Who is Michael Johnson, 2023 candidate for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board?
Name: Michael Johnson
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 39
Campaign website: www.michael4cms.com
Occupation: Business owner and consultant
Education: Doctoral candidate in strategic leadership and organizational management
Have you run for elected office before?
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Canvassing for candidates in various elections, NAACP voter registration efforts to increase community awareness, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Political Action Committee assisted in the advocating and building of the MLK Statue in Washington D.C.
What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the CMS board?
Improving student performance circles back to re-evaluating the current model of education in the classroom. I believe if the district used a classical education approach instead of the traditional/modern approach currently being used. This model breaks learning into the following 3 phases: Knowledge (Grades K-4), where it focuses on phonemic awareness and knowledge accumulation; Logic (5-8), where students are taught how to use critical reasoning, learn how to debate facts, and explain their thoughts; and Rhetoric (9-12), where students are taught how to express their thoughts by use of speeches and writing. Throughout all three stages the arts, history, sciences are incorporated to support what is being taught in the classroom. These stages foster education of the whole student.
Will you support the $2.5 billion bond that will be on the November ballot for school projects? Why or why not?
I believe suitable facilities create an atmosphere for success. If elected to the board of education, I will ensure there is fiscal responsibility in allocation/distribution of the funds.
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?
I believe reading is a fundamental part of educational success. If there are parents that have an issue with particular books/titles, there should be a process in which that book should be up for review. As a citizen of Mecklenburg County, every parent has a right to be heard.
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?
As one whose field is project management and strategic planning, I would engage in conversation with members of the executive teams responsible for planning and map out a plan for construction needs.
What are your ideas for CMS to foster good relationships with towns and different communities across Mecklenburg County?
I think quarterly town halls should be held in each district. It allows for a more personal conversation to take place to allow the citizens of the particular district to voice their concerns and/or praises. The foundation of any relationship is built on communication, trust, and transparency.
What separates you from you opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
They’re a few things that separate me from my opponents:
1. I have the ability to view the functionality of CMS through the lens of the $2.1 billion enterprise that is. Understanding that there must be fluid systems, policies, and processes in place to ensure the success of students and parents.
2. I don’t mind asking the tough questions that will provide the best outcomes for the children. There are a plethora of programs that have been implemented that have failed resulting in a waste of time, personnel, and finances.
3. I am running on a slate with qualified candidates that believe in transforming CMS for the better. A stark reality is there are nine people who sit on the board with nine different “pathways to fix student outcomes”. That level of division suggests the give and take in order to get policies passed. With the three of us running together as a slate, there are three people coming into the seats in agreement with understanding what changes should be made. Voting for me is voting for a third of the board pushing things forward for student success.
