The Board of Education, or school board, is the elected governing body for the school district in Charlotte and Mecklenburg. This includes schools in Charlotte, the 6 Mecklenburg towns and unincorporated areas of the county.

Two kinds of representation

The school board is divided into two groups:

• District members are elected by only the voters who live in their district, or a particular area of the county. This helps to ensure that the school board is aware of, and can address, the concerns, issues and wishes of the residents in each part of the community.  There are 6 district members.
• At-large members represent everyone in the county, and are elected by a countywide vote. This helps to equalize representation and ensure that decisions balance the needs of each district. There are 3 at-large members.
• All school board members work together to provide policy decisions that benefit the district as a whole.

Board of Education on the ballot

• School board members serve 4-year terms and are elected on a rotating schedule.
• The offices are non-partisan, so there is no primary election.
• District representatives will be on the general election ballot in 2009.
• At-Large offices will be on the general election ballot in 2011.

Responsibilities of the Board of Education

The school board has specific areas of responsibility:

• Hiring, firing and evaluating the superintendent (CEO of the district)
• Establishing school district policy
• Determining the annual operating and capital budgets
• Approving student assignment boundaries
• Overseeing the management of the school district’s major systems including budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, personnel and auxiliary services.

Learn more

The school board meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The public is welcome to attend these meetings. View meeting agendas and minutes, learn about the school district budget, contact school board members and more.

Website: www.vote4robinbradford.org

E-mail: children1st@vote4robinbradford.org

Phone Number:: 704-488-7608

Facebook Page or URL:: Robin Bradford

Current Occupation:: Retired/ Community Activist

Education–Highest Degree:: BA Communications/Politcal Science

What District are you running in?: District 1

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system?: Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:
Robin Bradford is married to Keith Bradford for 21 years and they reside in Huntersville for 8 1/2 years with their two daughters (Britanni 18 a graduate of Harding University HS and currently a sophomore at Hampton University & Brook 4yrs old who currently is a student in the More at Four Program)
Robin has been active in her local PTA, served as a Girl Scout Leader, and as a member of the Community Civic Association. With experience as an elementary school Teacher’s Assistant Robin is also keenly aware of the challenges that teachers face in the classroom.

Prior to her early retirement, Robin served as Operations Director for Fidelity Investments. Robin has also been employed as a Job Developer with the Department of Employment for the City of New York, where she was responsible for teaching job readiness skills to “At Risk Youth”. Robin was very successful in placing the participants because they trusted her and felt she sincerely was concerned for their futures.

Currently Robin volunteers in a similar capacity teaching job readiness skills for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department Work Release Program. She is actively involved with the youth of her church acting as the Youth Director for six years. She continues to serve her church as a member of multiple committees and works with her husband to provide meals to homeless residents of Charlotte every Saturday.

Robin’s volunteer work reminds her of the importance of education in allowing one to rise above their circumstances. Because the fundamental foundation for all children is “Education”, she believes that is vital that we as a community invest in our futures by providing a high quality education to ALL Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth.

Robin Bradford would be honored to have your support as she seeks to become the School Board Representative from District 1.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):
NAACP – Executive Board Member
Little Rock CDC – Board Member
Concern Citizens for Education

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:
Community Activist
Get Out To Vote/Voter Awareness
Working through my Church and with my Husband in feeding the Homeless Man, Woman & Children of Charlotte/Mecklenburg

What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I am a true balance of the Corporate/Business world and I am a non-traditional Educator. My experience as an Educator is not limited to formal classroom training, but work with students who the traditional educations system has given up on. I have been a Community Activist for 20 years and 8 locally. I listen to concerns of others about the issues that are affecting their children’s educations and issues on the County and City level. I have on several occasions advocated and spoke on behalf of many who were not able to speak for themselves. I understand the need to be heard and to make valuable changes for the betterment of all people of Charlotte/Mecklenburg.
We are faced with the challenge of voting in a new School Board and I believe that this is not a popularity contest, but a vote for the future of All Children. I was asked at a Candidates Forum “if I was elected School Board Representative for Dist 1, what would I like to have said about me?” My reply was I would want people to say that the achievement gap was closed, that every child is received a “Fair & Equal” education, the budget was realistic and reflected a positive change in the resources in the classroom, teachers felt empowered to be better teachers and school safety was not an issue. It’s not about me and a personal “pat on the back” but about “Educating All Children”. I stand by my campaign slogan “Children 1st”. Electing Robin Bradford is a vote for educating ALL Children by any means necessary.

