CLEVELAND — Change lays ahead for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as CEO Eric Gordon announced Monday his intention to step down following the 2022-2023 school year.
On Tuesday, city leaders reacted to the news of Gordon's departure after a decade of service to CMSD. Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin says Gordon's seat will be a tough one to fill.
"People that were very close to Eric, like myself, had a chance to talk with him yesterday (Monday)," Griffin told 3News. "And it was an emotional time because we've been through the battles together."
But while Gordon is leaving behind a legacy he built for CMSD in his 11-year tenure as CEO, Griffin calls the timeline to find a successor "aggressive."
"June is not far away," Griffin added. "You're talking about almost an eight-and-a-half run-up that we really have to get somebody on board."
Before the end of Gordon's term in June 2023, the new CEO will be chosen by the CMSD's board of education, then approved by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. "I know the mayor and the school board will probably do a national search and I just want somebody excellent," said Griffin.
Griffin says he's looking for two things in the CMSD's next leader: Excellence and a leader with a real love for Cleveland.
"I really love local people because I think people that understand Cleveland is a big city, but a small town fit better. However, whoever we get, I just want them to be excellent," he stated.
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