Who is Rhonda Cheek, District 1 CMS Board of Education candidate?
Name: Rhonda Cheek
School board seat you’re seeking: District 1, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 61
Campaign website: www.rhondaforcms.com
Email: rhonda@rhondaforCMS.com
Occupation: Nurse case manager
Education: BA Business Administration- UNC Charlotte; AD Nursing- CPCC
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, District 1 school board since 2009
Please list your highlights of civic involvement: District 1 School Board since 2009. Founder of FUME, education advocacy group in North Meck. Previous PTA Board member at four CMS Schools. Former NC PTA Volunteer of the Year, Former Girl School Leader/District Manager. Member and vice chair of Citizens Capital Budget Committee, member of School Building Solutions Committee, member of Superintendent Standard Review Committee. Former Board member of: University City Women’s Group, Charlotte Advocates for Education, Carolina Foundation for Oral Health
What qualities, skills and experiences do you think would make a good superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools?
The absolute top priority is strong leadership qualities. Integrity is a non-negotiable. Excellent communication skills. Visionary and Innovative; must be able to develop a strong strategic plan to move the district forward. Management skills — must be able to delegate, manage a team, hire/place strong talent in the organization to support his vision, then give them the freedom to move their programs forward under her/his watch. Be politically savvy in working with all stakeholder groups.
CMS, along with other districts across the country and state, has lost a lot of teachers. What are your ideas to keep teachers in CMS classrooms?
Retention of teachers is multifaceted. The board needs to continue to lobby the state for improved pay and benefits, especially for veteran teachers. We must all create and ensure a culture of respect and accountability at all levels. That starts with the Superintendent and travels to every level of the organization, One crucial issue is the teacher pipeline, with less students entering. Teacher licensure requirements need to be streamlines and reason for both lateral entry and out of state.
What solutions would you offer to improve student and employee safety on CMS school campuses?
Expand proven safety and violence prevention programs, like Dads on Duty, Say Something App, Use of Body Scanners across all schools. Increase emotional/mental health supports for students and increasing awareness/access to these supports. Coordinate with our municipal partners, local Law Enforcement to reduce violence in our communities. Improve Title IX Compliance by increased training, including students and expanding the department to have more centralized investigation and communication.
How do you define CMS’ achievement gap? How can CMS bridge the achievement gap, raise test scores and get the 50 district schools off of the low-performing list?
I choose to focus on overall achievement by every group, rather than gaps between them. Our priority is for every student to achieve their fullest potential. Schools need to be focused on foundational and intentional instruction and remain flexible in delivery of curricula and use of their instructional staff. Policies must encourage attendance, enrollment in Pre K, tutoring, afterschool and summer enrichment programs, and also filling all teacher vacancies with highly effective teachers.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
We must improve academic outcomes for all students, ensure safe schools and make sure we are being good stewards of the taxpayers money. Having an experienced and effective representative from District 1 is essential to get the work done. We will be hiring a superintendent, reviewing student assignment policies, and developing a capital plan. Having a strong, experienced voice on the board, with a history of building relationships and consensus will be essential in representing the needs of CMS.
This story was originally published October 3, 2022 at 8:17 AM.
