CLEVELAND — As CEO Eric Gordon prepares to step away from leading the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, some are reflecting on his time in the district over the last decade.
Shari Obrenski, President of the Cleveland Teachers Union, said Gordon’s been one of a kind, not just because of his tenure, but the work he’s been able to accomplish. This is especially true when it comes to drawing those in separate spaces together.
“The evolution of Cleveland Schools… building a true collaborative partnership between the district, labor, the philanthropic community, the business community… he was a convener,” Obrenski said.
It’s something she hasn’t seen before.
Obrenski said the partnership between the union and Gordon wasn’t always on the up and up when in tense contract negotiations. She said she’s been most impressed because Gordon has always sought to look at problems and find the solutions to them, even in negotiations.
“No matter how tough negotiations or how strained the relationship, he was always willing to continue to work to repair broken relationships… to try to find a way forward,” Obrenski said.
While Obrenski is certain that Gordon has already left a big impact on teachers, kids, the district, and the community, she believes it will be challenging to fill his role. That’s because many are already leaving the teaching profession, including administrators.
“He will be sorely missed and we need to take every moment that we can between now and the time that he leaves Cleveland to make sure that we are active in our search and that we find the right person,” Obrenski said.
