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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A source within the district tells WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty that CMS legal counsel George Battle was made aware of the misconduct allegations against Heath Morrison about six weeks ago. Battle investigated the allegations before bringing them to the school board. Β Β
The allegations are characterized as “credible” and suggest Morrison was repeatedly verbally abusive to his staff. Battle interviewed a total of 14 people.Β
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After about two weeks of investigation, the allegations were brought to the board. Battle was still collecting information, but at that point, the source tells WCCB Charlotte the majority of the board felt rebuilding trust with Morrison would be very challenging.Β
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Morrison was told the board was going to discuss the allegations in a closed session meeting on Tuesday, October 28th and was asked to take a few days off and away from the office. On Friday, October 31st, a second closed session was to be held, but an hour before, Morrison’s attorney contacted Battle with an offer of settlement and resignation.Β
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WCCB Charlotte’s source says the board had neither requested nor suggested either from Morrison. But, it agreed to negotiate a settlement.Β
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It’s alleged that Morrison then tipped off the news media Monday morning about his impending resignation announcement in order to get out his story of needing to “rededicate himself to his mother.”
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After that, the board retracted any financial settlement offer, and Morrison verbally agreed. The severance agreement does include a confidentiality clause as well as a clause that prevents either side from speaking badly about one another. It’s still unclear whether Morrison has signed that agreement.
