Superintendent Heath Morrison presents plan for CMS Schools Monday night WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Heath Morrison's 100-days presentation began and ended with performances by students. Morrison says they are the best part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district, and the reason, some things have to change.

"We must be great not for awards but because that is what our students deserve, that's what our community expects," he said.

Morrison says he listened to the community in his first 100 days and saw positive initiatives during his school visits, but also places to improve. He laid out eight goals he says will be in place by the beginning of the next school year, including accelerating academic achievement for every child, while closing achievement gaps.

That is something that teachers and parents told Eyewitness News, was important.

"It could only benefit the kids to put them all at the same level, same playing field," said Rima Daya, a parent.

Morrison also says the district needs to ensure an effective teacher is in every class, an effective principal in every school. And he says the the district needs to make an effort to communicate proactively and transparently to strengthen public trust.

"We are not going to be so arrogant to think we've earned the public's trust, it is constant, it's never ending. We have to be constantly reaching out," said Morrison.

He is calling on parents, teachers and students to help in that with 22 task forces.

"Community involvement is everything. It takes all of us, not just the teachers, the parents, the community," said Tracy Osbourne, a CMS teacher.

Morrison says those task forces will work on action plans as the budget process is going on. He says that way the new goals will be in place at the beginning of the next school year.

To see Morrison's plan, click here.

WSOC

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