AKRON, Ohio — Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Eric Gordon’s impact has reached far and wide over his tenure, which will end after 11 years when the current school year ends.
That reach touches other school leaders across the state and around the country.
What You Need To Know
- Eric Gordon mentored Christine Fowler-Mack over the years
- Fowler-Mack credited Gordon for positioning her in places to grow and develop
- She said he was instrumental in encouraging her on her journey to becoming a superintendent
Christine Fowler-Mack, the superintendent of Akron Public Schools, is one of those leaders, noting Gordon has served as a long-time mentor over the years.
Way before Fowler-Mack became a superintendent, she said Gordon just had a knack for being people-centered and looked for ways to help others grow, including her.
“I appreciate him both for the push and also for the supportive, developmental type of relationship along the way,” she said.
Although it would take some time before Fowler-Mack would eventually join one of Gordon’s teams, she said time spent learning and growing from Gordon’s mentorship meant a lot. Fowler-Mack credits Gordon for seeing greater possibilities in what she could accomplish as a superintendent as he encouraged her to go for it.
“I really call myself fortunate to have had that relationship, that mentorship, that support to be able to sit as one of few female African American superintendents in this country,” she said.
Now, while she knows he will be missed, “I think his greatest hope and intention is in setting up CMSD well for the future.”
Gordon announced his decision to step down Monday, adding he made the announcement early enough for Mayor Justin Bibb and the school board to find a successor.
While he said there was no specific reason for leaving the position, he said in a video posted to Twitter that it’s important to know when you’re the right person, and know when it’s time to leave.
“While the decision to leave CMSD at the end of this school year was not an easy one for me, the time and conditions are right for the mayor and board to identify the next CEO to lead the district’s long-term recovery from the pandemic and to build on the gains we achieved during a remarkable and historic period in K-12 education,” Gordon said.
