Former CMS leader Gorman has new job training superintendents

Peter Gorman, who led Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools from 2006 to 2011, will head the Chicago-based National Superintendents Academy, his new employers announced Tuesday.

The academy is run by Atlantic Research Partners, which provides a range of education support services. Gorman will be managing director for academies, Atlantic said in a press release.

“Dr. Peter Gorman is among the most well respected school superintendents in our nation,” Atlantic CEO Joseph Wise said in the release. “His capacity to support current and aspiring superintendents is incomparable: notably, a total of 10 members of his cabinet in Charlotte Mecklenburg NC alone moved on to serve as superintendents in major school districts across America. His ability to identify and develop individual strengths is unparalleled in this work.”

Gorman declined comment Tuesday. “I’m excited about my new opportunity and enjoying life out of the public eye,” he said in an email.

During his five years with CMS, Gorman garnered national acclaim while facing turmoil at home. His tenure collided with the recession, which led to teacher layoffs and school closings. His emphasis on testing also sparked controversy among some teachers and parents.

He resigned in 2011 to work for Amplify, an education technology branch of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. The company announced this year that it is negotiating a sale of Amplify after disappointing sales.

Gorman remained in Charlotte while working for Amplify. An Atlantic spokeswoman said it’s not yet clear when he’ll start the new job and where he’ll live.

Atlantic recently acquired and rebranded the Illinois-based SUPES Academy, which was known for providing training to aspiring superintendents and other education leaders. Gorman is listed as a former speaker or instructor for SUPES Academy, along with former CMS superintendent Heath Morrison and current Superintendent Ann Clark.

SUPES Academy closed this year. It was under FBI investigation, along with Chicago Public Schools, in connection with a no-bid principal training contract, Education Week reported this spring.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Former CMS leader Gorman has new job training superintendents."