As an assistant superintendent at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, I often reflect on the journeys that brought me here. I oversee an incredible array of high schools, each one a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and sheer possibility of public education. In this piece, I want to share a glimpse of what I’ve seen, because the story of our public schools isn’t just data or policy — it’s people; it’s community; it’s everyday moments that remind us why public schools are the heartbeat of our society.
Uniting community
My belief in the power of a united community began long before Charlotte. I think back to my time at Oak Hill Elementary in High Point, where a remarkable advocate named Gina Jacobs walked into my office one afternoon and simply asked, “What do you need? How can I help?”
Through her efforts, our students had opportunities they had never had before — whether it was a new basketball league, a trip to the opera, or simply the feeling of being seen, supported, and valued. That experience reaffirmed something I’ve always known: Public schools thrive when the entire community wraps its arms around them.
The same was true at Carver Heights Elementary in Goldsboro, the last school I led before moving into district leadership. When I arrived, the school was on the brink of a state takeover. Confidence had dwindled. Spirits were bruised.
Then came the local churches — and the late Mayor Allen, whom I lovingly called “my mayor” — asking what they could do to help. Local churches partnered with us to build a café with real booths and a lunch-buddy program, and Mayor Allen provided flexible funding to support our students and parents.
And then there were the volunteers. Oh my, were there volunteers! They came from all walks of life. I may be a little biased, but my favorite was Doris Faison, my sister-in-law. I loved hearing her volunteering stories around the dinner table or while just hanging out. Her joy and action reminded me of another powerful truth about public education: how deeply it gives back to the community.
When people speak of public education, these are not often the stories you hear. However, I am here to tell you these stories happen regularly — in public schools across our state and nation, every single day. If more people knew them, it would be hard to question the value of public education. Instead, they would sing its praises in every corner possible.
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Empowering students and families
When I reflect on my career in public education, I can sum it up simply: When communities wrap their arms around schools and insist they get what they need — whether that’s financial support, time, or simply love — transformation isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
Leading Oak Hill, Carver Heights, and other schools showed me the transformative power of public education. Now, in my role as assistant superintendent in Charlotte, I see that truth on a larger scale. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is one of the largest districts in the nation, and this year the data we’ve achieved prove what I’ve long known: Public schools can deliver outstanding, high-quality education. It’s about focus. It’s about intentional support. It’s about investing in our leaders and teachers so they can fully empower our students and families.
As we reflect on public education, it’s important to remember that most of us have walked the halls of a public school. Those halls shaped our foundations, our friendships, and our futures. Public schools are not just a guarantee — they are a cornerstone of our democracy. With high expectations, strong leadership, and the backing of our communities, they are truly unstoppable. They produce the leaders of today and tomorrow, and they deserve our unwavering support.
Validating careers
Whenever I think about the power of public schools, one student from my time at The Academy at Smith in Greensboro, always comes to mind. His name is Antonio, and he’s a powerful example of what happens when relationships and commitment converge to lift a student higher than he ever imagined.
When Antonio arrived, he wasn’t especially focused on academics. As a first-generation college hopeful, the road ahead felt overwhelming. But he had a village: me, Ms. Adamson (our school counselor), and every teacher who surrounded him with guidance and encouragement. Antonio didn’t just graduate — he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T. Today, he’s thriving in information technology.
What makes his journey even more special is how he stayed connected. Even as I moved to different schools and counties, Antonio always found a way to stop by, say hello, and say thank you. I can’t describe the joy of hearing someone say, “There’s someone here to see you,” and realizing it was him.
One moment I’ll never forget happened on Mother’s Day in 2017. Antonio posted a photo of the two of us on Facebook, sharing what our school meant to him. That simple act reminded me of what public education truly is. It’s not just a system — it’s a network of relationships powerful enough to change lives across generations.
I don’t know where I would be in life without Mrs. Faison. I couldn’t imagine completing high school. The Academy at Smith molded me into the person I am today. Mrs. Faison kept me in that school when everybody wanted me kicked out. She was the best principal/school mom ever. I want to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and post this picture of us from 2011 that is still on my mom’s refrigerator to this day.
— Antonio’s Facebook post
Antonio’s story isn’t unique, but it is important. It’s a reminder of why we do this work. Public schools are full of Antonios — students with dreams, students who need champions, students who flourish when a community stands behind them. I challenge you to text or reach out to the public educator who made a difference in your life. You are someone’s Antonio, and hearing it would not only make their day, but also help validate their career.
That is why I believe so deeply in public education. Because when we show up, when we believe, when we work together, it is unstoppable.
P.S. Antonio, if you read this, you’re due for another visit. I hope to see you in Charlotte.
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