What do you believe is the single most important investment the school district can make to improve student achievement?
I believe we should track each student to better assess achievement. If we tracked the student’s individually we would be able to address issues much earlier and design a better academic plan which would work in closing the achievement gap.

Seven recommended goals in the CMS strategic plan 2014 are: Highly Effective Educators, Highly Effective Leaders, Performance Management, Developing Digital Citizens, Environmental Sustainability, Support Services for Positive Choices and Parent & Community Connections. Which of these is the most important to you and how would your leadership ensure that goal is met?
I feel that all are very important in the success of closing the achievement gap but the most important are the following:
Highly Effective Educators – Better benchmarks requirements and merit pay.
Parent & Community Connections – Working with the Parents & the Community empowers the student, the parent and the school as a whole.
Highly Effective Leaders – We need Leaders who are highly effective and are aware of the needs of the students and staff to be able to achieve successful goals.
Performance Management – Policies should be made by the Board to assess performance effectively.

How can residents in your district (including parents, students and others) be engaged in the work of elevating student achievement? What will you do to support their efforts?
I believe ongoing communication and making sure all parents, students and other are aware of the issues facing student achievement. I would setup workshops on improving achievement and alternative ways of educating students. Communication is key with the right resources.

Website: www.rhondalennonforschoolboard.com

E-mail: rhonda@rhondalennon.com

Phone Number:: 704-564-3382

Facebook Page or URL:: rhonda.lennon

Twitter name or URL:: rhondalennon

Current Occupation:: Realtor and Emergency Room Nurse

Education–Highest Degree:: BA Business Administration from UNCC

What District are you running in? District 1

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system? Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:
I have lived in Mecklenburg County for 31 years (19 in District 1) and am a CMS graduate with three children now in CMS Schools. I have a B.A. in Business from UNCC and lengthy work experience with Fortune 500 Companies. I have been involved in many civic and school groups with my focus on children and children’s issues. With the formation of FUME (Families United for North Mecklenburg Education) in 2003, I raised my involvement to a new level with my positive grassroots advocacy to successfully relieve overcrowding in suburban schools. I am the only candidate who has actively worked for and succeeded in getting several new schools built and improving public education in District 1. I have served on numerous committees (including CCBAC and SBSC) and have worked closely with county staff on budget issues.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):
1. Families United for North Mecklenburg Education (FUME) – founder
2. Huntersville School Advisory Committee (appointed by Town Board)
3. North Mecklenburg High School and Huntersville Elementary School PTA

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:
1. Founder and Leader of FUME: a successful grassroots public school advocacy group that got several new schools built in District 1
2. NC PTA Oak Leaf Award Winner for Outstanding Individual Volunteer
3. Service on Governor Martin’s School Building Solutions Committee, Dr Gorman’s School Standards Review Committee and Board of Education appointee to the Citizen’s Capital Budget Advisory Committee

What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I am a passionate supporter of public education in Mecklenburg County. I am a 31 year Mecklenburg resident who graduated from CMS and all three of my children attend CMS schools. Even as a working mom, I have been able to spend hours volunteering in my children’s schools. In 2003 I took my advocacy to a new level with the formation of Families United for North Mecklenburg Education (FUME). My goal with FUME was to be a positive voice for change and to establish collaborative working relationships with the school board, CMS staff and county staff to address the crisis of suburban overcrowding. I have been successful in getting new schools built and improving public education in District 1. I was also awarded the NC PTA Oak Leaf award for outstanding individual volunteer in 2004.
In addition to FUME, I have served on numerous school and budget related committees, including the Citizens’ Capital Budget Advisory Committee and Governor Martin’s School Building Solutions Committee. I also have a BA in Business from UNCC and work experience with several Fortune 500 companies. Our citizens need a voice on the school board with a solid business background and experience in budgeting. My involvement and the relationships I have established give me much needed experience on dealing with the budget concerns CMS is now facing and be an effective member of the school board.

What do you believe is the single most important investment the school district can make to improve student achievement?
Hiring and retaining the most highly effective, extensively prepared teachers possible who understand that EVERY child can learn and achieve.

