Montgomery schools leader stepping down after 3 years
Montgomery ISD Superintendent Heath Morrison is leaving the district after three years to lead a national organization “focused on addressing one of the biggest challenges to public education,” the district said Wednesday.
Morrison was named superintendent in July 2020.
“My time in Montgomery has truly been an amazing journey, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of this outstanding school district,” Morrison said in a written statement. “It was an extremely difficult decision, but I have been presented with an opportunity to lead an organization that is working to solve arguably the most serious challenge impacting education.”
Details about Morrison’s next role will be shared in the near future, according to a release from the district. Morrison’s annual salary was $260,000.
When Morrison was named superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic, he enacted a return-to-school plan — leading the district to being one of the first in the state and nation to reopen schools for in-person learning. By October 2020, 95 percent of students were returning for in-person learning.
Under Morrison’s leadership, the Montgomery Independent School District has maintained an “A” rating with the Texas Education Agency, was recognized as one of the top districts in the state through the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards, and passed a $326 million bond package in May 2022.
“While we are disappointed that he will no longer serve as superintendent, we are excited and proud of him for the opportunity that he has accepted,” board President Laurie Turner said in a written statement. “The work Dr. Morrison has done over the last three years has set our educators and students up for longterm success. He has made incredible improvements to our district, and I am so grateful for his leadership.”
In April, Morrison was nominated by the board for the Texas Association of School Boards’ Superintendent of the Year.
Several Montgomery ISD board members and staff spoke on Morrison’s departure, including board Secretary Linda Porten.
“Every organization Dr. Morrison has led has achieved great results, including Montgomery ISD,” Porten said in a written statement. “It’s why he was named Principal of the Year in Maryland, Superintendent of the Year in Nevada and National Superintendent of the Year. His tireless work ethic, integrity and extremely high standard of excellence have provided our school district with a strong foundation for future success.”
Morrison’s official last day is expected to be in August. The board will hold a special meeting this month to discuss a timeline for his replacement.