Charlitta Hatch

Party:

Democratic

Incumbent:

Previous experience in elected office:

None

Age:

Occupation:

Chief Data and Analytics Officer/ Deputy Director of Innovation and Technology for the City of Charlotte; adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte

Description:

Hatch says, “I’ll invest in mental health, inclusive school climates, and tools that support belonging.” She is also a supporter of early literacy as well as “future-ready skills like AI and technology.” She says she is running to bring her experience as a former CMS Foundation board member, civic leader and first-generation college graduate to ensure equitable, community-driven leadership that prioritizes students, families, and educators over politics. The Charlotte Ledger reported in July that Hatch's candidacy was backed by a top advisor to the CMS superintendent.

Other personal:

Hatch has a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and a master’s degree from UNC Charlotte, where she is also a doctoral candidate. She is a graduate of CMS, mother of a CMS elementary school student and a children’s book author. She was also a former consultant for IBM and Accenture. She lives in Highland Creek in north Charlotte. She is a registered Democrat and is endorsed by MeckDems.

Candidate Website

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

Hampton University - Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of North Carolina at Charlotte - M.Ed - Urban Education

University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Doctoral Candidate - Urban Education

City of Charlotte - Chief Data and Analytics Officer/Deputy Director of Innovation & Technology

North Charlotte - Highland Creek

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.

I’m proudly raising the 3rd generation of CMS students in my family. I’m running for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education in District 1 because I believe in the power of public schools to transform lives because as a first-generation college student they transformed mine.

I’ve seen our district from every angle: as a product of this system, as a board member of the CMS Foundation, and as a mother navigating it for my own children. I know what’s possible when our schools are well-supported and I also know where we’ve fallen short.

I’m not running for politics. I’m running for purpose: for families who feel unheard, for educators who feel unseen, and for students who deserve classrooms that affirm their brilliance. At a time when public education is being politicized and dismantled, we need leaders who bring a policy lens to protect it while tying every decision back to student outcomes and equity.

My experience leading boards, serving in nonprofit and civic roles, and building community initiatives has taught me how to turn advocacy into action, and how to govern with accountability, equity, and impact. Additionally, I was twice appointed by City Council to the Civil Service Board, where I served as Chair and Vice Chair for three years. That experience mirrors many responsibilities of a school board member: overseeing employment escalations, and making decisions on hiring, firing, promotions, and transfers. It prepared me to lead with fairness, accountability, and transparency, qualities that are essential for effective governance in CMS.

I am also committed to bringing the voices of the community to the boardroom. As a doctoral candidate studying family engagement, I bring the lived experiences and insights to know firsthand what families are loo (sic) are often the fiercest advocates for their children, and their insights must guide the policies that shape our schools.

I love Charlotte. This city has given so much to me, and I’m ready to give back — with bold ideas, community-driven leadership, and a fierce commitment to our children’s future. I’m Charlitta from Charlotte, and I’m running for all of us.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

In my first six months, I want to set the tone for how I will lead.

As a seasoned leader, I know the importance of entering with humility. On Day One, my priority will be to get acclimated, honor the work already underway, and understand the “why” before recommending changes. Trust begins with listening.

However, over the course of my term if elected, I would prioritize the following:

Elevate Family Engagement – making it a measurable district policy with clear metrics.

Close Early Literacy Gaps in K–2 – ensuring resources, master teachers, and supports (sic) reach the schools that need them most.

Responsible AI & Technology – using innovation to reduce teacher burdens, expand equity, and prepare students for jobs of the future.

Budget & Funding – tying contracts and spending directly to student outcomes.

Educator Retention Strategies – strengthening career pathways, support systems, and teacher voice in decision-making.

My leadership philosophy is simple: students at the center, outcomes as the measure, and every adult in the system from the principal to the bus driver is valued as part of that success.

Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

Serving as Nominating Chair for the Junior League of Charlotte, I helped more than 200 women say yes to leadership. One of the highlights of my service was encouraging women to see their potential and reminding them that they can lead. I believe deeply that empowered women empower women, and this role reflects my collaborative, inclusive style of leadership.

Being honored as Hampton University’s Mentor of the Year was another milestone that affirmed my commitment to guiding and supporting the next generation of leaders. As a proud HBCU graduate, receiving this recognition from my alma mater was both humbling and motivating and a reminder that mentorship and advocacy can change lives.

Together, these experiences show that my leadership style is rooted in empowerment, equity, and lifting others up which are qualities I will carry to the CMS Board of Education.

What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?

My strongest endorsements come from the community itself. More than 300 individual donors have contributed to this campaign, and more than 50 active volunteers are giving their time and energy because they believe in this movement. To me, that sacrifice of time, money, and trust is the most meaningful endorsement I could receive and it reflects the voices of parents, educators, and neighbors across District 1.

Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.

My spirit animal is a flamingo because they’re tall, bright pink, a little awkward, but somehow people are drawn to them and don’t always know why. I like to think that captures me pretty well: unique, approachable, and memorable in my own way.