The Cleveland Board of Education sent out a letter Thursday inviting Clevelanders to participate in the first stages of the CEO selection process. The public can engage with the board and the CEO search firm by completing an online survey or by attending any of three community meetings held both virtually and in person across the city.
During the community meetings, parents will have the opportunity to talk with the Alma Advisory Group, the search firm hired by the Cleveland Board of Education to find a replacement for outgoing CEO Eric Gordon. Attendees will be encouraged to share what they want to see in a new school district leader.
Ultimately, the CEO will be hired by the school board, with approval from Mayor Justin Bibb.
Board President Anne Bingham said in a statement the candidate selection process is “robust and interactive,” adding that the board values community input.
Mayor Bibb agreed with Bingham, saying it is a tremendous responsibility to find a leader who can build on CEO Gordon’s legacy.
Cleveland schools have not yet confirmed with Signal Cleveland whether any information about potential candidates will be shared with meeting participants or whether residents will be involved in future steps of the hiring process.
How to participate
Take the online survey, scheduled to be available Jan. 12-31
Attend one of the community meetings virtually or in person – You can register in advance to attend a meeting virtually
- Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6-8 pm – East Professional Center 1349 E 79th St.
- Wednesday, Jan. 18 6-8 pm – Max S. Hayes High School, 2211 W 65th St.
- Thursday, Jan. 19 6-8 pm – John F. Kennedy High School, 15111 Miles Ave.
Accommodations such as meals, child care, and sign language translators will be provided at all meeting locations.The Max S. Hayes meeting includes an exclusively Spanish breakout room.
The district has also set up an email, ceosearch@clevelandmetroschools.org, where anyone can share comments, questions, or suggestions related to the CEO search and selection process.
Keep up with the CEO search at the CMSD website.