Shamaiye Haynes, CMS Board of Education District 2 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: Shamaiye Haynes
Age: 54
Campaign website or social media page: www.shamaiye.com
Occupation: Non-profit executive
Education: Associate of Applied Business - Management
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):
Yes, CMS School Board At-large Representative in 2023
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Founded Thomasboro Foundation and Charlotte Community Think Tank; President, Greater Enderly Park Neighborhood Association; Board member, Black Political Caucus, League of Women Voters, Charlotte Alliance of Black Accountants, NCIA; served on multiple CMS committees; guest lecturer at UNC-Charlotte; Alternatives to Violence Advisory Board; led initiatives advancing the Community Schools Model
What are the most important issues in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools today, and how would you address them?
CMS has made progress, but inequity, gaps in trust, and student well-being still need urgent focus. I’ll push for fair funding, targeted resources, and the Community Schools Model so zip code never decides a child’s future. Families will be heard without a loud few deciding for all. I’ll advance mental health support, better behavior interventions, and safe, engaging schools.
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):
Build a strong volunteer network to support reading, tutoring, and consistent attendance. Strengthen school culture and climate to support teacher retention, ensure excellent instruction, and expand the evidence-based Community Schools Model with wraparound supports. These steps close gaps, boost outcomes, and move schools off the low-performing list.
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?
We must advocate with our federal and state officials, work with advocacy groups, and mobilize the community to address harmful policies. In addition to district communications, I’ll create a D2 advisory board to exchange information, host forums, and keep the community informed so we can respond together and protect our schools.
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?
Beyond current recruitment and retention efforts, CMS must focus on improving the learning culture and climate so teachers feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. That includes fair and competitive pay, fostering respectful, collaborative environments, improving student behavior through clear expectations and restorative practices, and ensuring teachers have the resources and autonomy to deliver excellent instruction. A strong culture keeps great educators in the classroom.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
In 2023, I earned strong community support and key endorsements, including from the outgoing District 2 representative. I’ve been an active, consistent voice for improving CMS, serving on committees and working directly with families, educators, and community leaders. On the Board, I’ll keep delivering real solutions that reflect the voice of District 2.
