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Lisa Cline
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
Yes
Previous experience in elected office:
CMS District 5 Representative (2022-present)
Age:
65
Occupation:
Retired; former CMS Assistant Principal for Phillip O. Berry, West Mecklenburg, and Ardrey Kell High Schools (2013–2022); former teacher
Description:
Cline wants the board to tackle learning loss (particularly “continue working on closing the gap between all students and raise students' performance in reading, math, and science”), apply the proper resources for each student to ensure post-high school success, continue to build positive relationships between parents and schools by involving parents in their children’s schools and create a physically and emotionally safe learning environment. She continues to advocate for security associates at the elementary schools. She did not vote for the appointment of the current CMS superintendent Crystal Hill and says she is proud of her record of being a strong steward of CMS finances. She wants teachers to get “a much deserved raise.”
Other personal:
Cline has a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University (1976–1980) and a master’s degree from UNC Charlotte (2004–2006). She has volunteered for causes such as saving the Olde Providence Park and taught multiple K-12 learning pods during the pandemic. She is a registered Republican and endorsed by MeckGOP.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).
Currently serving on the Board of Education, District 5. I have a B.A. from Clemson University 1980, a M.S.A. from University of North Carolina, Charlotte 2006. Retired from CMS after 30 years, but a total of 40 years in education. I live in South Charlotte.
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 after three years, I am just getting started with the work. I have used my previous experience as a CMS educator to evaluate the work of staff on the district goals and guardrails and share with my constituents. I have been a "hands-on" Board member who is available to families. When contacted for help by a family, I make sure the concerns are heard in order for a solution to be found. I want to make CMS a school district where parents choose to send their children over other educational settings. I live in District 5 and our schools are my schools. I am not a distant voice, I am your neighbor. The School Board sets the course for our children's future, if you want a board member who truly represents our District's values, who is invested in student learning and who fights for transparency in how resources are being allocated to students and directly supports learning and not bureaucracy. I would be honored to earn your vote.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?
Push for the North Carolina General Assembly to finalize a budget in order for teachers to receive a much deserved raise.
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.
As a Board Member, I helped facilitate a partnership with Ambassadors of Compassion and West Mecklenburg High School.
As an educator, I led my departments in growth and proficiency at my high schools.
I took part in writing curriculum for the school district as a Social Studies Curriculum teacher.
I was the first foreign language lead teacher at Smith Academy of Foreign Languages now S.A.I.L.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?
MeckGOP
Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.
I was not only a CMS educator, but a parent to two children who attended and graduated from District 5 schools and served on the PTAs of their schools.