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Mishell Williams
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Mishell Williams (Democratic Party) ran for election for an at-large seat of the Cabarrus County Schools school board in North Carolina. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2024
See also: Cabarrus County Schools, North Carolina, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Melanie Freeman (R) | 14.7 | 53,248 | |
| ✔ |  | Greg Mills (R)  | 14.0 | 50,544 |
| ✔ | Catherine Bonds Moore (R) | 13.6 | 49,137 | |
| ✔ |  | Rob Walter (R) | 13.6 | 49,053 |
 | Keshia Sandidge (D) | 11.4 | 41,224 | |
 | Mishell Williams (D) | 11.2 | 40,464 | |
 | Namu Kachroo (D) | 11.2 | 40,310 | |
 | Rob Cerulo (D) | 10.3 | 37,046 | |
| Total votes: 361,026 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Keshia Sandidge, Rob Cerulo, Namu Kachroo, and Mishell Williams advanced from the Democratic primary for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Greg Mills | 21.5 | 13,448 |
| ✔ | Melanie Freeman | 19.7 | 12,346 | |
| ✔ | Catherine Bonds Moore | 19.0 | 11,910 | |
| ✔ | | Rob Walter | 18.2 | 11,405 |
| Bubba Hartsell | 11.2 | 6,985 | ||
| Amanda Wortman | 10.4 | 6,544 | ||
| Total votes: 62,638 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Williams's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Williams in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mishell Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Mishell Williams is a devoted wife & mother of 3 boys. She earned both a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on literacy. Her teaching career spans nine impactful years in Title 1 schools in Cleveland, Ohio, and in Charlotte, NC (CMS), where she has significantly contributed to the educational development of numerous students across different grade levels & abilities. Mishell remains committed to her professional growth by maintaining an active teaching license, ensuring she is well-informed about the latest educational standards & practices. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in tutoring struggling readers using the Orton-Gillingham method & actively volunteering at her children's schools. In her community, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the VP of the PTO for the past two years. Although she was slated to be the President this upcoming 2024-2025 school year, she chose a less demanding PTO role to focus on her candidacy for the School Board. Her dedication to education is further exemplified by her involvement in small reading groups, where she volunteers to help foster a love for reading among young learners. Mishell also graduated as a fellow from the Institute of Political Leadership, a non-partisan political training program in Raleigh, NC. Mishell Williams will bring her extensive experience & unwavering commitment to education and community service to the forefront!
- Growth - Rapid growth in Cabarrus County has had a tremendous impact on our schools, increasing the demand for educational resources and personnel. To meet these growing needs, it is essential to ensure that our teachers and students have access to the necessary resources, including up-to-date materials, adequate staffing, and support services. By addressing these needs, we can continue to provide a high-quality education and maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
- Teacher retention is a significant issue nationwide, and it's important that we address this challenge in our county as well. I am committed to understanding the root causes of why teachers are leaving and taking proactive steps to improve retention. We must listen to teachers and provide safe outlets to support their overall well being. This includes navigating schedules to give them adequate lunch breaks, planning periods in their classrooms, and other much needed supports. I also feel that we should implement exit interviews to gather valuable insights from departing teachers, and use this information to create a supportive and rewarding environment that encourages our educators to stay and thrive. Bringing awareness & advocacy is key!
- Safety is the number one concern for many parents when they send their children to school each day. While ensuring physical safety is crucial, we must also prioritize mental health to create a supportive and thriving educational environment. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and providing robust mental health support for both students and staff, we can foster a safe and healthy atmosphere that enhances learning and well-being for everyone.
My teaching philosophy has always been centered around ensuring that the educational environment is conducive to the whole child: physical, social, emotional, mental, & academic. We must ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education, resources & opportunities. I believe the curriculum and standards must be rigorous & instruction must be differentiated to meet each learner's unique learning style. Special education supports are very important as we focus on enhancing services for students with disabilities & providing resources for educators. We must also encourage Parent involvement and offer students vocation and hands-on career training to enhance skill development.
I am deeply inspired by the pivotal role my parents played in my pursuit of higher education and my dreams of becoming a teacher. Their unwavering support and belief in the value of education provided me with the foundation and encouragement needed to attend college, follow my passion, and obtain my master's degree. They have nurtured a spirit of servanthood ever since I was a child. I also admire community members who have taken courageous steps to pursue their dreams and demonstrate leadership. Their examples have further motivated me to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to my community.
I am currently reading "The Disconnected Kid" by Robert Melillo. Although it is not a book about politics, I highly recommend it because it offers an in-depth understanding of the brain development of a child with autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, and OCD. It also provides practical ways to improve cognitive functioning.
