On the night of this year's North Carolina primary, Mo Green—Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction—learned who he would be running against and had an immediate revelation.
“I realized that this is now bigger than Mo Green,” he said during his recent visit to Henderson County. “The very soul of public schools is on the ballot.”
Indeed, the contrast between Green and his opponent, Michele Morrow, could not be more stark. Green has more than 20 years working in public education, including serving as superintendent of Guilford County Schools, where he oversaw a dramatic transformation. Green’s mother was a special education teacher, he sent his own children to public schools, and he even has “revere educators” as part of his platform. Morrow, on the other hand, has zero experience with NC public schools, homeschools her children and took them to the January 6 insurrection, calls public schools “socialist centers,” has called for the execution of Governor Roy Cooper among others, and has even advocated for the elimination of the State Board of Education.
“We have got to recognize this moment,” Green told the crowd at the Meet & Greet for Educators in the historic Henderson County Courthouse. “We need to have conversations that go across party lines. Even if it’s difficult, the situation is simply too serious not to do this. We have to talk to our Republican friends who also love our public schools and make sure they understand what is at stake.”
At both the HCDP Monthly Breakfast and the Meet & Greet, Green emphasized that his vision for North Carolina’s public schools is to become the best in the nation despite recent funding cuts that have placed the state near the bottom in terms of teacher pay and other metrics.
Green cited his experience in Guilford County as proof that such an ambitious vision can become reality. For example, the percentage of students performing on grade level rose from 25 to 75 percent, graduation rates soared, and racial performance differences decreased. “I had a bold vision when I started and I made it a point to celebrate the good, and then the children revealed how exceptional they can be,” he said to applause. “I knocked on every door I could to find resources. I started a listening tour called “Mo Wants to Know” to learn what things would make a difference in the community.
“I will do the same for our state. I will establish a bold vision for North Carolina Public Schools. Our children deserve nothing less than excellence.”
Some of the more poignant moments during Green’s talks were when he spoke of his mother. She grew up “dirt poor” in the US Virgin Islands, but because of dedicated educators she was able to graduate high school, move to New York and become a nurse. When Green’s father died tragically young, his mother decided to do what she had always wanted to do—to go back to school and become a teacher.
“She always said you must respect your teachers,” Green said. “That’s why I chose the word ‘revere.’ I use it because of my mother. Everything that I do in education, I do for my mother, and you best believe that I’m not going to do anything less than all that I can.”
Other Details About Green:
Green holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics and a law degree, both from Duke University. His professional journey started in private practice as a lawyer after completing two United States judicial clerkships. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi (the Boulé) fraternities. A longtime resident of North Carolina, Green is married and has two adult children.
Green’s journey in public education began in 2001 when he joined Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as general counsel. Mo's dedication and leadership led to his promotion to chief operating officer in 2006 and later to deputy superintendent. He then served as superintendent of Guilford County Schools, the third-largest school district in North Carolina, for over seven years. More recently he was executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
During both his talks, Green included many more details and examples. His message is clear: for those who believe in the value and promise of public education, he is the candidate who will champion our schools and ensure they thrive.
With a wealth of experience and a proven commitment to improving our schools, Mo Green stands as the candidate who can lead North Carolina’s public education system to new heights. Visit his website at mogreenfornc.com to learn more.