Seven recommended goals in the CMS strategic plan 2014 are: Highly Effective Educators, Highly Effective Leaders, Performance Management, Developing Digital Citizens, Environmental Sustainability, Support Services for Positive Choices and Parent & Community Connections. Which of these is the most important to you and how would your leadership ensure that goal is met?
Performance Management: CMS must develop an effective model to assess all staff and all programs. I would push for a strategic analysis of all programs based on standard business practices of evaluating for efficacy and cost effectiveness. Using this type of performance based model would aid in preparing a more transparent budget.
We now track student performance on factors outside the student’s and family’s control like race, gender and family income. I would like to also correlate student performance to factors that the student and family can control, such as absenteeism, conduct, and homework completion.

How can residents in your district (including parents, students and others) be engaged in the work of elevating student achievement? What will you do to support their efforts?
1. Students need to come to the school house prepared and ready to learn. They need to do their homework and follow the rules of the school.
2. Parents need to be involved and make sure their students attend school, do their homework and have appropriate conduct. They need to have open communication with the teachers.
3. Residents can get involved by volunteering in the schools. Schools need volunteers in the early years to help with reading and offer individualized tutoring. We need strong business leaders to mentor students and develop co-op programs for older students to help them explore career paths.
4. Community leaders (Chamber, Rotary, etc.) and elected officials (town boards, city council, etc.) need to work collaboratively to keep schools and student success as a focus.
5. I will be involved and visible in my district, offering a level of responsiveness that the residents deserve. I use all current technology and am highly accessible. I will be committed to visiting every school and attending at least 1 PTA function in every school each year. In addition I plan to have routine “Coffee Talks” in the University City, Mountain Island and the 3 northern towns to give citizens an informal time to talk to me about their issues.

Website

E-mail: gail@gailsummerskill.com

Phone Number:: 704 763-0423

Facebook Page or URL:: www.facebook.com/gsummerskill

Twitter name or URL:: http://twitter.com/gailsummerskill

Current Occupation:: Professor of English, Strayer University

Education–Highest Degree:: PhD

What District are you running in?: District 1

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system?: Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:
Dr. Gail Summerskill has lived in Highland Creek for 6 ½ years. She has taught and administrated for 35 years, as well as written, budgeted, executed, and assessed $3.5 million for innovative educational grants. 2 of her 3 children graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. 2 are now in college, and one is in graduate school. Gail has lived in San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, as well as in Africa and Europe. Her passion for engaging students in learning remains strong after 3 decades. She brings the unique viewpoint of a teacher, administrator, parent, and global resident to the School Board. She will work hard, collaborate, and bring her wide-ranging experience to improve CMS student achievement and parent/business/community partnerships.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):
*National Council of Teachers of English
*North Mecklenburg High School PTA
*Nurse-Family Partnership

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:
* Advised, Advocated and Taught over 2,500 at-risk youth to finish high school, go to college, and succeed in college
*Served as a Staging Location Coordinator for the Presidential election, coordinating over 500 volunteers in and out of my home
*Wrote and received a $2.5 million National Science Foundation Grant for Johnson C Smith University for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I have more hands-on and global educational experience than either of my opponents. I have dedicated myself to educating, advocating, and empowering one student at a time by teaching literacy skills and helping students fulfill their dreams. I taught inner city high school students in Chicago in the 70s. I trained public school teachers to teach writing in the 80s. I helped Appalachian high school students who were the first people in their families to go to college prepare for success at the University of Kentucky in the 90s. I administered freshmen through senior educational programs at JCSU recently. Presently I teach writing to adults at Strayer University. Because I am a teacher, administrator, director, parent, and global citizen, I bring the most relevant experience to School Board voters in District 1.

What do you believe is the single most important investment the school district can make to improve student achievement?
Hire excellent teachers and principals who set the schools’ tone at “A for Excellence.” Train them to use data to continually assess and improve achievement, not waiting for end of year failure. Give teachers and principals adequate support and feedback to be the best school leaders they can be.