Elected officials must always prioritize the well-being of the whole child. They should make decisions that take into account the social, emotional, academic, and physical impact on students. A strong leader must be able to make informed decisions that support the development of all students. Furthermore, elected officials should work collaboratively with their board members to develop solutions that benefit the whole community, while exhibiting unwavering integrity, transparency, and a genuine concern for all community members.
As a certified teacher with experience in the field of education and currently serving as a VP of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) board, I believe I possess essential qualities that align with the responsibilities of a school board member:
1. Educational Expertise: I am a certified teacher with a bachelor's and a master's degree in education, providing me with a strong knowledge base in the field of education.
2. Commitment to Student Success: My experience working with small student groups and extensive training in Orton-Gillingham tutoring reflect my unwavering dedication to improving student academic performance and outcomes.
3. Collaborative Leadership: My tenure on the PTO board has equipped me with the skills to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse groups of parents, educators, and community members, fostering a positive working environment essential for effective school board governance.
4. Community Engagement: As a PTO board VP, I have actively participated in various volunteer activities and have a knack for engaging with and addressing the needs of community members. I prioritize open communication and aim to build strong partnerships with all relevant stakeholders.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: My background in education has sharpened my ability to tackle complex situations and devise practical solutions, benefiting both students and educational institutions.
Board members play a crucial role in the success of a school district. First and foremost, a Board member must listen to and understand the needs of the community. With that knowledge, Board members must be able to work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and other Board members to accomplish the goals of the school district. In addition, they are responsible for a wide range of duties, including hiring and evaluating the superintendent, adopting the annual budget, advocating for public education, establishing school district goals, approving and analyzing facilities plans, approving calendar modifications, approving salary adjustments, managing policies, and ensuring district accountability. Their expertise and leadership are essential for the operational efficiency of the district.
I am committed to leaving a legacy that positively impacts children and leaves a lasting and meaningful difference. I envision a community where engagement is robust, teachers and staff feel fully supported, high academic standards are rigorously upheld, and where resources are accessible to all while embracing inclusivity.
One of the most significant historical events that I vividly remember from my lifetime were the September 11 terrorist attacks. At that time, I was an undergraduate student at Kent State University. I can still recall the shock and disbelief as the news unfolded throughout the day. The impact of 9/11 was profound, not only on a national level but also personally, as it deeply affected the university community and our collective sense of security. The event led to heightened awareness of global issues and influenced the trajectory of my academic and personal growth during those years. It marked a pivotal moment in history that reshaped our world and had lasting effects on how we view safety, security, and international relations.
My very first job was a babysitting job watching my younger cousins. That was a part of the beginning of when I realized that I had a love for teaching and wanted to pursue that career when I got older.
My favorite book right now is Disconnected Kids by Robert Melillo because it is very interesting. It helps me reflect on how to best serve the diverse needs of children.
I would be Storm from X-Men. She is known for her leadership and strength.
Good Job by Alicia Keys
It praises how well you are doing as a mom and is a good song of encouragement.
It praises how well you are doing as a mom and is a good song of encouragement.
I was an extremely dedicated teacher. As an educator, when I taught full time in the classroom, one of my biggest challenges was achieving work-life balance. I was the teacher who arrived early and left late. I was the teacher who willingly shared my phone number and invested a significant portion of my paycheck in classroom supplies and resources.
The main job of a school board member is to oversee the operations of a school district. This involves making rules, approving budgets, choosing what students will learn, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and making sure the district follows state and federal education laws. School board members are there to represent the community and ensure that the community's educational needs and priorities are met. Everything should be done through the lens of transparency and integrity.
My constituents include students, staff members, families, community members, organizations, and businesses.
I am committed to addressing the diverse needs of schools across our county and supporting the faculty and staff. To achieve this, I plan to proactively visit schools to understand their unique requirements and ensure that they have the tools to be successful. I will also listen to the concerns of the community, promptly respond to emails, and escalate any issues to the appropriate personnel. I will also collaborate with and hold the superintendent accountable. Furthermore, I will advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their background or beliefs. Finally, I will work towards implementing policies that support positive mental well-being and address any disparities in funding and facilities.
Establishing strong connections with community members is crucial. It is vital to engage with school PTOs and PTAs by participating in meetings, actively listening to their concerns, and cooperating whenever possible. Attending student council gatherings and conversing with students about their experiences is also valuable. Additionally, gaining insight from staff members is essential. Maintaining relationships with city and county representatives, as well as state legislators, is also important. Regularly participating in community events to increase visibility and accessibility to community members is essential.
Having spent many years in the classroom, I uniquely understand that great teachers may experience overwhelming days, but they are also committed to continuous learning and growth within their subject areas and teaching methods. They excel in differentiating instruction, collaborating with peers for support and effective strategies, and actively engaging with their students to identify teachable moments. Additionally, great teachers consistently assess student progress, maintain strong classroom management, and uphold a professional demeanor. They value ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving learning trends and pedagogy, in order to best serve their students. New teachers benefit from the support of experienced educators through mentoring and coaching.
