CHARLOTTE—The new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison is wasting no time in getting engaged with parents, students and administrators.

Thursday night, Morrison held the first of seven community meetings. The meetings are intended to get a better idea from audiences on what CMS is doing well and where the district can improve. Morrison said the community meetings will be held between now and November, giving him a better strategic plan for the district after the first 100 days of the school year.

“It won't be just one person's opinion. It will have been an accumulation of many parents, teachers principals students community leaders who are all saying, 'these are areas that we're strong in, we need to build off them',” said Morrison.

About 200 people came out to Rocky River High School for the meeting Thursday. Morrison responded to a range of questions; from bullying in the classroom, to the newly released district and state graduation rates, to a still-in-limbo pay for performance plan for teachers.

“Let's start to thinking about what that looks like. Let's make sure that if we're going to start exploring it, that it's done with employees,” said Morrison.

Afterward, parents and teachers were impressed with Morrison using his ears as he learns more about his new district.

“I thought it was nice that he was willing to listen, he felt humbled,” said CMS parent Tonnette Reid.

The next community meeting will be held September 17 at Harding University High School.