CINCINNATI — Interim Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy’s first State of the Schools address, which began with a quartet of students playing jazz for the incoming audience, opened with a pre- produced and highlighted kids doing special things in the district, but pivoted to a controversial plan when Murphy got into the “what’s next” portion of his speech.

There, Murphy exhibited the district plans to spend more than $200 million to overhaul operations within the district.

At a meeting on Mondayseveral school board members expressed concerns about the plan, so WCPO asked Murphy if it was feasible or reasonable to undertake.

We asked him if the plan could be funded over time.

“I believe it’s absolutely something that can be paid for. Again, to your point, it will happen over time. Over the next few years. Now we’re looking at getting a lot of phase 2 for next school year if I get the We need the support to get there, but it’s going to take the next few years to get there,” Murphy said.

Criticism of transparency was partly at the origin of former superintendent Iranetta Wright resigns.

#NOW: Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy will soon take the stage for the first time for the State of Cincinnati Public Schools address.@WCPO pic.twitter.com/xmE8w2yPU3

–Sean DeLancey (@SeanDeLanceyTV) November 6, 2024

According to a presentation to the board, the district held dozens of meetings with principals, parents and other stakeholders during the development of the plan, and when we asked, Murphy said that open communication and transparency were key to any final plan.

“I believe communication is key to any relationship. If we keep communication open, everything should be fine,” Murphy said.

Several school board members expressed concerns about the details of the plan or the entire plan at Monday’s meeting.

We asked Murphy if his open communication policy might help some members vote “yes.”

“I think they want to make sure all the I’s are highlighted and all the T’s are crossed. I respect that. I need their questions and their comments,” she said.

Murphy said she is open to changes in policy to gain board approval, but said she would like to see significant changes in the district in the next school year.