- Cincinnati Public Schools is investing in modern classroom technology, indicating an active buying environment for instructional tools.
- The district is expanding specialized academic pathways, requiring new equipment and resources.
- Operational changes drive demand for systems that improve efficiency in student management and communication.
- There is a visible focus on strategic planning and optimizing operations, signaling opportunities for consulting and support services.
1. District Redesign and School Reorganization
What Cincinnati Public Schools Is Doing
Cincinnati Public Schools is implementing Phase 2 of its District Performance, Redesign, Sustainability, and Growth Plan during the 2025-2026 school year. This plan establishes a middle school model across three corridors (west, central, and east) and includes significant school-level changes, such as expanding LEAP Academy to Pk-8 and transforming Ethel M. Taylor Academy into a junior high school. Five new middle schools are opening, and Montessori seats are expanding.
Key Buyer Personas
- Superintendent
- Deputy Superintendent
- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Facilities
- School Principals
- Curriculum & Instruction Director
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating student transitions between newly configured grade levels and school buildings.
- Updating transportation routes and logistics for revised attendance boundaries.
- Ensuring consistent curriculum delivery and instructional support across newly formed middle schools.
- Managing facility adjustments and resource allocation for changing school populations.
Relevant Company Categories for Cincinnati Public Schools
- Educational Consulting Services
- Student Information Systems (SIS) Providers
- School Furniture and Equipment Suppliers
- Curriculum Development Platforms
- Transportation Management Solutions
Relevant Companies
Educational Consulting Services
EY-Parthenon — Provides strategy consulting services for education systems.
Why relevant: Offers expertise in district-wide reorganization and strategic planning.
Cambridge Education — Specializes in school improvement and educational reform.
Why relevant: Supports districts in implementing new educational models and structures.
Student Information Systems (SIS)
PowerSchool — Offers a comprehensive suite of K-12 education technology, including SIS.
Why relevant: Helps manage student data, enrollment, and transfers across multiple school configurations.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Cincinnati Public Schools is actively reorganizing school structures and establishing a middle school model for 2026.
Districts undergoing similar reconfigurations often encounter challenges with student data synchronization and ensuring smooth transitions across various platforms.
Many are exploring integrated SIS solutions early to avoid operational disruptions. Happy to share some insights on seamless student migration if useful."
2. Classroom Technology Modernization
What Cincinnati Public Schools Is Doing
Cincinnati Public Schools is modernizing its classroom technology by transitioning from older projection systems to interactive learning ecosystems. This involves the ongoing implementation of interactive flat panels, such as Clear Touch displays, in over 60 school buildings. The district emphasizes reliable performance and comprehensive support for these new interactive tools.
Key Buyer Personas
- Chief Information Officer
- Classroom Technology Manager
- Director of Instructional Technology
- Director of Curriculum & Instruction
- School Principals
Operational Challenges
- Ensuring equitable access and functional interactive display technology in all classrooms.
- Coordinating technical support and troubleshooting for a large-scale deployment of new devices.
- Providing ongoing professional development for educators to maximize interactive technology use.
- Integrating interactive panels with existing classroom software and network infrastructure.
Relevant Company Categories for Cincinnati Public Schools
- Interactive Display Manufacturers
- Classroom Management Software
- Professional Development Services for EdTech
- Audio-Visual Integrators
- Device Management Platforms
Relevant Companies
Interactive Display Manufacturers
Promethean — Develops interactive flat panel displays and educational software.
Why relevant: Offers integrated hardware and software solutions for interactive learning environments.
Smart Technologies — Provides interactive whiteboards and displays for education.
Why relevant: Supplies interactive classroom technology compatible with various learning platforms.
Professional Development Services for EdTech
EdTechTeam — Offers customized professional learning for educators on technology integration.
Why relevant: Provides training to help teachers effectively use new interactive classroom technologies.
Sample Outbound Angle
"It appears Cincinnati Public Schools is modernizing classroom technology, deploying interactive learning ecosystems.
Schools transitioning to new interactive displays often face challenges with consistent teacher adoption and maximizing technology's instructional impact without dedicated training.
Many districts are finding success with targeted professional development programs to ensure effective use. Can share approaches that align technology with teaching goals if helpful."
3. Student Mobile Device Management and Policy
What Cincinnati Public Schools Is Doing
For the 2025-2026 school year, Cincinnati Public Schools continues its policy of prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. The district is implementing Yondr phone pouches across all high schools and expanding their use to middle and junior high schools. This initiative aims to reduce distractions and improve student engagement and behavior during instructional hours.
