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.
Dr. Warren G. Morgan