Toni Emehel, CMS Board of Education District 6 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: Toni Emehel
Age: Candidate did not answer question
Campaign website or social media page: aimhighwithtoni.com
Occupation: Strategic planning consultant
Education:
Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling: Executive Leadership, Liberty University Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Associate in Public Service: Legal Assisting/Paralegal, Midlands Technical College
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Voter; Northwest School of the Arts School Improvement Team Member; Randolph Middle School Improvement Team Member; Park Road Montessori School Improvement Team Member; Northwest School of the Arts Booster Club President; Randolph Middle School PTO Board Member; Park Road Montessori School PTO President; CMS Test Proctor; Augustine Literacy Project Tutor; NorthStar Reading Partner; Northwest School of the Arts Inter-Club Council (Organizer); Red Cross CPR Instructor; Bible Teacher—Coach—Mentor
What are the most important issues in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools today, and how would you address them?
A lack of quality communication. This deficiency directly contributes to disunity, hinders progress, and impedes our ability to deliver the quality instruction necessary to produce career and college-ready students. To effectively address this, we must cultivate a culture of active listening. This will allow deeper understanding of critical needs and encourage collaborative thinking. Ultimately, active listening allows intellect and reasoned logic to prevail over any obstacles that may arise.
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 in the 2024-25 school year):
I believe that the key lies in our ability to hire and retain truly effective teachers. Educators whose enthusiasm is so contagious that it ignites students, inspiring them to learn and grow exponentially. Impassioned teachers are adept at building creative pathways that make learning exciting and accessible. They cultivate an eagerness to learn in students, allowing students to truly absorb new knowledge and thrive academically.
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?
I strongly believe that we need to adopt a proactive stance and focus on optimizing the resources we currently possess. This means identifying areas where we can “trim the fat” and allocate those resources more effectively to directly impact student learning. Changing our course of action and sending a clear message to parents that excellence is a present and attainable goal, will foster a more positive and trusting academic environment for our students and families.
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?
Our primary objective should be to attract and, crucially, retain effective teachers within our classrooms. I believe we can achieve this by communicating a consistent and positive message that fosters a mindset of complete support for teachers employed by our district. We need to move away from any messaging that implies a lack of resources, particularly regarding teacher pay. Additionally, it’s vital that we avoid the perception of shifting responsibility to other agencies for issues we have the capacity to address internally. Beyond initial recruitment, we must actively work towards becoming a district where teachers genuinely feel supported. When teachers feel truly valued and supported, it inspires greater parent contributions and encourages volunteerism, which can effectively fill many of the gaps we currently face. Great teachers understand that their role extends beyond simply imparting knowledge; it’s about igniting a lifelong passion for learning in their students.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
My unique perspective, which has been shaped by my experience within the school district truly sets me apart. As a former student I understand the environment and challenges students face. Furthermore, partnering with CMS in educating my children and grandchildren has given me invaluable insight into the system from a family’s point of view. As a long-standing volunteer, actively engaged in classrooms, I have a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day realities and needs within our schools.
