Anna London, 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: Anna London
Age: 39
Campaign website or social media page: londonforeducation.com Occupation: President & CEO of Charlotte Works
Education: M.A. in Professional Counseling
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Council Member for Leading On Opportunity, Board Member for the Charlotte Regional Data Trust, Board Member for Centralina Regional Council of Government, I also serve on various local committees and collaboratives. I previously served on the Board of the Stratford Richardson YMCA and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Continuum of Care.
What are the most important issues in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools today, and how would you address them?
1. Communication & Transparency - Establish consistent, clear district-wide protocols for timely updates to families and staff. 2. Teacher Vacancies & Compensation - Continue to advocate for increased local supplements, state advocacy to raise teacher salaries and promote improved retention through mentorship, career pathways, and community partnerships. 3. Student Supports & Absenteeism Challenges - Build Trust with community by promoting educational rights and ensure clear communication. 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):
Champion district investments in DDI (Data-Driven Instruction) systems and embed professional learning. Support adoption of turnaround/transformation in CSI-tier schools. Back strategies to recruit and retain high-impact educators in highest-need communities. Push for expansion of early learning and wraparound supports. Promote equitable student assignments and culturally responsive outreach. Foster family and community engagement in designing and owning improvement efforts.
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 comply with federal mandates, but we also have a responsibility to advocate for our students, staff, and families when those decisions have negative impacts. That means speaking out, sharing data and stories about how these policies affect our schools, and working with local, state, and national partners to push for change. I believe transparent communication is key and we owe it to the public to explain what is happening, how we are responding, and how they can get involved.
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?
Attracting and retaining great teachers starts with creating a culture where they feel valued, supported, and heard. CMS must foster school environments that prioritize respect, collaboration, and teacher voice. That includes strong, supportive leadership at the school level, meaningful professional development, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways for growth. I believe we also need to invest in mental health and wellness supports - not just for students, but for educators too. When teachers feel safe, supported, and part of a thriving school culture, they’re more likely to stay - and that’s how we build consistency and excellence in our classrooms. CMS should continue to advocate for higher teacher pay at the state and federal levels as well.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
What sets me apart is a unique combination of leadership, experience, and a deep connection to our community. I bring over a decade of leadership as the CEO of the workforce board, where I’ve worked across sectors to align education, business, and economic opportunity. I understand both the heart of the classroom and the systems that support it. I’ve spent my career building partnerships that help students and their families succeed. I bring business acumen and a clear vision!
