MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — In Tuesday's election, 14 candidates are vying for three at large Board of Education seats for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. This election could bring the latest wave of new faces to the board.
The pandemic's effect on education is helping pave the way for a new school board.
Let's connect the dots.
The CMS Board of Education is made up of nine members, and three of those positions are up for election -- but there is only one person who has decided to run to keep their seat.
It's just part of the massive turnover on the board. Last year, five of the board members got elected for the first time, meaning after Tuesday's election, at least 75% of the board will have only served less than a year.
So what's behind all the turnover?
The board has gotten extra attention, ever since COVID-19 first made headlines back in 2020. Parents and community members were showing up to board meetings, demanding in-person learning and fewer mask requirements.
It quickly took a toll on board members and made voters aware of an often overlooked elected position.
WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.