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Anna London

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Anna London

Elections and appointments
Last election
November 4, 2025
Education
Bachelor's
University of North Carolina, Charlotte, 2009
Graduate
Liberty University, 2013
Personal
Birthplace
North Carolina
Profession
CEO
Contact

Anna London is a member-elect of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education in North Carolina, representing District 6. She assumed office on December 9, 2025.

London ran for election to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education to represent District 6 in North Carolina. She won in the general election on November 4, 2025.

London completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Anna London was born in North Carolina. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in 2009 and a graduate degree from Liberty University in 2013. London's career experience includes working as president and CEO of Charlotte Works. She also has career experience in education, counseling, crisis intervention, and behavior health for youth and young adults.[1]

As of 2025, London was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

  • Leading On Opportunity
  • UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute/Charlotte Regional Data Trust
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools CTE Advisory Board
  • Centralina Regional Council
  • US Conference of Mayors

Elections

2025

See also: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, elections (2025)

General election

General election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 6

Anna London defeated Justin Shealy and Toni Emehel in the general election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 6 on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Anna London
Anna London (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
49.8
 
12,552
Image of Justin Shealy
Justin Shealy (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
26.2
 
6,587
Image of Toni Emehel
Toni Emehel (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
23.1
 
5,810
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.9
 
231

Total votes: 25,180
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

London received the following endorsements. To view a full list of London's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Anna London completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by London's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am a proud product of public schools and of this community. The educators who believed in me taught me that education is the pathway to opportunity, and their investment shaped my journey into leadership and service. I started my career in education and then transitioned to counseling youth and young adults. Today, I serve as President & CEO of Charlotte Works, Mecklenburg County’s workforce development board, creating opportunity and career pathways.

I am running for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, District 6, because I believe every child deserves access to an excellent public education. Parents, teachers, and students consistently tell me they want stronger communication, trust, and accountability from our school system. They want certified teachers in every classroom, real support for educators and staff, and a system that truly prepares students for life after graduation, whether in college, career, or military service.

My priorities are clear: build trust and transparency through consistent communication, support educators and staff with better pay and resources, hold the school system accountable to measurable goals, outcomes and achievement, and expand opportunities so every student is prepared to thrive.

My leadership style is collaborative, engaged, and strategic. I set high expectations, focus on results, and never lose sight of the people at the center, our students, families, and educators.
  • Parents, teachers, and students consistently share that communication and trust are lacking in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. My priority is to establish consistent, reliable, and transparent communication between the board, schools, and families. I will push for clear processes and protocols so families receive timely updates, parents feel heard, and students’ voices are valued. Trust is built when people know their concerns are taken seriously and when leaders provide honest, straightforward answers. As a board member, I will ensure that information flows openly, that decisions are explained clearly, and that accountability is not just promised, but delivered.
  • Every child deserves to graduate not only with a diploma, but with the skills, confidence, and preparation to succeed in college, career, or military service. My priority is to strengthen true college and career readiness so students are fully equipped for post-secondary success. That means expanding and better coordinating advanced academics, technical training, internships, and workforce partnerships while also teaching foundational skills such as navigating uncertainty, critical thinking, problem-solving, and life skills. Preparing students for life after graduation is not optional, it is our responsibility, and I will work tirelessly to ensure every child is ready to thrive.
  • Our educators are the backbone of student success, yet too many feel overburdened, underpaid, and unsupported. My priority is to ensure CMS attracts and retains highly qualified, certified teachers in every classroom by advocating for higher pay, professional development, and the resources they need to thrive. I will also prioritize support for staff, bus drivers, counselors, cafeteria workers, and all who play a vital role in our schools. By investing in our educators and staff, we invest in the future of our children. I will be a strong advocate for policies that honor their hard work and create a culture where educators feel valued, respected, and empowered to focus on what matters most: student learning.
I’m passionate about public policies that ensure equity and access for every student, no matter their zip code. That means strengthening true college and career readiness so all students are prepared for post-secondary success, college, career, or military service. I’ll advocate for higher pay and resources to support teachers and staff, while expanding access to high-quality schools, early learning, and mental health services. I believe in transparency and accountability to rebuild trust and keep students, families, and educators at the center of every decision.
I look up to my late grandfather, Richard Tuggle. He was a successful attorney and a respected leader, but what I admired most was his belief in education as the foundation for opportunity. He often told me, “Your education is something no one can ever take away from you,” and that message has guided my life and career. His wisdom, integrity, and commitment to excellence inspire me every day, and I carry his legacy forward in my work to ensure every child has access to the same opportunities education gave me.
Elected officials must lead with boldness, accountability, business acumen, and transparency. These principles that are essential to earning and keeping the public’s trust.

Boldness means stepping forward with courage, even when the issues are complex or unpopular. Our communities deserve leaders who don’t shy away from tough conversations, who are willing to make difficult decisions, and who push for meaningful change rather than settling for the status quo. Bold leadership inspires confidence, challenges complacency, and creates the momentum needed to solve big problems.

Accountability is non-negotiable. Elected officials must hold themselves to the same high expectations we set for educators, students, and families. That means setting clear goals, measuring progress, and being honest when things fall short. Accountability also means being responsive to the people we represent by listening, engaging, and following through on commitments.

Strong governance also requires business acumen. Leaders must be strategic, disciplined, and results-driven, making decisions that maximize limited resources and deliver real impact for the community. Bringing a business-minded approach means focusing on efficiency and effectiveness, but also on long-term investments that create sustainable progress. It’s about aligning priorities with outcomes and ensuring taxpayers see a return on their investment.

Finally, transparency is the foundation of trust. The public deserves open communication, accessible information, and leaders who don’t operate behind closed doors. Transparency requires more than sharing data, it means explaining decisions, inviting dialogue, and creating space for diverse voices to be heard.

