Who is Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, 2023 candidate for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board?
Name: Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 46
Campaign website: linktr.ee/seetigressrun
Occupation: Scientist and business consultant
Education: Bachelor’s of science in agricultural education and environmental science; master’s of science in agricultural economics and rural development; Doctorate ABD in energy and environmental systems and economics; 18 doctoral credit hours in strategic implementation planning in PhD Leadership Studies Program; MFA Equivalent in theatre arts; Juris Doctorate (Law)
Have you run for elected office before?
Yes, I have. I ran for mayor, board of commissioners at-large, and Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. Unfortunately, primary elections are not highly regarded, and thus I have seldom made it to the general election ballot. This time, however, without a primary election for this seat, I will.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I run a social relief organization The Aboveground Railroad, and a philanthropic organization The Southern Hospitality Project, through which I intercede on behalf of those without stable housing and at risk students and their families. My projects have served tent cities, both in Charlotte and Greensboro, and secured stable housing for more than 50 participants, assisted 10 in applying and completing degree programs, among other advocacy efforts and relief services like bus passes, laundry, rain gear, temporary hotel stay, albeit during inclement weather or otherwise. I have served as (1) ombudsman and parliamentarian for civil rights advocacy organizations and (2) fundraising chair and community outreach chair for PTA and social relief organizations.
What are your ideas for improving student performance if elected to the CMS board?
The achievement gaps go beyond just that between Black and white students. CMS schools are considerably diverse. I will advocate for Superintendent Crystal Hill’s diploma endorsement awareness campaign in ensuring families and, most immediately, upperclass students are aware of the benefits of such undertakings. I will advocate for Dr. Hill incentivizing student achievement overall. Further, it is necessary to survey what classroom factors exactly are the cause for these disparities, and implement action to address those specific hurdles. I’d also advocate for recruiting more teachers whose core values hinge upon inclusivity, equity, empathy and varied teaching methodology. Regarding disparities for Black students, the issue of inequitable enforcement of out-of-school suspension need to be addressed, as well. The disciplinary policies are generally straightforward and standardized. It’s the enforcement thereof where the problem lies. Inseparably important, I want to survey parents and incorporate their perspective, where proper, to incentivize sustainable student performance. So many environmental factors affect a student’s performance. CMS needs to ditch antiquated models of engagement and incorporate modern age strategies to boost student morale and improve student performance.
Will you support the $2.5 million bond that will be on the November ballot for school projects? Why or why not?
Although I have the same concerns that many have regarding CMS’ past misappropriation and mismanagement of funds, I support it. The funding is necessary and CMS priorities need be: (1) upfitting schools/facilities for general safety and environmental sustainability; (2) teacher retention and transformative ongoing learning workshops like that of hiring experts to enlarge teachers’ effectiveness in classrooms, equity and inclusivity; (3) acquire clean air buses; (4) support school safety regarding school violence, shootings, etc,; (5) and implementation of modern age educational media and acquire devices to ensure our children are ready for the technologically changing world so that in the long-term infrastructural needs will be met. As a scientist and economist with expertise in correcting negative externalities, if the money isn’t invested now, CMS and Charlotte will pay exponentially more later in lawsuits, infrastructural remediation, etc.
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?
Books should not be banned, but they should be and are scrutinized. Books should be appropriate for a student/class’ age and maturity level. Also, the subject matter should be relevant to the lesson. The classroom is not a space for political agendas. That said, however, inclusivity and equity is not wholly “political,” and thus a child’s sexuality, gender, religion, ethnicity and disability should be ethically and objectively regarded in full accordance with prevailing constitutional law. Regarding parents, they already have privy to vet school books, and justly so. If a parent brought a book to my attention, I’d draft the reasons that the parent cites for the book being inappropriate or recommended, then allow the parent to review my composition and upon their approval, present it to the board for consideration.
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?
No single board member is in control, so I’d advocate for the priorities I previously answered and lend my expertise to influence the board to prioritize the same. I’ll lead them to the science, economics and law that relates to these priorities.
What are your ideas for CMS to foster good relationships with towns and different communities across Mecklenburg County?
Objectivity! I have healthy relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and do not share the same views as I do. The reality is that we share borders and live, work and play in neighboring townships. Me, my son and my mom are no different. We frequent township festivals and events, even government related and already maintain good relationships or healthy interactions with neighboring townships. We’ve resided on every side of Charlotte, literally, since moving here in 2015: Steele Creek, both Berewick and apartment living; NoDa; a townhome off Albermarle in East Charlotte, Asbury Flats on Freedom Drive in West Charlotte. I understand the different communities across Mecklenburg County and important issues to them because I likely share/d the same concerns as a community resident. To foster good relationships, those engaged must understand each other’s perspectives and concerns, and directly observe why they share those perspectives and concerns. I am the best candidate to promote that introspective, inclusive and empathetic approach to foster good relationships with neighboring townships and different communities across Mecklenburg County.
What separates you from you opponents and makes you the best choice on November’s ballot?
My unrivaled objectivity, inclusivity, equity and interdisciplinary expertise make me Charlotte’s best choice. Also, I am completely detached from the corrupt and complacent status quo. Our schools should not be politicized. It’s torn it apart. We need to restore the quality of primary education for all.
