GREENSBORO, N.C. — Maurice "Mo" Green said he is overwhelmed, and thankful for the opportunity to lead the charge in public instruction in our state.
Green said he came out of retirement to run in this race, and with many years working in the school system under his belt, he says he's prepared to move the North Carolina school system to a place where it's the best in the country.
Green is a former Guilford County Schools Superintendent and executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, green brings a strong background in public education.
He focused his platform on reshaping and championing NC's education system.
WFMY asked him Wednesday what he did well as superintendent for Guilford County Schools that he will bring with him to the state level.
"I listen, learn and then lead. And so that's something that I plan to take forward. Because in this complicated environment of how to move forward public education, it's gonna be important to listen to others to hear those nuggets of where we can move things forward and then try to move things forward appropriately," Green said.
Green was asked what he will do differently from the current state superintendent.
He responded saying his first order of business is to sit down with current state super, Catherine Truitt to get a better understanding of what has worked and what hasn't worked for the state so he can best figure out a way to move forward.
As far as his goal for the next couple months, Green said he will rest and reflect on the magnitude of the moment and the journey it took to get to this point.
Then come January first, Green said the state needs to be ready for a bold vision in public education.
Mo Green, the Democratic candidate, is a former Guilford County Schools Superintendent and executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. He brings a strong background in public education and has focused his platform on reshaping and championing NC's education system. He emphasizes the need for increased funding, respect for educators, and improved student outcomes.
A key element of his platform is to expand character education and leadership programs statewide, similar to successful initiatives he spearheaded in Guilford County. He believes in balancing academic excellence with character development, referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s concept that “intelligence plus character” should define true education. Green also stresses the importance of listening to the needs of students, parents, and educators to shape policies effectively. His vision includes safe, supportive school environments and the robust investment necessary to provide quality education to all North Carolina students, aiming for long-term, transformative improvements across the state’s public schools.
For further details on his plans, you can visit his campaign site here.