Dr. Heath Morrison, who was named the new superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in April, unveiled his entry plan at a media briefing May 25. The plan sets specific goals and activities to begin before his start date of July 1 and continue through the end of the year.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Chairperson Ericka Ellis-Stewart introduced Dr. Morrison at the briefing, and other members of the Board were also present.

“This entry plan has two main purposes,” Dr. Morrison said. “It will give me a solid framework as I assume my new responsibilities and it will help CMS employees, families and the public understand what I am doing and why. During the search process, I heard many people say that CMS doesn’t listen to them, and this process will allow me to listen carefully and closely.”

The entry plan sets five goals, with pre-entry and entry actions for each. The goals are:

• To focus organizational efforts and align resources to ensure all students are college and career-ready and achievement gaps are closed
• To establish and promote highly effective district governance by building a trusting, productive, collaborative relationship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education
• To increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency and ensure high performance and support to schools
• To establish a respectful, positive district culture centered on teaching and learning
• To build public trust capital and confidence through open, honest communication and positive relationships

To achieve these goals, Dr. Morrison said, he will listen, learn, share his thinking and build strong relationships with the Board, CMS employees and the public.

He said his first 100 days would be spent listening to the many constituencies concerned with public education and learning about CMS internally as well as how it is perceived externally.

“I’m expecting three major outcomes from these activities,” he said. “I’ll create a comprehensive summary of what I’ve learned and develop an outline of how to work with the Board and with CMS staff to improve the district. It’s our hope that these activities will energize and engage the district and the community so we’re ready to work together.”

Dr. Morrison also said that he and the Board shared a sense of urgency about the work. “We need to do these things with all due speed,” he said. “Delays are not good for the students of CMS.”

Before accepting the superintendency of CMS, Dr. Morrison led the Washoe County (Reno), Nevada, school district which has 64,000 students. He began his career as a teacher, principal and area superintendent in Maryland, working in Charles and Montgomery counties.

Related article: Superintendent Heath Morrison Presents Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Entry Plan