Melissa Easley
Melissa Easley was a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education in North Carolina, representing District 1. She assumed office on December 13, 2022. She left office on December 9, 2025.
Easley ran for re-election to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education to represent District 1 in North Carolina. She lost in the general election on November 4, 2025.
Easley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Melissa Easley earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2006. She earned a graduate degree from Walden University in 2018. Her career experience includes working as an educator and owner of a small media business.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, elections (2025)
General election
General election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1
Charlitta Hatch defeated Bill Fountain and incumbent Melissa Easley in the general election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Charlitta Hatch (Nonpartisan)  | 44.8 | 15,612 |
 | Bill Fountain (Nonpartisan) | 29.1 | 10,146 | |
 | Melissa Easley (Nonpartisan) | 25.6 | 8,913 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 147 | ||
| Total votes: 34,818 | |||
| = 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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Endorsements
Easley received the following endorsements.
2022
See also: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, elections (2022)
General election
General election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1
Melissa Easley defeated incumbent Rhonda Cheek, Ro Lawsin, Bill Fountain, and Hamani Fisher in the general election for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Melissa Easley (Nonpartisan) | 30.3 | 18,843 |
 | Rhonda Cheek (Nonpartisan) | 23.7 | 14,744 | |
| Ro Lawsin (Nonpartisan) | 17.4 | 10,813 | ||
| Bill Fountain (Nonpartisan) | 15.3 | 9,522 | |
| Hamani Fisher (Nonpartisan) | 12.5 | 7,803 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.9 | 551 | ||
| Total votes: 62,276 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Melissa Easley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Easley's responses.
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I co-founded North Carolina Teachers United, a 46,000-member network advocating for strong public schools, and I serve as First Vice President of the LGBTQ Democrats of Mecklenburg. My work has always centered on equity, inclusion, and creating safe spaces for every student to learn and thrive.
On the board, I’ve fought for teacher recruitment and retention, student safety, equitable resources, and transparency. I’m proud that CMS removed more schools from the low-performing list than were added last year and that we are closing achievement gaps at the fastest rate ever.
I will keep showing up, listening, and advocating to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in safe, well-supported schools.- As a former CMS teacher and parent of two CMS students, I know what our classrooms need. I’ve fought for safe, inclusive schools, equitable resources, and policies that help every student succeed. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, from closing achievement gaps to removing more schools from the low-performing list than were added. I will continue listening to families, collaborating with the community, and making decisions that put students—not politics—at the center of every choice.
- Teacher recruitment and retention remain a top priority. While CMS does not control teacher pay, I use my position to advocate at the state level for fair compensation and benefits. Locally, I push for mentorship programs, manageable class sizes, mental health resources, and safe, supportive school environments. I know firsthand, as a former teacher and parent of two CMS students, how critical it is to value and retain great educators. Strong schools start with strong teachers, and I’m committed to making CMS the best place to teach and learn.
- I believe in honest communication and measurable progress. I’m known for my transparency and for critically reviewing contracts and services to ensure they truly benefit our families. I’m proud that CMS removed more schools from the state’s low-performing list than were added and is closing achievement gaps at record speed. I’ll keep pushing for accountability and solutions that deliver results for students, families, and educators.
Crabhill’s book outlines student-outcomes-driven governance, a framework that keeps the focus where it belongs—on improving what students know and are able to do. It challenges school boards to move beyond operational management and politics to focus on measurable goals that drive real results. This philosophy has guided much of the progress we’ve made in CMS, from closing achievement gaps at record speed to removing more schools from the state’s low-performing list than were added. By tying board decisions to clear metrics and data, we can ensure that our policies and budgets are directly aligned with student success.
Ripley’s The Smartest Kids in the World complements this approach by showing how high-performing education systems across the globe prioritize equity, teacher quality, and rigorous expectations for all students. These principles mirror the values that shape our governance in CMS. We know strong schools require strong teachers, and we back that belief with local investments in mentorship, manageable class sizes, and mental health resources—even while advocating for the state-level funding our students and educators deserve.
