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CMS picks a new superintendent. 9 things to know about Ann

By Jen Rothacker

The Story

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School board Tuesday night tapped long-time administrator Ann Clark to succeed Heath Morrison as superintendent.

But … 

Don’t get too excited: She only gets the job for about 18 months while the board conducts a national search. Once that’s decided, Clark is retiring.

Still, you should get to know her

Here are 9 things to know about our very short-term superintendent:

(1) She’s a Greensboro native who attended Davidson College.

(2) She first worked as a special-education teacher, initially in Charlotte and then Virginia Beach and then back in Charlotte. 

(3) Clark eventually became a principal, at Shamrock Gardens Elementary then Alexander Graham Middle and finally Vance High. She eventually became Deputy Superintendent in the central office.

(4) In 1994 she won national Principal of the Year. Bill Clinton gave her the award.

(5) She was a finalist for the Wake County superintendent’s job in 2013.

(6)  Single, no kids.

(7) Registered Republican.

(8) Clark is CMS’s first female superintendent. Sort of. Other women have held the job “interim superintendent.” Although Clark’s job is short-term, she’s not carrying the “interim” label. So, we here at C5 are declaring her CMS’s first female supe.

(9) She’ll earn $262,000/year.

C5’s Take

Clark always seems to be the bridesmaid and never the bride. She was a finalist when Morrison was selected and she was one vote short on the Raleigh job.

This go around, clearly something was hatched behind closed doors to work out this short-term job. But it’s nice to see this long-time educator who’s been so dedicated to CMS to finish her career on top.

Photos: Robert Lahser / Charlote Observer & White House

This story was originally published January 28, 2015 at 1:14 AM with the headline "CMS picks a new superintendent. 9 things to know about Ann."

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