Seven recommended goals in the CMS strategic plan 2014 are: Highly Effective Educators, Highly Effective Leaders, Performance Management, Developing Digital Citizens, Environmental Sustainability, Support Services for Positive Choices and Parent & Community Connections. Which of these is the most important to you and how would your leadership ensure that goal is met?
Highly effective educators and leaders are key to CMS’ success. All learning comes down to a relationship with a learner and a teacher/mentor. If teachers don’t have the right attitudes and training to reach a variety of students in a class, the right classroom environment for sustained learning will not exist. If principals do not oversee the health of their schools by supporting students, teachers, parents, and staff members—even when that means making tough choices—schools do not run well. If CMS administrators do not let principals have more autonomy over their schools’ needs, schools become dysfunctional.

How can residents in your district (including parents, students and others) be engaged in the work of elevating student achievement? What will you do to support their efforts?
All stake holders in a school need to know the goals of a school’s curriculum, how that is taught, how it is assessed, and how teachers, principals, staff members, parents, and business/community members can work together to accomplish these goals. Schools need to make their work transparent, provide information, computers, and training for parents on how to advocate for their children, and continually update the school community about strengths and weaknesses related to accomplishing school goals. That is why I recommend PEP (Parents Empowered Program) as one of my three priorities as a District 1 representative. I will work hard with the School Board, CMS Administrators, Parent University, Learning Centers, schools, and Business to make the work of a school and school system understandable to all who are involved.

E-mail

Phone Number:: 704-392-7253

Facebook Page or URL:: www.Facebook.com/votemcelrath

Current Occupation:: Retired

Education–Highest Degree:: Master of Education Administration

What District are you running in?: District 2

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system?: Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:
Retired from: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (34yrs. Math teacher)
Education: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Degree: Master of Education Administration
Minor: Political Science
Master Teacher Certificate
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Majors: Intermediate Education
Social Studies
Math
Minor: Art

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):
•Member Charlotte Black Political Caucus
Chairman of Education Committee
•Charlotte NAACP (Life Time Member-Paid-Up)
Past: Chairman of Education Committee
•Served as : Member of School Building Solutions committee
•Served as : Member of Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:
•Advisory Committee for CMS Parent University
•Swann Fellowship
•Founder: West Side Environment Coalition
•Founder : People United for Education

What makes you the most qualified candidate?
• Education
• Knowledge
• Experience
• Passion
• Ability to bring people together
My experience has taught me that children who come from high poverty high minority neighborhoods are considered “high achiever” if they score 3 or 4 on the End of Grade (EOG) test; while their counter parts that come from low poverty low minority neighborhoods that score a 3 or 4 on the EOG have met minimum requirements. I want to be a voice on the board that calls for high expectations for all of our children. I strongly believe that expectations drive the quality of resources you provide and outcome you achieve.

E-mail

Phone Number:: (704) 398-2324

Current Occupation:: District 2 School Board Member

Education–Highest Degree:: 1986 West Charlotte Graduate

What District are you running in?: District 2

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system?: Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:: Married Robin J. Walker we have one daughter who is a sophomore at West Charlotte IB.
For the past eight years have worked at Montclaire, Myers Park Traditional and Plaza Road Pre-K.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):: Focus on Future Leaders
Charlotte Sister Cities
Girls Scouts of America

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:: Appointed District 2 CMS Board of Education
Youth Director at East Stonewall AME Zion Church
Campaign Manager for James Mitchell

What makes you the most qualified candidate?: I am the current school board member. I provide a unique perspective as a former CMS employee, CMS graduate, parent of CMS student and native Charlottean. I have full understanding of the district schools and needs and fully support efforts to improve low performing schools. My commitment to youth through my volunteering with Big Brother/Big Sisters, mentor @ TAPS, Daisy Girl Scout Leader. In my first 90 day of appointed I was able to appoint a Lincoln Heights. I have visited 96% of the district schools. I am a conscience builder and have a hands on approach.

What do you believe is the single most important investment the school district can make to improve student achievement?: Hiring and retaining highly qualified educator

Seven recommended goals in the CMS strategic plan 2014 are: Highly Effective Educators, Highly Effective Leaders, Performance Management, Developing Digital Citizens, Environmental Sustainability, Support Services for Positive Choices and Parent & Community Connections. Which of these is the most important to you and how would your leadership ensure that goal is met?: Highly Effective Educators
I would use my leadership skills of hands on approach. I visit schools and speak with administrators, teachers and support staff to make sure resources are available and that education need are met.

