CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Around 75 parents and students joined new CMS Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison Wednesday night, at Rocky River High School, for his first community discussion since taking office.
Morrison took over as the head of the state's second largest school district on July 2. Previously, he was the superintendent for the Washoe County School District in Reno, NV.
"I think we are a good school district, but I think we need to be a great school district," Morrison told the crowd Wednesday.
He talked to parents and students about diversity, the curriculum, and stereotype of the district. Morrison answered questions for about an hour, before speaking to parents in smaller groups.
"I appreciate him making himself available. I think that he's got a huge job ahead of him," said CMS parent Kris Jameson.
Michelle Searcy's daughter goes to University Park Creative Arts Elementary School, and she says the recent talk of it closing is concerning.
"I don't really necessarily want my child to be one of the kids that has to go through that process, and I'm not really sure where the intention is in going forward," Searcy said.
Morrison's office has said it's too early to tell exactly what will happen to the school. The majority of his talk Wednesday night focused on setting goals for the district.
"That's what we need to do is to make sure a CMS diploma is a guarantee to a college without needing remedial courses," he said.
Morrison's next community meeting will be Monday, September 17 at Harding High School. It's open to the public and begins at 6 p.m.
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