Article Summary –
Mo Green, the Democratic nominee for North Carolina’s superintendent of public instruction, emphasizes his track record of improving Guilford County Schools by focusing on character education and service learning, which increased the district’s graduation rate from 70% to nearly 90%. His opponent, Michele Morrow, has taken a far-right stance, calling public schools indoctrination centers and advocating for extreme measures against political opponents. Green stresses the importance of public school funding, opposing the diversion of funds to private school vouchers, and advocates for leadership and community involvement to address issues like teacher pay and school performance.
When Mo Green took over as superintendent of Guilford County public schools in 2008, the graduation rate was only 70%.
Green, now the Democratic nominee to lead the state’s public schools, had a plan: Add character to the curriculum.
“We started with a vision, and the vision in Guilford County schools was to use a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was ‘intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,’” Green told Cardinal & Pine in an interview last month.
Two years later, the district introduced a new system to recognize students who showed responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, and other traits. Officials implemented a service learning program, giving any student who performed 175 hours of service-learning activities a service-learning diploma. This taught students how “we can be of service to others,” Green said.
That first year, students in the service program built a house in the community through Habitat for Humanity.
The emphasis on service and character won the district national attention. In 2013, Guilford County was one of only three public school districts in the country to be named a “National District of Character.”
When Green left Guilford County Schools in 2018, the graduation rate was nearly 90%.
What is a superintendent of public instruction?
Green is running for North Carolina’s superintendent of public instruction, a role that oversees the funding, performance, and regulation of a public school system with 115 districts and over 2,500 schools. The superintendent meets regularly with educators, the governor, and the media to ensure needs are met.
The most crucial role is as chief advocate for public schools, especially as Republican state legislators divert money to expand a private school voucher program.
Green’s opponent, Michele Morrow, a far-right Republican, has called public schools indoctrination centers and once called for the televised public execution of President Barack Obama.
We spoke to Green about his plans for the state’s public schools, his record, and his opponent’s violent rhetoric.
The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Cardinal & Pine: Why did you decide to run for schools superintendent and why is the position so important?
Green: I decided to run because I was deeply concerned about the direction of North Carolina Public Schools, including funding and the treatment of educators. Governor Roy Cooper approached me about running, and after discussions, I decided to run.
What did you learn as the superintendent of Guilford County about the difference leadership can make?
Leadership matters, but you need people willing to be led. We were blessed in Guilford County with a community that wanted a better school system. Leadership can set a vision and achieve significant improvements with effective individuals.
What specific visions did you set for Guilford County, and what improvements are you proud of?
I struggle with claiming personal accomplishments. We raised a high school’s exam pass rate from 40% to over 90% and achieved a 100% graduation rate. On the character side, our district was nationally recognized in 2013.
How do you respond to the charge that public schools are indoctrinating students?
This narrative is false. Character education starts in kindergarten. My opponent’s rhetoric is a distraction. She called for Obama’s execution, which is not the behavior we teach. We need to respect and engage with each other, even in disagreement.
How would you address the funding issues in public schools?
The superintendent’s role includes being a chief advocacy officer. Taxpayer-funded vouchers are diverting funds from public schools. We need effective ways to use existing resources and advocate against these vouchers.
What message do you have for parents feeling trapped in underfunded public schools?
Parents and community members need to vocalize concerns and demand funding for public schools. Voting for public school champions in the General Assembly can make a huge difference.
What about the long wait for public school improvements?
We need significant work to improve outcomes immediately. In Guilford County, we turned around schools quickly by making hard but necessary decisions, like overhauling underperforming schools.
What can the superintendent do to prevent teachers from leaving due to low pay?
Advocate for higher pay and better working conditions. Leadership in schools dramatically affects retention. We can reallocate existing resources to lessen educators’ burdens.
What are you focusing on as the election approaches?
We need to elevate the conversation about public schools and strive to become the best school system in the country. Expectations should be high for our students and schools.
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