It is my honor to be the new athletics director at Cleveland High School. I have worked in the Seattle Public Schools (SPS) for 33 years and helped build the Rainier Beach HS sports program as athletic director. During the pandemic, there was a teacher shortage, and I was able to substitute teach at Cleveland. I fell in love with the school, its culture, and its students during this time. When the athletics director position became available, they needed help to fill the position. Peers at SPS contacted me and asked if I would be interested in the athletic director position at CHS. I jumped at the chance and came out of full retirement to help CHS students and the CHS sports program.
I would like to take this opportunity to address my growing concerns about Cleveland’s current financial situation.
Our current athletics budget is $863. This is pathetic. Cleveland students are at a significant disadvantage in this arena because we lack uniforms and essential equipment that helps bolster a successful program. Unfortunately, the school district’s new financial budget structure provides transportation to and from games and nothing else. Schools are left to fend for themselves by way of fundraising.
Out of all the SPS schools, Cleveland is at the greatest disadvantage as other high schools have active boosters and million-dollar endowments that help fund their programs.
This year, together with the PTSA, we have formed a small group of parents and alumni to re-establish a CHS Booster Committee to fundraise. The desire is to bring Eagle pride and spirit back to our beloved school and to provide a higher quality experience for our students, athletes, and the Eagle community.
Alumni – we need your support!
Please consider giving to the CHS Booster! Donations will be dedicated to athletics and spirit initiatives to help offer a quality program with memorable student experiences. I aim to have a healthy annual operating budget dedicated to these important student activities each year so our programs can thrive and not just survive, like in past years.
You can donate to CHS sports via the CHS Alumni Association (CHSAA) or through the CHS PTSA as described below:
Donate through the CHS Alumni Association
– Online: Make a secure one-time or recurring donation at www.clevelandalumsea.org/donate – designate the Sports fund.
– Via mail: Download/Print the Donation Form and mail it with a check. This form is also in every newsletter sent to subscribers.
Donate through the CHS PTSA
– Online: https://clevelandhs.seattleschools.org/get-involved/ptsa/ Using PayPal and note “CHS Booster” under “What is this payment for?”
– Via mail and check payable to “Cleveland PTSA” (note “CHS Booster” on the check), ℅ Cleveland High School, 5511 15th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108.
l look forward to a strong partnership between CHSAA, the CHS Booster Committee, and Cleveland High School. We greatly appreciate your support.
Dan Jurdy – Go Eagles!
CHS Athletic Director