Robotics is a popular STEM program that I would like to see receive more resources so that more students can participate. I believe that there should be more opportunities for engineering (mechanical, electrical, etc.), IT courses and training, trade skills (carpentry, electrical work, etc.), business and financial literacy development, as well as arts and media. I also think it is important to gauge the interests of the students in order to find out what they are interested in, and to look into programs to support them. Finally, we must have a firm understanding of what the jobs of tomorrow will look like, for example Artificial Intelligence, and ensure that we build those elements into preparing our students for the future.
The main way to accomplish this is by advocating to state legislatures and educating all stakeholders about their ability to advocate as well. It is important to have transparency in the budget for our schools and facilities, and to ensure that resources and support are provided for students. We must also implement new ways to be efficient and reduce costs where appropriate.
I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff, both physically and mentally. It is crucial that they feel supported, and I believe that proactive measures should be in place to achieve this. We need to regularly evaluate and adjust our bullying prevention efforts to ensure their effectiveness. It is imperative to have mental health support systems in place for those in need. I fully endorse the use of surveillance cameras and controlled access to maintain secure premises. Transparency with parents about our safety measures is also essential. Discipline should be consistently and fairly applied, taking into account the diverse cultural backgrounds and needs of our community while utilizing data to inform evidence-based practices to address behavioral issues. Additionally, it is important to monitor and ensure the safe use of technology by students. Lastly, comprehensive safety protocols for drills and bus transportation are vital.
Mental health for students and staff is important. Children are experiencing more anxiety and depression now than they were years ago. In North Carolina, 1 in 3 high schoolers feel helplessness and 1 in 6 have suicidal ideations. I believe it's important to hold parent workshops on how to best support their children if they are feeling like this. Additionally, I want to advocate for additional school counselors to support our population. I think small group supports for children can be beneficial, allowing them to work and learn from each other.
Within the curriculum, we can implement many developmentally appropriate mental health-related topics. For both students and staff, stress management strategies and support groups can be formed. We currently have a telehealth option for students to participate in, which is a valuable resource.
For staff, I want to first understand their needs. Staff are often overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid. Staff often struggle to even get a lunch break, let alone a bathroom break, and this has to weigh on them. I know that our staff currently have access to counseling services through their wellness plan. I think we should have reasonable expectations for our staff members, with flexible deadlines. It is important to acknowledge our staff members' accomplishments on a regular basis.
I love laughing and jokes but I do not have a favorite one at the moment.
I would advocate for providing professional development trainings in mental health for staff to better support students. Additionally, I would like to implement policies that promote teacher work-life balance, such as providing extra planning time in their classrooms.
Black Political Caucus and Down Home both endorsed me so far.
As a certified teacher here is my ideal learning environment: It is a place where trust is established and maintained between the teacher and the student (and family). It would be a classroom where the whole child is nurtured- Academic, social, emotional, mental, and physical. It would be an environment where all students are met where they are (differentiated instruction) There would be a challenging curriculum, small group work, and multisensory lessons. It would be a space where there is a culture of respect where children value each other and where positive relationships can grow. It would be ideal to have whatever support services and resources individuals need, readily available.
The pandemic provided us with a significant learning opportunity. It presented a unique challenge for our district and county, and I believe they did their best to respond effectively. I noticed that they took the community's concerns and the health department’s data into consideration. If I were in their position, I would prioritize listening to all stakeholders, including our dedicated educators who work with the children every day. It's essential to take everyone's perspectives into account in this situation.
In order to build relationships with parents in the district, I will make myself visible and accessible by attending community and school-related events. My aim is to visit schools to support and see our staff's wonderful work as well as their needs.
Faculty and staff recruitment is crucial. I would love it if we could be more competitive with sign-on bonuses and offer better benefits packages, including healthcare and retirement plans. However, I understand that this may not be within the scope of the school board. I will definitely advocate for these improvements. I believe we should evaluate our current strategies and explore innovative ways to attract teachers. It is important to conduct exit interviews for departing teachers to understand the challenges we face in retaining staff in our county. We should continue with mentorship programs and career advancement pathways. I want to work to ensure manageable class sizes and reduce administrative burdens on teachers. From a marketing perspective, we can showcase our district's strengths and achievements through social media. Additionally, we should acknowledge and highlight our staff members and reward them for their hard work and efforts throughout the year.
As taxpayers, we believe in the importance of transparency and being informed. It's crucial that all government entities uphold financial transparency for the benefit of all stakeholders. Also, all elected officials must hold themselves accountable for their decisions while in office.
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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large |
Personal |
Footnotes
