Cleveland Metropolitan School District: Comprehensive Profile
Overview
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is one of Ohio's foremost public urban school districts, catering to the educational needs of over 36,000 students. With an estimated annual revenue of $1.2 billion, CMSD operates with a workforce of 4,822 employees, marking a 2% increase in employee count over the past year. Committed to educational excellence, CMSD offers diverse educational options such as STEM, single-gender, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Montessori programs under the vision encapsulated in The Cleveland Plan, an education reform initiative passed in 2012.
Leadership
Dr. Warren G. Morgan II - Chief Executive Officer
Appointed by Mayor Justin Bibb, Dr. Warren Morgan has been at the helm of CMSD since 2023. With a solid background as the Chief Academic Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools and a White House Fellow in 2016, he steers CMSD's strategic and academic policies. Dr. Morgan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Butler University, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and an Ed.D. in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois–Chicago.
Executive Leadership Team
- J.R. Tomkinson: Chief of Staff, responsible for executive-level project coordination.
- Dr. Selena Florence: Chief Academic Officer, guiding educational strategies.
- Karen Thompson: Chief of District Operations, overseeing operational management.
- Other critical roles: Chief of Equity and Culture, Chief External Affairs Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, and Talent & HR Officer.
Strategic Initiatives and Goals
CMSD is dedicated to enhancing educational equity through initiatives like the "Get More Opportunities Fund 2.0". The strategic focus includes rigorous curriculum implementation, community engagement, enhancement of educational environments, and safety protocols to foster student success. CMSD also partners with Ohio Connectivity Champions to improve digital access for students, with schools participating actively in state competitions such as robotics and innovation challenges.
Financial Insights
The district recently passed a $295 million tax levy, projected to bring in $52 million annually for operating expenses. Despite the boost, CMSD anticipates financial challenges, with cash reserves potentially dwindling to $25 million by the 2026-2027 school year and a $10.5 million shortfall in anticipated funding for low-income student support.
Key Competitors
CMSD's competitive landscape includes:
- Houston Independent School District: The largest in Texas.
- Dallas Independent School District: Revenue of $2.2 billion; known for innovative educational offerings.
- Atlanta Public Schools: Revenue of $976.8 million; emphasizes accessibility and diversity.
- Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District: Revenue of $1.3 billion; noted for its size and outreach.
Achievements
CMSD showcases success beyond academics, with recognition in state-level competitions, reflecting a holistic approach to student engagement and excellence.
Contact Information
- Headquarters: 1111 Superior Ave E, Suite 1800, Cleveland, OH 44114
- Phone: 216.838.0000
CMSD sustains robust community involvement through various communication channels, ensuring responsiveness to stakeholder needs and promoting feedback-driven improvement.