As a parent of two CMS students, I understand firsthand the hopes and concerns families have for their children’s education. Parents want safe, supportive schools where their kids can thrive, and they deserve leaders who will fight for the resources and policies that make that possible. My experience as both a parent and former teacher gives me a unique perspective that ensures I evaluate every decision through the lens of what’s best for students and families.
Equally important is accountability. I am known for my transparency and for critically reviewing policies, contracts, and programs to ensure they truly deliver value to our schools. Our community should have confidence that every dollar and every decision is made in their best interest. When I see a better way forward, I ask the hard questions, advocate for change, and work collaboratively to get results.
I also believe strong leadership requires collaboration. I have a proven track record of working with colleagues across the political spectrum to focus on what matters most—our students. While we may not agree on every issue, I am committed to finding common ground where it exists and standing firm when our students’ futures are at stake.
I am known for my transparency and accountability. Families deserve to know how and why decisions are made. That’s why I hold “Minute with Melissa” community meetings, publish newsletters, and make myself accessible to parents and stakeholders. My reputation for asking tough questions and critically reviewing contracts ensures that taxpayer dollars fund programs and services that directly improve student outcomes.
I am also deeply collaborative. I’ve worked with colleagues across the political spectrum because school boards should not be about partisanship—they should be about what’s best for students. I’ve advocated for policies that expand mental health support, strengthen teacher recruitment and retention, and improve physical safety measures in new school construction, such as secure vestibules.
Persistence defines my leadership. Whether it’s advocating for funding with state and county officials or pushing for data-driven strategies to close achievement gaps, I never stop fighting for our students, teachers, and families.
As a former teacher and parent of two CMS students, I know what our classrooms need to succeed. That’s why I focus on critically reviewing contracts and programs to ensure they deliver real value for our students and teachers. Oversight is not just about balancing the budget—it’s about accountability, equity, and ensuring our resources directly support student achievement.
Transparency is also essential. Families deserve to know how and why decisions are made. I believe in open communication through newsletters, community meetings, and direct conversations so our community remains informed and engaged in shaping solutions.
Advocacy is another key part of this role. While CMS doesn’t control teacher pay, I use my position to push for fair funding and advocate for policies that give our teachers and students the support they need. I’ve built a reputation for collaboration across political lines because our students deserve solutions, not partisanship.
As a former teacher, a parent of two CMS students, and someone who has spent nearly 20 years in education, I know how much leadership at the board level matters. My goal is to leave behind a district that not only invests in academic achievement but also in the social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student. I want to be remembered as someone who fought for safe, inclusive schools, supported teachers, and ensured that every decision was rooted in what’s best for kids—not politics.
I also hope my legacy includes building a culture of transparency and accountability. I’ve been known for asking the hard questions, critically reviewing contracts and services, and demanding measurable results. By continuing to push for budgets and policies that align with our priorities, I want to set a standard where the community can see how every dollar spent reflects our shared values and drives student outcomes.
Finally, I want my legacy to be one of connection. Through initiatives like “Minute with Melissa,” my monthly community meetings, and open communication through newsletters and social media, I have worked to ensure that families feel heard and included. If I can leave CMS knowing that I’ve built trust, strengthened partnerships, and helped more students thrive, then I will have accomplished what I set out to do.
Those educators didn’t just teach lessons; they saw me, believed in me, and gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to succeed. Their support helped me realize that struggling in school didn’t define my future—it gave me the resilience to keep going. Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but also why I am so deeply committed to education today.
Because of my own journey, I understand how important it is to meet every student where they are. I know what it feels like to need extra support, to feel unseen, and to wonder if you’re capable. That’s why I fight so hard to make sure CMS prioritizes equitable resources, early interventions, and strong relationships between educators and students. Every child deserves the kind of support that allows them to discover their potential, no matter their starting point.
I believe in the Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) model because it keeps our focus where it belongs: on students. Too often, school boards can get distracted by day-to-day operations or political disputes. SOFG provides a clear framework that centers every conversation and decision on measurable student outcomes. By doing this, we ensure that our work is not only strategic but impactful.
Equally important, board members are elected to represent the vision and values of their community. As a former teacher and a parent of two CMS students, I’ve seen firsthand how much families care about safe, inclusive schools, strong teachers, and high academic standards. It’s my responsibility to listen, engage directly with our community, and translate those values into policies and budget priorities that reflect what our families want for their children.
