CLEVELAND — As the students and staff of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District start classes this week, it's also a new beginning for the district's CEO. Although Dr. Warren Morgan has been on the job for a month since taking over for Eric Gordon, his first academic year as the head of CMSD is now underway.
Morgan spoke with 3News Anchor and Managing Editor Russ Mitchell about a variety of topics during a one-on-one interview on Wednesday.
In many ways, this is a homecoming for Morgan. He worked for CMSD as a network leader for the Phase 2 Investment schools from July 2014 through August 2016. Morgan then left to become the chief academic officer for the Indianapolis Public Schools. He didn't imagine that his career path would take him back to Cleveland.
"Never. In fact, when Eric (Gordon) announced it (his resignation) almost a year ago, I started receiving calls, even from Eric himself, saying this is something you should consider," Morgan recalled. "I was like, 'no.'"
But as the process continued and more people encouraged him, Morgan decided to consider putting his hat in the ring.
"I'm so glad I did. I'm so fortunate to have gone through the process. To have been selected, I'm so grateful," he said.
Not long after being appointed to the position of CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Morgan laid out a "100-Day Entry Plan," describing some of his early priorities. He admits that while he's excited about the potential changes that can be made to CMSD, not everything can be done right away.
"You have to really meet the district where it is, build the capacity of the people, and really think about how do we integrate all that work," Morgan explained. "That's both a pro, because there's really a lot of excitement around that, but it can sometimes feel really challenging."
You can read Morgan's "100-Day Entry Plan" below:
Previous Reporting:
- Outgoing Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Eric Gordon announces new role at Tri-C
- 3News obtains new Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Dr. Warren Morgan's '100-day plan'
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District formally introduces Dr. Warren Morgan as new CEO: 'I do this work for kids like me'