Results from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools-issued survey released to the public on Tuesday. The survey’s purpose was to gather input on what the community wants in the next CMS Superintendent.
The school board has been working with consulting firm Civility Localized to determine what parents and community members were looking for in a new CMS superintendent.
The eight-week community engagement initiative, that lasted from Sept. 26 to Dec. 13., included interviews, focus groups, a survey, and community listening sessions to learn what people want in the district’s next leader.
There were approximately 1,714 survey responses and over 200 people participated in the focus group, listening session or interviews.
Free Newsletter
Stay informed with news and events that impact Charlotte’s Black communities.

“The goal was to gain as many perspectives as possible,” Christine Edwards, Founder of Civility Localized, said. “We value the lived experiences of each participant and hope this report illuminates the needs and priorities of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community in an authentic way.”
The board will begin conducting its official search with an expectation of hiring the superintendent by summer.
Results are below:
Question: How long have you lived in Charlotte- Mecklenburg?

Question: Select the 5 qualifications that you feel are the most important in the selection of a new Superintendent in the area of Engaged Communities: which includes involvement in the Charlotte- Mecklenburg region and sustainable use of community resources.

- 978 participants (68%) selected: Demonstrates experience with improving student performance, especially in closing achievement and opportunity gaps
- 893 participants (62%) selected: Demonstrates successful experience leading an organization with diverse cultures through an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect
- 832 participants (58%) selected: Implements successful retention strategies to keep effective and diverse employees
- 742 participants (52%) selected: Understands the impact of early childhood education and demonstrates success in implementing strategies that improve reading and literacy at all levels
- 716 participants (50%) selected: Possesses knowledge of educational issues, trends, and federal and state regulations and requirements
Question: Select the 5 qualifications that you feel are the most important in the selection of a new Superintendent in the area of Engaged Communities: which includes involvement in the Charlotte- Mecklenburg region and sustainable use of community resources.
- 826 participants (62%) selected: Evaluates and revises systems and procedures to improve efficiency and transparency
- 813 participants (61%) selected: Promotes and advocates for students and public education regularly
- 773 participants (58%) selected: Demonstrates excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills 600 participants (45%) selected: Is highly visible and actively participates in school and community activities
- 587 participants (44%) selected: Leads and advocates for the district by building successful relationships with all stakeholders
Question: This question asked participants to select their category of community member identity. Participants were allowed to select all categories that applied.

847 participants (62%) identify as Parent and/or Guardian of a CMS Student
414 participants (30%) identify as Interested and/or Invested Charlotte-Mecklenburg area Resident
391 participants (29%) identify as Current CMS Employee
181 participants (13%) identify as Interested and/or Invested CMS Stakeholder
174 participants (13%) identify as Former CMS Student
132 participants (10%) identify as Educational Support Non-profit Leader or Member or Business Owner
125 participants (9%) identify as Former CMS Employee
50 participants (4%) identify as Current CMS Employee
40 participants (3%) identify as Faith-Based Leader
22 participants (2%) identify as State or Local Government Leader
Some questions required open-ended responses. The full results can be viewed here.