Morgan Schools Superintendent Exit Raises Concerns Over Career Program
The Morgan Local School District in central Ohio is grappling with a $2 million budget shortfall and is now without a superintendent. Dr. Kristin Barker has parted ways with the district amid an investigation into the financial crisis just three years after the district had an $11 million surplus.
At a recent board meeting, the district announced plans to cut costs, including closing the Morgan Career Technical Center and laying off 16 teachers at the end of the school year. This decision could have devastating consequences for students, families, and local businesses that rely on the career-tech program for workforce training.
- 321 students, more than half of the high school, are enrolled in career-tech programs.
- The center is one of only four comprehensive career-tech high schools in Ohio.
- Local employers depend on its graduates to fill jobs in the region.
“This is my first year in a two-year program. If it shuts down, I’m left with half an education that gets me nowhere,” said junior Wiley Palmer.
Dr. Kristin Barker blames dwindling enrollment and rising salaries for the Morgan Local School District’s $2 million deficit, but many in the community point to uncontrolled spending as the real issue.
