Cleveland, OH, September 13, 2024: Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) has reached an unprecedented milestone, meeting state standards and earning a 3-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card for the first time in its history. This significant accomplishment, achieved under the leadership of CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, signals a dramatic shift in the District’s trajectory.
Dr. Warren Morgan, CMSD CEO: “This achievement is a testament to the incredible dedication of our educators, staff, scholars, community partners and families. This three-star rating represents a significant shift for CMSD as we are meeting state standards for the first time ever and continue striving towards a future of excellence. This is just the beginning of our journey as we continue our charge of ensuring every scholar in our District has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
The District’s strategic priorities and core measures will build on this momentum, signaling that while the 3-star rating is an important milestone, the District’s work is far from done. The District will celebrate the efforts of those who made this happen while highlighting the plans for continued growth.
Sara Elaqad, Chair of the CMSD Board of Education: “This is a proud moment for our District, and it is truly a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Our Board remains focused on supporting the continued growth of CMSD and ensuring that we provide the resources necessary to sustain this momentum. The road ahead is promising, and this 3-star rating ‘meeting state standards’ is just the beginning of an even brighter future for our scholars and their families.
As a strong advocate for public education and the Cleveland’s youth, Mayor Justin Bibb acknowledges the District’s progress and collective efforts behind this achievement.
Mayor Justin Bibb, City of Cleveland: “This is truly an exciting time for CMSD, and I want to thank Dr. Morgan, the board, the students, families, and all the educators throughout the District for their hard work and dedication to ensure that we deliver the high-quality education every Cleveland student deserves. This recognition highlights the progress we have made, and we will continue build upon that momentum to provide all students with the safe and supportive school and community environment they need to thrive.”
The District’s leadership also emphasized the importance of this moment in shifting the narrative and paving the way for a brighter future for its students through classroom instruction.
Dr. Selena Florence, CMSD Chief Academic Officer: “We’ve implemented targeted interventions to better support our scholars’ individual learning needs, and we’ve emphasized high-quality instruction across every classroom. Our 3-star rating is a direct reflection of the consistent progress we’ve made in providing equitable access to high-quality education for every scholar. We are more committed than ever to accelerating this growth and pushing beyond 3 stars in the years to come.”
Meeting state standards is the culmination of a collective effort, including focused improvements in curriculum, student support, and equity initiatives. It signals a departure from CMSD’s previous ratings and marks the district’s emergence as a rising star in Ohio’s education system.
Quenton Davis, Principal and President of Cleveland Council of Administrators and Supervisors (CCAS): “The amount of dedication and effort that goes into curriculum and instruction from our educators and school leaders is truly remarkable. It is a collective responsibility that requires everyone to work together with a shared focus on providing the best possible learning experiences for our scholars. I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and to see that hard work reflected in our District meeting state standards is an accomplishment we all share. Together, we’ve moved the needle, and this 3-star rating is proof of what we can achieve when we commit to excellence.”
Dr. Ray Hart, Executive Director, Council of the Great City Schools: “Congratulations to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for this phenomenal achievement. The data clearly demonstrates that students in Cleveland have made substantial progress, however, such progress did not just happen. The skilled leadership in the District; the focused governance of the board of education; and the dedication of the District’s students, teachers, and staff made this happen. While there is still work to be done, the improved student outcomes have put the District in a strong position to maintain its forward momentum.”