CEO Weekly Focus

February 28, 2024

Greetings CMSD Families and Friends,

 

As expected, the current week has proved to be both momentous and challenging for our District. As we confront hard choices and difficult decisions as an organization, candid transparency and communication is our operating mantra.  Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m., I hosted an in-person and virtual Town Hall meeting which was open to all employees.  

 

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on the District’s financial deficit plan as well as the active steps being taken to address our financial reality. My leadership team and I answered questions and addressed concerns raised during the meeting.

 

Shortly after that town hall session concluded at East Professional Center, I, along with the CMSD Board of Education, convened our monthly board business meeting at Whitney Young Prek-8. At that meeting, I outlined for the board the deficit reduction plan that we must submit to the state of Ohio on Thursday. The board approved the plan.

 

As a primary CMSD stakeholder, you are undoubtedly familiar with the District's budget realities. With the remaining federal pandemic relief funds soon ending, we have forecasted a projected 2-year negative cash balance of $168 million, which demands that we create a clear and concise plan of action going forward.

 

As often stated in the past, despite all challenges, we are unequivocally committed to ensuring that our instructional curriculum, classroom provisions, and student services remain strong. As financial stewards of the District, we are also committed to providing continuing transparency in the way we keep you and the rest of the public informed on the steps we are taking to maintain the fiscal health and momentum of the District. Whether that’s meeting with Cleveland City Council, which we did Monday afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine, whom we met with last week, or active engagement with clergy, political ward leaders, or grassroots community volunteers, we look forward to meaningful engagement with the public.

 

As a District, we’ve faced such financial straits before, and we’ve prevailed. We will once again! With the continued pursuit of Excellence & Achievement being one of our core values, our future remains very bright.

 

Yours in gratitude,

Dr. Warren G. Morgan

 

CMSD Calendar

Upcoming Events

CMSD Job Fair

Thursday, February 29, 2024

9 am - 3 pm

East Professional Center

- Substitute Secretaries

- Substitute Teachers

- Substitute Paraprofessionals

 

CMSD Parent University

Fatherhood Table Talk

Saturday, March 9, 2024

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

John F Kennedy High School

Click to register

 

 

See full list of events

 

Special Observances

February

Black History Month

Career and Technical Education Month

 

March

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

National Women's History Month

Amyloidosis Awareness Month

National Read Across America Day - 3/2

Dr. Seuss' Birthday - 3/2

School Social Work Week 3/3-3/9

National School Breakfast Week 3/4 - 3/8

 

As we look ahead to graduation in May, it is essential to ensure that our CMSD students have access to every resource available to pursue their dreams of higher education. One critical step in this journey is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Whether you're a parent guiding your 12th grade student through the college application process or a member of our supportive community, encouraging FAFSA completion can make a significant difference in our students' futures.

 

The FAFSA is more than just an application; it's a gateway to financial aid opportunities. By completing this free form, students unlock access to federal, state and institutional financial aid. Additionally, private financial aid providers may also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their assistance. Encouraging students and families to complete the FAFSA is a crucial step in making higher education more accessible and affordable.

 

Navigating the financial aid landscape can be overwhelming, but our students and families don't have to do it alone. Our partner College Now Greater Cleveland is here to provide personalized guidance and support to our students every step of the way. Whether students have questions about FAFSA completion, need assistance with financial aid applications or seek advice on college and career planning, College Now is our trusted resource. Students and parents can reach out to their College Now advisor, email fafsa@collegenowgc.org or call 216-241-5587 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

 

Faculty, staff, parents and community members play a vital role in supporting our students' educational journeys. By spreading the word about the importance of FAFSA completion and connecting families with resources like College Now Greater Cleveland, we can empower our students to achieve their academic goals.

Measuring Our Progress

58

CEO school visits this year out of a total of 102.

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