Key Buyer Personas
- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Security Services
- Chief Information Officer
- School Principals
- Student Services Director
Operational Challenges
- Managing the daily distribution and collection of Yondr pouches for all students.
- Ensuring consistent enforcement of the cellphone policy across multiple school sites.
- Addressing parent and student concerns regarding emergency communication during school hours.
- Integrating the physical management of pouches with existing school safety protocols.
Relevant Company Categories for Cincinnati Public Schools
- Student Device Storage Solutions
- School Security Systems
- Parent Communication Platforms
- Behavior Management Solutions
- Operational Logistics Providers
Relevant Companies
Student Device Storage Solutions
Yondr — Provides secure, magnetic pouches for phone-free spaces.
Why relevant: Directly addresses Cincinnati Public Schools' policy for student cellphone storage.
LocknCharge — Manufactures charging and storage solutions for mobile devices.
Why relevant: Offers secure and efficient ways to manage large quantities of student devices.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Cincinnati Public Schools is expanding the use of Yondr pouches for student cellphones across middle and junior high schools in 2026.
Schools implementing similar policies often encounter operational friction with efficient collection and return processes at scale, impacting instructional time.
Many are optimizing these workflows with tailored logistics solutions to ensure minimal disruption. Curious if that's a current focus."
4. Strategic Planning and Operational Optimization
What Cincinnati Public Schools Is Doing
Cincinnati Public Schools initiated a procurement process in October 2025 to secure consulting services for developing strategic planning goals. This project, active from December 2025 through June 2026, involves stakeholder engagement, strategy workshops, and budget refinement. The aim is to direct resource allocation and define benchmarks for measuring district progress.
Key Buyer Personas
- Superintendent
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Performance and Accountability
- Board of Education Members
Operational Challenges
- Synthesizing diverse feedback from students, teachers, parents, and community members into coherent strategic objectives.
- Translating high-level strategic goals into measurable benchmarks and actionable plans.
- Ensuring alignment between strategic initiatives and the district's operational budget.
- Communicating the strategic plan effectively to all stakeholders to foster buy-in and collaboration.
Relevant Company Categories for Cincinnati Public Schools
- Management Consulting Firms
- Strategic Planning Software
- Data Analytics and Reporting Tools
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Platforms
- Change Management Consultants
Relevant Companies
Management Consulting Firms
Bellwether — Offers strategic advising and consulting for education organizations.
Why relevant: Provides expertise in developing strategic plans and optimizing operational performance.
The Bridgespan Group — Specializes in consulting for non-profits and mission-driven organizations.
Why relevant: Helps translate vision into actionable strategies with measurable outcomes.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Looks like Cincinnati Public Schools is working with consultants through June 2026 to develop new strategic planning goals.
Organizations undertaking similar strategic initiatives often face challenges in translating broad objectives into concrete, measurable operational benchmarks.
Many are leveraging specific analytics and reporting tools to track progress more effectively. I can share some examples if helpful."
Final Take
Cincinnati Public Schools is currently navigating a significant operational transformation in 2026, driven by its district redesign and ongoing technology modernizations. These initiatives create immediate operational pressures related to student management, instructional technology integration, and policy enforcement across reorganized campuses. Vendors who can provide solutions for streamlined student information systems, robust classroom technology support, efficient device management, and strategic operational consulting are well-positioned to assist Cincinnati Public Schools in achieving its educational and administrative goals.
Need help selling to U.S. Schools?
Identify school buying signals like grants, contract renewals, and more, find key decision-maker contacts, and reach out to the right schools at the right time with Pintel.ai.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cincinnati Public Schools' main initiatives in 2026? Cincinnati Public Schools is reorganizing school structures, modernizing classroom technology, and developing new strategic planning goals.
Who are the key decision-makers for technology purchases at Cincinnati Public Schools? Key decision-makers include the Chief Information Officer and the Classroom Technology Manager.
What operational challenges does Cincinnati Public Schools face with its new middle school model? Operational challenges include coordinating student transitions, updating transportation, and ensuring consistent curriculum delivery across reorganized schools.
Is Cincinnati Public Schools investing in new classroom technology? Yes, Cincinnati Public Schools is modernizing classrooms with interactive learning ecosystems, including interactive flat panel displays.
How can vendors contact the Cincinnati Public Schools purchasing department? Vendors can reach the Cincinnati Public Schools Purchasing Department via email at nvendor@cpsboe.k12.oh.us.
What is Cincinnati Public Schools' policy on student cellphones for 2026? Cincinnati Public Schools maintains a "no cellphone during school day" policy, implementing Yondr phone pouches in high schools, middle, and junior high schools.