Melissa Easley, CMS Board of Education District 1 candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 4, 2025, 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: Melissa Easley
Age: 42
Campaign website or social media page: www.easleyforcms.com Occupation: Teacher and Small Business Owner
Education: BA in Education, M.ED in K-12 Digital Learning, National Board Certified Teacher
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):
Yes, currently the incumbent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education District 1. I was elected in 2022.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
CMS Board District 1 member; Co-founder of NC Teachers United (46K) First VP, LGBTQ Democrats of Mecklenburg Community Organizer of Rockin’ for Rescues with Animal Care & Control, Huntersville Pride with Umbrella and Women Rock for Women’s Rights with Charlotte for Choice Committed to equity, public education, and building inclusive communities.
What are the most important issues in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools today, and how would you address them?
CMS faces urgent challenges in teacher retention, student safety, and resource equity. I’ll keep fighting for competitive pay, expanded mental health support, and safe, inclusive schools where every student can thrive. I believe in open communication with families and transparency to ensure our community is part of the solution.
How can the district improve student performance, close achievement gaps and get schools off the state’s low-performing list? (There were 56 CMS campuses on the low-performing list during the 2023-24 school year, and 32 during the 2024-25 school year):
We raise performance by supporting teachers, funding tutoring, and expanding mental health resources. With equity, transparency, and community partnerships, we can close gaps and turn schools into success stories. Last year, more CMS schools improved than declined, and gaps closed at record speed. With new data Sept. 6, I expect even greater progress and will keep pushing for teacher support, tutoring, and equitable resources to build on this success.
How should the school system handle decisions by the federal government that you may disagree with or that negatively affect the district? And how should the district communicate with the public about the effects of those decisions?
The district must put students first, even when federal decisions create challenges. If federal policies negatively impact CMS, I’ll work with state and local leaders to find solutions while keeping families informed. Open, honest communication and advocacy are key to minimizing harm and ensuring every decision remains focused on what’s best for our students.
Teacher shortages remain a challenge across North Carolina and the nation. What do you believe CMS needs to do in order to attract teachers and keep experienced ones in the classroom?
CMS does not control teacher pay, but I will continue to advocate at the state level and use my seat at the table to fight for competitive salaries. CMS must continue to provide meaningful support for teachers including mentorship and mental health resources. We also need to value teacher voices in decision-making and create safe, inclusive schools where educators feel respected and supported. Retaining great teachers starts with making CMS the best place to teach.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
With years in the classroom and a proven record on the CMS Board, I’ve delivered real progress, closing achievement gaps, improving school performance, and fighting for resources. I’ve championed equity, teacher support, and transparency, and I’ll keep showing up, listening to families, and making decisions based on what’s best for our schools, students and staff.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
