Morris' Financial Woes

Sun Exclusive

Ex-school Board Head Hired To $175,000-a-year System Job Has Trail Of Lawsuits, Bad-debt Claims Over Past 15 Years

Brian D. Morris, who resigned as Baltimore City school board chairman this week to accept a six-figure job overseeing school operations, has been the subject of dozens of lawsuits and bad-debt claims the past 15 years, including foreclosures, garnisheed wages, unpaid taxes and other cases involving his personal finances and business ventures, according to city court records.

The city school board hired Morris, 38, as a deputy CEO on Tuesday, giving him a $175,000 annual salary and oversight of all the school system's central operations, including finance.

Yet a review of dozens of court records by The Baltimore Sun shows a lengthy struggle to manage his own businesses and affairs. Bill collectors garnisheed Morris' wages and bank accounts, and tried to repossess his cars. Creditors won judgments against him for rent payments, medical bills and homeowners association dues. In one case, a potential business partner said Morris walked off with $12,500 intended for a new venture. In another, a couple said he rented them a house he didn't own and collected their monthly payments until the real owner ordered them to leave. At least two creditors say they plan to seek a portion of his school system salary to settle old debts.

Morris doesn't dispute most of the claims, saying his financial problems stem from several failed efforts to launch and build complex business enterprises.

"There's no question I've had financial difficulties," Morris said. "I was an entrepreneur, I have been for 15 years, and there are all kinds of ebbs and flows that come with taking the risks of an entrepreneur. I haven't gotten a paycheck since 1995."

But he also said none of that history is relevant to his new job, and that his qualifications should be judged through the lens of his recent tenure on the school board.

"There haven't been any ebbs and flows in my service to the school system," Morris said.

"I think what is relevant is my six years of service, and I think the evidence shows that I've helped lead us away from where we were a national embarrassment to a point where we're investing in the schools again."

School system CEO Andr?s Alonso said he was unaware of Morris' financial struggles until asked by The Baltimore Sun.

Before offering Morris the job, Alonso said he asked the former chairman the same questions he asks all important prospective hires: "Is there any conflict of interest" and "Is there anything that I should know?"