In a compelling legal battle, a high school student has taken on an educational institution, raising significant questions about safety and liability. Aaliyah Johnson filed a complaint against the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and Lisa Harris in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on December 31, 2025. The case centers around an incident at Campus International High School where Johnson was injured by a falling ceiling tile during a physical education class.
The lawsuit arose from events on December 8, 2022, when Johnson was participating in a volleyball game in the school’s Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). During the game, a volleyball struck the ceiling tile twice, causing it to fall and hit Johnson’s head. This prompted her to sue CMSD and Harris for negligence. Johnson argued that the defendants were not immune from liability under Ohio’s Political Subdivision Tort Liability Act due to their failure to maintain safe conditions in the MPR. She presented evidence including photographs of hanging tiles taken before her injury and an architect’s report highlighting safety deficiencies in the gym’s design.
Johnson’s legal team submitted various exhibits supporting her claim that CMSD and Harris should have foreseen such risks. Her attorney provided testimony from Brenda Ransaw, who was responsible for replacing ceiling tiles and acknowledged being aware of the risk posed by students playing ball games in the MPR. The defense countered with claims of statutory immunity and argued that any hazards were open and obvious.
The court partially sided with Johnson, affirming that CMSD’s immunity could be pierced under R.C. 2744.02(B)(4) due to employee negligence leading to physical defects within school grounds. However, it also recognized potential defenses for CMSD under R.C. 2744.03(A)(5), questioning whether Harris acted recklessly by allowing volleyball games despite known risks.
Johnson seeks judgment declaring CMSD liable for her injuries, demanding compensation for damages sustained due to alleged negligence. The court is tasked with determining whether the defendants’ actions constituted reckless disregard for student safety or if they are shielded by statutory immunities typically afforded to public entities.
Representing Johnson are attorneys Ernest L. Wilkerson Jr., and Kathryn M. Miley from Wilkerson and Associates Co., LPA, while Frank Consolo of Consolo Law Firm Co., LPA defends CMSD and Harris. Presiding over this case is Judge Lisa B. Forbes alongside Judges Eileen T. Gallagher and William A. Klatt (retired). The case ID is CV-23-985259.
Source: 2025Ohio5852_Johnson_v_Cleveland_Metropolitan_School_District_Opinion_Ohio_Court_of_Appeals.pdf