How can residents in your district (including parents, students and others) be engaged in the work of elevating student achievement? What will you do to support their efforts?: Join and become active in your school’s PTA, and other volunteer opportunities. I would support these efforts through my new initiative of hosting quarterly district meetings.

Website

E-mail: nicole@voteNicoleEHudson.com

Phone Number:: 704-560-5815

Facebook Page or URL:: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-E-Hudson/121890739216

Current Occupation:: National Director of Community Outreach

Education–Highest Degree:: Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Arts of Organizational Management

What District are you running in?: District 3

Did/do you have children attending public school in the CMS system?: Yes

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:
Nicole Hudson is a 14-year education professional and mother of 2 CMS children, Brooklyn (4th grade) and Cameron (1st grade) who attend First Ward Elementary. I came to the Charlotte community over 6 years ago to bring the University of Phoenix to Charlotte and the state. I served as the VP of North Carolina responsible for the expansion of the University throughout the state to include opening campuses in: Raleigh, Greensboro and Fayetteville. I was appointed by Governor Easley to serve on the State Board of Education subcommittee – Business and Technology Alliance. I’ve independently consulted throughout the Carolinas in program development and implementation and have taught at the community college and university level. My current position is as National Director of Community Outreach for DeVry University.

I’m 35 and a single parent. I’m active in my children’s lives and specifically education. I make time to serve, work and juggle, like many, the demands of parenting. My values are faith, family and service and it makes it clear how we spend our time and money. I am active in my church, University Park Baptist. serving as the co-lead for the Single Parent Ministry and on the Sunday School Team. In addition, I served on the Speaker Bureau for Crisis Assistance Ministries and the Urban League of Central Carolinas.

I love our community. I can be found exploring the latest restaurant, exhibit, or volunteer project to learn, live and help!

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):
• My church, University Park Baptist Church – www.upbc.org.
• My community board, – CharlotteOne, www.charlotteone.org
• My first community- based leadership program – Leadership Charlotte – www.leadershpcharlotte.org.

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:
• Voter registration in the 2008 election – result: registered over 100 first time voters in Mecklenburg County
• Governor appointment to the State Board of Education – Business and Technology Alliance – result: NC Virtual High Schools was established.
• Fellow with the NC Institute for Political Leadership – www.iopl.org – result: studied how to run a campaign that serves constituents and, more importantly, how to govern effectively.

What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I bring a unique blend of education and business experience at the local, state, and national level. Today’s issues require innovative solutions. I have experience from working and living in various communities at crucial times in the city’s growth. I have two young children in the CMS system today and can utilize these combined experiences to assess situations and make the connection to the personal impact. I bring a fresh perspective and I am a strong leader with a collaborative style of management.

What do you believe is the single most important investment the school district can make to improve student achievement?
I believe the single most important investment the district can make is a focus on reading prior to 3rd grade. I think the district needs to take a bold stance, requiring all students to be at reading level by 3rd grade and take the lead in a community-wide focus on this fundamental skill. Reading is an easy way to engage community partners. We need to communicate a clear, proactive approach for reading so that both schools and parents invest the time, money and resources accordingly.

Seven recommended goals in the CMS strategic plan 2014 are: Highly Effective Educators, Highly Effective Leaders, Performance Management, Developing Digital Citizens, Environmental Sustainability, Support Services for Positive Choices and Parent & Community Connections. Which of these is the most important to you and how would your leadership ensure that goal is met?
Each issue in important and my experience enables me to address each issue with both practical and professional experience. I’ve been a teacher, an administrator, a parent, a community citizen and worked within a business and technical environment. I believe it is important to “Inspect what you Expect”. My leadership will provide oversight but also my experience leads me to ask the tough and right questions to make sure adequate and timely progress is being made towards the goals.

How can residents in your district (including parents, students and others) be engaged in the work of elevating student achievement? What will you do to support their efforts?
I support the work of Parent University, yet I also believe grass root, community based programs can provide additional resources and support to residents of District 3. Educational issues of children are often educational issues of families. In order to impact these families, it is important to acknowledge the concerns of the household. I will advocate for parent support through County/City/Community partnerships. I also will lead by example and share my story. As the only single-parent candidate in my district with school aged children in the system, I’m uniquely positioned to share the message of shared responsibility to reach educational goals, and provide practical tools and resources to overcome the challenges faced by District 3 families.