This also means being transparent and accountable. When we commit to a goal—whether it’s closing achievement gaps, improving literacy, or increasing teacher retention—we must track progress, share results openly, and be honest about where we need to do better.
As a parent of two CMS students and a former teacher, I understand the importance of creating schools where every child can learn in a safe, inclusive environment and where educators are supported and respected. My constituents include working parents balancing multiple jobs, families new to our district, and lifelong residents who care deeply about their neighborhood schools. It also includes the teachers who show up every day to inspire our kids and the community partners who step in to help.
Representation isn’t just about answering emails or attending meetings—it’s about being present, engaged, and accessible. I regularly hold “Minute with Melissa” events, attend school and community gatherings, and maintain open lines of communication because I believe in listening first. Every decision I make is informed by these conversations, ensuring the voices of our community are at the heart of CMS governance.
For students, I’ll push for equitable funding so that schools in every zip code have the resources they need. That means investing in academic support, tutoring programs, and mental health resources, while also ensuring access to arts, athletics, and enrichment programs that engage the whole child.
For faculty and staff, I’ll advocate for manageable class sizes, mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities that help educators grow. I’ll also work with community partners to provide wraparound services that address barriers to learning—whether it’s food insecurity, housing instability, or access to technology.
I will also strengthen ties with key partners like Classroom Central, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, and nonprofits that support students and families. Advocacy groups such as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators, Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, Lake Norman Chamber and other organizations focused on equity and inclusion are vital collaborators. I’ll also work with higher education institutions and workforce development organizations to connect students with future opportunities.
In addition to advocacy, I focus on ensuring that every dollar we do receive is used strategically. That means aligning our budget with district priorities that directly improve student outcomes, such as teacher support, tutoring programs, mental health resources, and equitable distribution of funds to our highest-need schools. I am committed to holding the administration accountable by critically reviewing contracts and demanding clear, measurable results for the services we provide.
I have personally advocated for policy changes that directly impact student safety and well-being, such as expanding the qualifications for school nurses. Previously, only nurses with a bachelor’s degree could work in our schools. I fought to change this policy so that Certified Practical Nurses (CPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) could serve our students, ensuring we have more healthcare professionals available to meet student needs.
Physical safety is also a priority. I have supported making sure that new schools being built include upgraded security features, such as secured vestibules for added protection, and that existing schools are assessed for improvements to keep students and staff safe.
In addition to healthcare access and physical security, I support mental health services, trauma-informed practices, and increased staffing for school counselors and social workers. Safety is also tied to the culture within CMS. When students feel connected to their school community and supported by trusted adults, they are more likely to thrive and less likely to experience or contribute to unsafe situations.
I believe in a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach. This includes increasing school-based mental health professionals—counselors, social workers, and psychologists—so students can access help when they need it. I also supported expanding partnerships with community organizations to ensure additional services for families.
I’ve worked to remove barriers to staffing critical roles. For example, I advocated for changes allowing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) to serve in school health positions, helping fill vacancies and expanding care for students.
For staff, I recognize that educator well-being is directly connected to student success. I will continue to support professional development in trauma-informed practices and access to mental health resources. I also back initiatives that reduce administrative burdens, allowing teachers to focus on students.
Finally, I am committed to ensuring supports are data-driven and accountable. I push for clear metrics so programs we fund improve outcomes and school climate.
First, I believe in stronger accountability and measurable progress. I’ve been a consistent advocate for reviewing programs and services to ensure they deliver results. If a contract or service does not directly impact student learning or school culture, I push to redirect those dollars toward initiatives that do. For example, I championed the change in policy that allowed Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) to serve as school nurses—a practical solution that increased access to healthcare in our schools.
I also believe in greater financial transparency. Our community deserves clear reporting on where every dollar goes and how those investments connect to our priorities, from closing achievement gaps to strengthening teacher support. Budgets should reflect our values, and I am committed to making sure they do.
