02/03/2026
Cleveland City Council Committee on Workforce Education, Training, and Youth Development
Chair: Councilmember Richard A. Starr
Hearing Date: February 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Subject: CMSD “Building Brighter Futures” Plan
Purpose of Hearing:
To receive testimony from Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Superintendent Dr. Warren Morgan regarding the District’s “Building Brighter Futures” plan, with a focus on the decision to close 18 schools, its financial rationale, academic impact, workforce implications, and neighborhood effects.
Background:
CMSD faces long-term challenges, including declining enrollment, aging facilities, and structural budget pressures. In response, the District developed the “Building Brighter Futures” plan, a multi-year strategy intended to align academic programming and facilities with current and projected enrollment levels. A central component of the plan includes the closure and consolidation of 18 schools across Cleveland.
Chairman Starr and members of the Cleveland City Council are requesting that Dr. Morgan provide an in-depth presentation outlining the goals, strategies, and anticipated outcomes of the “Building Brighter Futures” plan, with a focus on how the initiative supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term opportunities for Cleveland’s youth. “This hearing is an important opportunity for City Council and the public to understand better how CMSD’s strategic vision aligns with our shared commitment to education, workforce development, and equitable outcomes for our students,” said Councilman Starr. “Transparency and collaboration are essential as we work to build brighter futures for Cleveland’s young people.” The hearing will be open to the public and will include a question-and-answer session. Members of the public who wish to participate in the Q&A portion will be required to sign in with legislative staff on the day of the hearing. Residents, educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend and engage in this important discussion about the future of education in Cleveland.
