Mishell Williams, a Democrat, is running for the Cabarrus County Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Three seats are open. Voters will choose up to three candidates.

Asked why she is running, Williams said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe every student deserves access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. … Cabarrus County is growing, and I want to help ensure our schools grow thoughtfully with it. My priorities are supporting and retaining great staff members, providing equitable and accessible resources, keeping our schools safe, supporting the whole child, and making thoughtful, transparent decisions that put students first."

Five other candidates are in the race: Courtney Steinberg (Democratic), Pam Escobar (Democratic), James Kirk (Republican), Patrick Hartsell (Republican) and William Barbee (Republican).

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Family: Williams said in our questionnaire: "I am a dog mom, a wife, and a mother of three boys, all of whom attend Cabarrus County Schools at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels."

Asked whether anyone in her family works in politics or government, Williams said: "No. I am the first person in my immediate family to seek elected office."

Education: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Kent State University (2005); master's degree in curriculum and literacy from Cleveland State University (2007)

Prior elected office: Williams said in our questionnaire: "I have not previously held elected office."

Experience and public service

Williams said in our questionnaire: "I am a certified teacher and currently teach part-time in Cabarrus County Schools. I have taught in Title I schools in Cleveland, Ohio, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Cabarrus County. … I have also been involved in my children's schools as a PTO board member (going on my 5th year) and as a member of the Cabarrus County Schools Parent Advisory Board (going on my second year)."

On the issues

What sets her apart: Williams said in our questionnaire: "I bring the perspective of a certified teacher, a parent of three CCS students, a community advocate, and someone who has recently worked in a Title I school in our county. … I also believe representation matters. There is currently no African-American member serving on the Cabarrus County Board of Education, and I believe, if elected, I would be only the fourth African-American to serve on the Board since its establishment."

K-5 arts, music, PE and world languages funding: Williams said she supports full funding for K-5 enhancement teachers in those subjects. Asked where the money would come from, she said in our questionnaire: "Funding would need to come from a combination of state, local, and federal education resources, along with available grants and other appropriate funding opportunities. … We need to be transparent about the cost, identify sustainable revenue, and make investments based on what provides the greatest benefit to students."

School vouchers: Williams said she supports phasing out private school vouchers and ensuring that existing private schools receiving voucher funds meet the same accountability and performance standards as public schools. Asked what a local board can do, she said in our questionnaire: "The role of our local board is to advocate for the students we serve, communicate with our legislators, and clearly explain how state funding decisions affect Cabarrus County Schools. … I believe families deserve educational choices, but public dollars should come with a responsibility to invest in and strengthen the public schools serving our communities."

Teacher pay and evaluation: In a Public Schools First NC questionnaire, Williams said she supports raising public school teacher pay to at least the national average, reinstating master's and other relevant advanced degree pay, as well as additional pay for teachers who achieve nationally recognized certifications and take on additional duties. She also said she supports fair and equitable evaluation of teachers and schools "using a variety of metrics for student and teacher performance, not just standardized test scores."

School support staff: In the same questionnaire, Williams said she supports increasing the numbers of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses for all public schools to at least the recommended national ratios per pupil.

More information is available at Williams' campaign website.