Superintendent Peter Gorman is leaving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to accept a job with News Corp., the parent company of Fox News and The Wall Street Journal.

The move, announced Wednesday at a midday school board meeting, caught some by surprise and left others wondering what would become of the many initiatives Gorman began within the district.

At News Corp, Gorman will be senior vice president of a newly formed education division, which focuses on technology-based learning content and assessment tools to support student and teacher performance.

Gorman will work with school districts to implement programs and review their integrity and effectiveness. His first day on the new job will be August 15.

In a statement announcing his new job, Gorman said he was “thrilled” about the move.

“News Corporation has a reputation for leading significant change across many industries, and I look forward to what lies ahead for the education sector,” he said.

Mary McCray, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators, said she was surprised by Gorman’s departure. “I did not expect this,” she said.

McCray and Gorman have disagreed on more than one occasion, mostly over budget items and Gorman’s pay-for-performance initiative, but she said they shared “an excellent working relationship.”

“I wish the superintendent the best,” she said. “I’m sure it’s a load off his shoulders when it comes to having to deal with the cuts that education is facing now days.”

Board Chair Eric Davis voiced concerns over Gorman’s timing and said he tried to persuade him to stay. He said he did not learn of Gorman’s final decision until Wednesday.

Davis thanked Gorman for his five years of service.

“Under your leadership our students have made great progress,” Davis said to Gorman immediately after his resignation was announced. “You’ve implemented many innovative strategies that are working.”

Indeed, with Gorman now on his way out, some now wonder what will become of his initiatives.

“It’s clear that the work here is far from complete,” said Davis. “Given the significant changes underway in our system, I do not think that it is the right time to be changing course.”

Davis added that the change in leadership presents the district with an opportunity “to reconfirm our common ground on the essential elements of a successful school system."

He predicted a change of tone in the district’s leadership.

“I hope our board reaches out to the community more and is able to engage more with the community in thoughtful conversations,” he said.

When asked if he thinks Gorman’s departure will ease strained community relations, he answered, “I think it will certainly help them.” He added, “It’s like any relationship. It takes work on both sides and from both parties… We are committed to making that change.”

The board will meet on June 15 to discuss next steps in appointing an interim superintendent.

Although News Corp. is based in New York, Gorman said he and his family “look forward to continuing to be a part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community for many years to come.”

His daughter, he said, would remain a student in CMS.

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