Additionally, I support teacher recruitment and retention policies that address both working conditions and professional growth. While CMS does not control teacher pay, I use my position to advocate for fair compensation at the state level and champion local initiatives—like mentorship, manageable class sizes, and mental health resources—to ensure CMS is a district where teachers want to stay.
Finally, I will continue to push for equity-focused policies that provide additional resources to our highest-need schools and for policies that ensure student safety, including upgraded security features in new school designs, such as secured vestibules.
Although I was not on the Board during the pandemic, I was in the classroom, teaching and experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by students, families, and educators. That perspective gives me a deep understanding of what worked, what didn’t, and what we must do better moving forward.
I also want to commend CMS for its forward planning regarding the ESSER fund cliff. While many districts struggled with how to allocate these temporary federal funds, CMS used them strategically, focusing on people and support positions that directly benefited our students, rather than simply investing in one-time infrastructure upgrades. When the funding ended, this created an opportunity to analyze which programs were most effective. Through data-driven review, CMS has been able to identify what worked, what didn’t, and which initiatives should be sustained to keep improving student outcomes.
Going forward, I believe CMS must continue building on the lessons of the pandemic:
Investing in what works: Using data to evaluate programs and ensure we fund the ones with measurable results.
Strengthening communication: Keeping families informed and engaged in decision-making.
Planning for the future: Preparing for funding cliffs and unexpected challenges so that we can adapt without disruption to students.
One of the ways I connect directly with parents is through Minute with Melissa, my monthly, in-person community meetings. These gatherings provide a casual, approachable space for parents and community members to bring their questions, share concerns, and collaborate with me face-to-face. Whether it’s discussing school policies, individual campus needs, or broader district priorities, these conversations keep me grounded in the real experiences of our families.
I also maintain a newsletter and blog where I share updates, resources, and information to help families navigate CMS. It’s not just about reporting board decisions—it’s about breaking down what those decisions mean for students, parents, and staff in clear, accessible language.
Beyond formal communication, I stay deeply rooted in our community. You’ll find me attending local events, supporting neighborhood businesses, and partnering with organizations that make a direct impact on families. Whether it’s participating in festivals, connecting with parents at coffee shops, or advocating for programs that strengthen our schools, I believe in being present and visible—not just at board meetings, but in the daily life of our district.
That’s why I’m known for asking tough questions and critically reviewing contracts and services. Taxpayer dollars should go to programs and resources that directly improve student learning, not to initiatives that look good on paper but don’t deliver results. I believe in holding both the district and our partners accountable by demanding clear data, measurable goals, and regular progress updates.
Transparency also means making the budget understandable and accessible to families. I support breaking down financial information in ways that parents, teachers, and community members can follow, so they can see exactly how their tax dollars are being spent. When people feel informed and included, it strengthens trust and improves collaboration between the district and the community.
Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. I’ve pushed for regular data reviews and for connecting financial decisions to student achievement, so we can track what’s working and adjust what isn’t. This is not about politics—it’s about delivering real, measurable progress for students and making sure our resources are used responsibly.
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.
2022
Melissa Easley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Easley's responses.
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Holds a Masters degree in K-12 Instructional TechnologyMelissa Easley A National Board Certified teacher Co-Founder of North Carolina Teachers United. The largest pro-public education support and resource group in the state. Parent of two students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte resident for over a decade
- I believe that each student, teacher, and administrator requires the best available resources to build an educational environment that can help communities thrive. It takes deep knowledge of how the local education system works. I am the only one running in D1 that has not only experience, but recent experience in CMS teaching in the classroom as well as years of experience in making connections across Charlotte and the state to further education.
- The most important job as a school board member is to create policy for the school district that reflects the values and ideals of our community. This includes making sure the community is involved when making big decisions such as hiring a superintendent and student attendance assignment.
- I would like to focus on the culture of CMS. How the CMS board interacts with the public, staff, students and families have been damaged. We need to repair this culture in order to be a successful district. This includes standing behind our teachers and we advocate for them on both the local and state levels. Bringing trust back to the CMS board will increase teacher acquisition and retention, which in turn will help student achievement.
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
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 5, 2025
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rhonda Cheek |
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 1 2022-2025 |
Succeeded by Charlitta Hatch |
