Melissa Easley

The Election Hub Questionnaire

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

I am 42 years old and live in North Charlotte. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education, a master’s degree in Online Teaching and Learning, and I am a National Board Certified Teacher. From 2011 to 2021, I taught middle school science and social studies in CMS. I’m also the parent of two CMS students and proud to raise my family here. Today, I continue to teach online and remain active in our school communities.

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 am running for re-election because I want to continue strengthening our schools for all students. As a parent, a small business owner, and a 19-year classroom teacher—including 10 years teaching middle school science and social studies in CMS—I bring both personal and professional experience to the board. I continue to teach online today, which keeps me connected to the challenges and opportunities teachers face. I was elected to the CMS Board of Education in 2022 and currently represent District 1.

In my first term, I’ve focused on teacher recruitment and retention, student safety, and transparency with families. I’ve published a Chalk Talk newsletter since 2022 to break down board decisions in plain language, and I host Minute with Melissa sessions monthly to hear directly from families. I believe my record shows I don’t just talk about accountability—I practice it.

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

In my first six months of a new term, my top priority will be expanding transparency and community input. Families and staff deserve clear communication about how decisions are made and real opportunities to have their voices heard. I’ve started this through my Chalk Talk newsletter and Minute with Melissa sessions, but I want to extend that reach by making board information even more accessible and creating more ways for parents, staff, and community members to engage directly.

For example, I want to improve how we share updates on transportation challenges and bond projects so families and staff don’t feel left in the dark. I also want to provide plain-language budget summaries so parents and taxpayers can clearly see how resources are being used in our schools. Most importantly, I want parents to understand what is happening and how they can support their classroom teachers. Stronger communication builds trust—and trust is the foundation for pushing our schools’ achievements even higher.

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.

First and foremost, I am proud of my 19 years as a classroom teacher, including 10 years teaching middle school science and social studies in CMS. I earned my National Board Certification and a master’s in Online Teaching and Learning, and I continue to teach online today. My years in the classroom shaped my leadership style as collaborative, student-centered, and deeply rooted in understanding the daily realities of teachers and families.

During my time on the CMS Board, I helped open the path to bring more school nurses into our schools—addressing a critical need for student health and safety. I also served as Chair of the Municipal Education Advisory Committee (MEAC), where I worked with local elected officials to align community priorities with education policy.

Outside of education, I own and operate Rhythm & Exposure Media, a small business that uses creativity to connect community concerns with a cause. Through this work, I’ve partnered with local nonprofits to raise awareness and give back to the Mecklenburg community. Running a business has sharpened my skills in organization, problem-solving, and fiscal accountability—skills I bring to public service.

Together, these experiences show how I lead: transparent, community-focused, and committed to ensuring families, staff, and taxpayers know their voices matter.

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

I am proud to be endorsed by Equality NC, LPAC, the Victory Fund, Vote Mama, and recognized as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of statewide and national organizations that believe in my commitment to equity, representation, safe schools, and strong public education.

In addition, I have over 100 individual community endorsements from across Mecklenburg County—educators, parents, and community leaders representing all political parties—who know my record of transparency and advocacy. These endorsements show that my support reaches far beyond one group or district; it comes from a wide range of people who may not always agree politically but are united in wanting safe, thriving schools.

For me, endorsements are about more than political backing. They represent trust from people across our county who believe I am the most qualified to continue leading CMS forward.

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

What may surprise people is that I’m not a typical politician. I’m an everyday parent and small business owner who spent nearly 20 years as a classroom teacher, and I decided to run for school board not because I wanted to be in politics, but because I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.

I’m also a mom to an elementary schooler and a middle schooler, balancing being the best mom I can be with the work of serving on the board and running a business. Like so many families in Mecklenburg County, I juggle work, kids, and daily life—and that perspective keeps me grounded.

Education has truly been the center of my life’s work. I taught in CMS for 10 years, continue teaching online today, and serve on the board to make sure families and staff have a voice. At the same time, through my small business, Rhythm & Exposure Media, I’ve partnered with local nonprofits to connect community concerns with a cause—supporting schools, artists, and charities across our county.

This combination of experiences says the most about who I am: the heart of a lifelong educator, the perspective of a mom, and the creativity and problem-solving of a small business owner. My work—inside and outside the classroom—has always been about listening first, leading with transparency, and building stronger communities.