Battle at Butler
ALDI Grand Opening page 10
page 25 Locally Owned & Operated www.matthewsminthillweekly.com
Volume 7, Number 45 • Nov. 5 to 11, 2014
Superintendent Morrison resigns from CMS by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com
Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse
A ‘Seussical’ world
Musical to feature classic Dr. Seuss stories by Josh Whitener josh@matthewsminthillweekly.com
MATTHEWS – A handful of timeless, classic Dr. Seuss tales will come to life this weekend at Fullwood Theater as Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents its stage production of “Seussical the Musical.” About 35 performers of all ages will take the stage Friday, Nov. 7,
at 7:30 p.m. for the musical’s opening night. The production will run through Nov. 16, and tickets cost $10 to $12 and are available online at www.matthewsplayhouse.com. All performances take place at Fullwood Theater, part of the Matthews Community Center, located at 100 McDowell St. E. “Seussical” is based on a number of popular Dr. Seuss stories and features characters like the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and the Whos from Whoville, among
others. “It’s like all your favorite Dr. Seuss books coming to life, intertwined in the plot and music,” show director Lisa Blanton said. Blanton previously worked on the show with another theater and also choreographed the show for a high school production, so she jumped at the opportunity to become involved when Matthews Playhouse chose to perform it. “I love the show, I love the music (see Seussical on page 5)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison will officially resign on Thursday, Nov. 6, according to a statement he released on Nov. 3. In the statement, Morrison attributes his departure to a need to care for his ailing mother, but some say he may have been under pressure. “While serving as superintendent is an honor and privilege, it requires a singular and unwavering focus,” Morrison’s statement read. “Recent events have challenged that focus, and I must now rededicate myself to my family, most especially my mother. When I first started here in CMS, I was excited about having my professional career closer to her, however I can't give my job the full attention it needs while making sure I address her needs at this critical time.” The announcement came as a shock to many. Several school board members declined to comment, or did not return calls or emails. The notification comes after the district’s school board engaged in multiple closed-door meetings last week. On Friday, Oct. 31, Board of Education chairwoman Mary McCray announced the school board would cancel its planned six-hour work session regarding the accountability framework, but would meet privately to discuss a personnel matter. Morrison did not attend the work session at the Leadership Academy, but many of the district’s lieutenants were present. Morrison also was not in his office Monday, CMS staff said, adding he was not scheduled to be there that day. However, McCray was seen in the government building Monday afternoon meeting with top CMS officials in a closed-door meeting, but did not make any comment. Principals and assistant principals met on Monday afternoon at the district’s Spaugh Professional Development Center to hear the announcement and discuss what the departure means for the district. CMS Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark will assume the responsibilities of superintendent with Morrison’s departure. She was one of the other finalists for superintendent when Morrison was hired in 2012. The school board will look for (see Morrison on page 20)
INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; Rev. Tony, 21; Calendar, 24; Sports, 25; Classifieds, 31