Who is Monty Witherspoon, 2023 candidate for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board?
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Name: Monty Witherspoon
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 44
Campaign website: witherspoonforstudents.com
Occupation: Minister
Education: Olympic High School ‘98; Livingstone College, bachelor’s degree; The Interdenominational Theological Center, master’s degree; Drew University, doctorate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Yes. School board at-large and school board District 2
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I am a dedicated advocate for closing the achievement gap. Through my role as a pastor, I have actively supported schools in my community. My congregation has formed partnerships with two schools, where we offer direct and wide-ranging support to families. This support includes helping families in transitional housing and providing clothing and toiletries to other students and families.
What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the CMS board?
Students who have less at home need more resources at school. Local governing agencies must work collaboratively to meet students’ needs both at home and at school. As noted by WestEd researchers, funding reductions that have persisted since 2008 are tied to widening achievement gaps. Furthermore, every child entering K-12 prepared with high-quality Pre-K education. We should remain committed to the following recommendations: A system of teacher development and recruitment that ensures each classroom is staffed with a high-quality teacher who is supported with early and ongoing professional learning and provided competitive pay; a system of principal development and recruitment that ensures each school is led by a high-quality principal who is supported with ongoing professional learning and provided competitive pay; and an assistance and turnaround function that provides necessary support to low-performing schools. I realize that we have a long way to go at the state level, but I believe that an innovative and responsive school board working in cooperation with educators can take some preliminary steps with the current resources. Additionally, I will work with the school board to restore a culture of high expectations for students, which costs $0.
Will you support the $2.5 billion bond that will be on the November ballot for school projects? Why or why not?
I support the school bond because I believe that learning environments have a significant impact on student outcomes. The physical layout of the classroom, lighting, temperature, and noise can affect students’ comfort and concentration. We have schools with classrooms lacking windows, loud HVAC units, and physical obstructions between teachers and students. Furthermore, some buildings are simply old and in need of replacement. Additionally, replacing old and outdated school buildings can lead to improved safety, accessibility, and overall quality of education.
What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles. And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?
I think book bans are part of a broad-based attempt to undermine public education. I am supportive of rich and diverse curricula in our schools. If a book were brought to my attention, I would refer the problem to the superintendent who is responsible for daily operations and executing board policy.
How will you prioritize projects if the bond referendum is approved in November? And how would you approach deciding on major construction needs more broadly?
I will follow the established rubric inputs of facilities condition, staff building utilization, maintenance history, baseline standards, and programmatic implications. The evaluation rubric is weighed according to educational environment, current classroom utilization, condition, life-cycle, district initiatives, continuity, and logistics.
What are your ideas for CMS to foster good relationships with towns and different communities across Mecklenburg County?
CMS has to be a good-faith partner with the towns and communities throughout the county. We can foster relationships by building trust through transparency, accountability, open dialogue, and collaboration.
What separates you from you opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
I am a product of CMS and the parent of a kindergartner currently enrolled. In these challenging times for education, CMS requires strong and determined leadership. I am dedicated to the fight to ensure that every child in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools receives a quality education and graduates prepared for both college and career success.