Together, these principles form the core of effective leadership. Boldness drives action, accountability ensures responsibility, business acumen brings focus and discipline, and transparency builds trust.
1. Setting Vision, Goals, and Policy

• Define the district’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Adopt policies that guide how schools operate and ensure alignment with community values.
• Establish clear goals and guardrails to measure student success and hold the superintendent accountable.
2. Hiring and Evaluating the Superintendent
• Select, support, and annually evaluate the superintendent, who manages the day-to-day operations of the district.
• Provide guidance and oversight while respecting the superintendent’s role in administration.
3. Approving and Overseeing the Budget
• Adopt a balanced budget that reflects district priorities.
• Ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, transparently, and in ways that advance student achievement.
4. Accountability and Oversight
• Monitor progress toward district goals and ensure policies are being followed.
• Use data and reporting to hold leadership accountable for outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
5. Community Engagement and Representation
• Serve as a voice for the community by listening to parents, students, educators, and stakeholders.
• Communicate decisions clearly and maintain transparency.
• Build public trust by ensuring that the board reflects the needs and priorities of the community.
6. Advocacy
• Advocate for students and schools at the local, state, and federal level.

• Partner with government, business, and community organizations to support public education.
The legacy I want to leave is one of expanding opportunity through education. I believe public education is the great equalizer, opening doors that create access, growth, and success for every child. My goal is to be remembered as someone who fought for something larger than herself, ensuring students were prepared for life beyond graduation, educators were supported, and families felt heard. Ultimately, I want my service to reflect a commitment to equity, opportunity, and building a brighter future for our community.
A personal struggle that shaped my life was growing up with a mother who faced addiction and extreme mental health challenges. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me resilience, empathy, and perspective. I learned early on how important stability, support, and opportunity are for children and families. Those experiences fuel my commitment to ensuring schools provide not only education but also the wraparound resources students need to thrive, no matter what challenges they face at home.
The primary job of a school board is to ensure that every student in the district has access to a high-quality education by setting the vision, policies, and accountability framework for the school system. The board does not manage the day-to-day operations of schools, that responsibility belongs to the superintendent and district staff. Instead, the board provides governance and oversight, ensuring the district is moving in the right direction and that decisions always put students first.

One of the most important responsibilities of a school board is hiring, supporting, and evaluating the superintendent. The superintendent is the chief executive officer of the district, and the board’s role is to provide clear expectations, monitor performance, and hold leadership accountable for results.

Another critical responsibility is adopting a budget that aligns with the district’s goals and values. School boards must be strong stewards of public funds, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent transparently and effectively to improve student outcomes, support teachers and staff, and maintain safe, productive learning environments.

School boards also set district policies, establish goals and guardrails, and regularly review data to track progress. This oversight role ensures that the district is complying with state and federal laws while staying focused on student achievement.

Equally important, school boards represent the community. Board members listen to parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders, serving as a bridge between the community and the district. By engaging with the public, communicating openly, and making decisions transparently, boards build the trust necessary for a strong school system.

In short, the school board’s job is to set direction, ensure accountability, and represent the community. Its ultimate responsibility is to make sure that every decision supports student learning, growth, and long-term success.
The direct constituents are the residents, families, and educators of District 6. I will represent their voices and priorities, but every decision I make impacts the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools community. While elected by District 6, my duty will be to all students, families, and staff across CMS, ensuring fairness, equity, and opportunity for every child in our county.
District 6 includes schools and families with different and unique needs, and I will be attentive to all of them. I will ensure every student has access to equity, opportunity, and true college and career readiness; advocate for higher pay and resources for faculty and staff; and build trust with families through clear, transparent communication. My duty is to listen, engage, and act to support every voice in our community.
I will build relationships by being present, listening, and engaging across District 6 and the full CMS community. I’ll partner with parent groups, educators, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations, while also fostering public-private partnerships with local government, businesses, and higher education. These connections will ensure diverse needs are met and students are fully supported for success.
I will advocate at the state and federal level to ensure CMS receives full and fair funding for public schools. This includes pushing for resources that match student needs, supporting teachers and staff with fair pay, and ensuring funds are used transparently and responsibly to improve outcomes for every student.
I believe it’s important to first review and fully understand existing policies to see what’s working and what needs to be improved. One area I would like to strengthen is support for immigrant families, ensuring they have equitable access to resources. I would advocate for policies that allow vetted and approved community organizations to partner with CMS in providing services and resources, so families feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
NC Senator, Woodson Bradley

Mecklenburg County Commissioner, Susan Rodriguez McDowell
Dr. Andrea & Dr. Kendell Jasper
Mom’s Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate Distinction
LGBTQ+ Excellent Candidate
Red, Wine & Blue NC

Kevin Kendrick, Former FBI and Former District Governor- Rotary
Building strong relationships with parents is one of my top priorities. I will be visible, available, and attentive, making sure families always have access to me. I will attend school and community events, and I’ll host listening sessions, coffee chats, and open forums across District 6 so parents can connect, ask questions, and share their concerns directly.
I believe the best recruitment strategy is also about retention and growth from within. Expanding cadet teaching, mentorship, and residency programs can inspire students and staff to pursue teaching and leadership careers right here in CMS. By creating clear career pathways, partnering with local colleges and universities, and supporting professional development, we can build a strong pipeline for faculty, staff, and administrators. Pairing these efforts with higher pay and supportive working environments will ensure we not only attract talent but also keep it.
AI should serve as a tool to enhance learning, improve efficiency, and prepare students for the future. I support CMS continuing to advance in this space and appreciate the current pilot with 30 schools. With proper guidance and safeguards, AI can be a powerful resource for both educators and students.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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External links

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 14, 2025