Who is Clara Kennedy Witherspoon, 2023 candidate for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board?
Name: Clara Witherspoon
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 66
Campaign website: ckspoon22.org
Occupation: Retired educator
Education: I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and masters degrees in school counseling, school administration and Christian leadership.
Have you run for elected office before?
I ran for office in 2022, School Board District 4
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Founder of GPM Inc nonprofit ministry, where I have served as the board president, and implemented the following programs within the Charlotte Community: Free 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool enrichment program from 2009-2013, GPM Inc. summer camp scholarships for families from 2012-2013 and Community Support program for children with mental health needs from 2007-2009. Current services provided: Connect emergency crisis funds to families and household donation programs, Christmas gifts/toys to families in need, family advocate (educational liaison and resources), American Girl Doll Perseverance Award and onathan Martin Perseverance Academic Scholarship.
What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the CMS board?
Bridging student learning gaps to build great schools throughout our district must include the implementation of a school wide framework — Multi Tiered System of Support. However, the board must ensure that school leaders have the resources and staff to provide school interventions. The district needs to be purposeful in hiring skilled teachers, and once hired they need to support the whole teacher approach, specifically teacher pay, professional development, and social and emotional wellness
Will you support the $2.5 billion bond that will be on the November ballot for school projects? Why or why not?
I support the need to build new schools and provide school building renovations. However, the re-evaluation of homes in Mecklenburg County has impacted many of our taxpayers, indicating increased property taxes. The $2.5 billion request will place too high of a burden upon some of our citizens. I would consider supporting a $2.5 million bond.
What’s your opinion on school book bans or decisions to limit the audience for particular titles. And how would you approach the problem if a parent brought a book to your attention?
Senate Bill 49 is now law and provides parents rights, and we must follow the law. Yet many of the parent’s rights outlined in the bill already existed. Also, books in our school libraries must be culturally sensitive for all children and their families. The most important fact for parents and educators is that children feel loved and respected in their home and school environment.
How will you prioritize projects if the bond referendum is approved in November? And how would you approach deciding on major construction needs more broadly?
If the $2.5 billion bond is approved, the board should analyze the school’s data as it relates to (1) the physical condition of the building; (2)review how many students are currently enrolled in the school buildings needing renovation or replaced; (3)obtain population and projected growth for a specific area where a school needs renovation or replaced; (4) cost of renovation versus replacing a building; and (5) the need for an immediate solution versus a five-year plan.
What are your ideas for CMS to foster good relationships with towns and different communities across Mecklenburg County?
CMS must be transparent and continue building better relationships and collaborations that ensure stakeholders are active participants in solutions that will impact their children. A consideration could be creating a steering committee with volunteers from various communities and towns.
What separates you from you opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
I am a product of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and public education works, but we need changes. I have also been a Charlotte resident for over 50 years. I have a heart for our community and the work experience to support this board in moving our district to become a school district where we can all be proud. Yet it will take folks on the board to represent those who put them there and stand firm for what will be best for families and children. I am that person.
