Mishell Williams, Cabarrus County Board of Education candidate, answers our questions
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Cabarrus County Board of Education
This is the first year Cabarrus County’s Board of Education will be partisan. Four Republicans and four Democrats are running for four spots.. Melanie Freeman and Namu Kachroo haven’t returned the Observer’s questionnaire.
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To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Mishell Williams
Birth date: Oct. 17, 1982
Campaign website or social media page:
Occupation: Education
Education: Bachelor’s Degree-Elementary Education. Masters-Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy
Have you run for elected office before?
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
PTO Leadership 2+ years; In School volunteering with small group reading; Orton Gillingham reading tutor; Institute of Political Leadership Fellow.
What are the most important issues in Cabarrus County Schools today, and how would you address them?
The rapid growth in our county has increased the demand for educational resources and personnel in our schools in which I would advocate for. I am committed to understanding why teachers are leaving and taking proactive steps to improve retention, such as implementing exit interviews to gather insights from departing teachers. Additionally, I aim to prioritize physical safety and mental health by implementing comprehensive safety measures for students and staff in which I would advocate for.
What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the school board?
I would advocate for teacher training in the evidence-based teaching method called Orton Gillingham (multisensory systematic approach to teaching). This implements strategies that allow differentiating instruction & meeting children where they are. Improving reading skills would lead to better outcomes. I would advocate for professional development, competitive salaries for teacher retention, and resources. Advocating for mental health services would aid in better outcomes as well.
What’s your opinion of the school system’s redistricting plan approved earlier this year? And what, if anything would you have done differently?
The board decided to implement a redistricting plan. This was to accommodate the anticipated growth from 35,000 to 40,000 children by the end of the decade & to balance school enrollments so we have fewer overcrowded schools. I would have liked to explore the impact of allowing children who were entering their last year, to finish school at their current school, as well as the possibility of allowing unique situations (small communities with 12 children, etc) to attend the closest school.
What is your plan to address the achievement gap in Cabarrus County?
As a certified teacher and a mother of children in the district, I am an advocate for Pre-K programs. Early Literacy supports are crucial to establish a firm foundation prior to entering primary school. We also must address needs based on data. I would advocate for equitable resource allocation, encourage multisensory trainings (not all children learn the same way), strengthen family engagement, and encourage academic interventions. Furthermore, assessing if we are meeting the needs of the whole child. When we aren’t, it could affect the child’s overall well being.
What role, if any, would your political affiliation play in your decision making process for the school district?
When I think about the school board, I believe this role must advocate for best outcomes for all children and families, regardless of political affiliation. I am a certified teacher, and when I see students and guardians, I do not look at them based on their political affiliation. I would approach decision-making the same way. When I launched my candidacy, I pledged to stand for humanity and support all children, families, and staff. I pledged to ensure that our schools are well run and to advocate for equity and inclusion. I will utilize these vital insights as a parent, certified teacher, and active PTO board who is in schools often, to advocate for the needs of our schools.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
I am a certified teacher and a mother of young children in the district. I have firsthand experience interacting with resources & programs in the district. Prior to considering running for this position, I served as a PTO VP at my children’s school, where I assisted and continue to assist the staff with various needs on the board. While every district has room for improvement, I also see the strengths of our public schools and aim to work towards making them even better.
This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 6:23 PM.
