Mo Green made history on Wednesday as he was sworn in as the first Black state superintendent of North Carolina. With this achievement, Green takes on the responsibility of overseeing 2,500 public schools, serving approximately 1.5 million students, and managing an $18 billion budget. This significant step in his career comes after years of experience as the head of Guilford County Schools, where he gained a reputation for his leadership and commitment to educational excellence.
A Historic Milestone for North Carolina’s Education
Green’s inauguration ceremony took place at the Haynes-Inman Education Center, a school he helped establish during his time with Guilford County Schools. During his speech, he expressed his humility and excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing that his focus would shift from celebration to action as he works toward educational excellence across the state.
“I’m ready to go from celebration to activity, and then to results that will be magnificent for all our students,” Green said at the ceremony. His vision for North Carolina’s public schools is to make them the best in the country, with a focus not only on academic achievement but also on fostering ethical values in students.
A Commitment to Listening and Building Partnerships
Green is known for his strong communication skills, which were evident during his time as the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. His “Mo Wants to Know” listening sessions allowed him to connect with people across the state, a practice he intends to continue as superintendent. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with lawmakers, particularly those in the Republican-led General Assembly, to ensure progress in education.
“I need to listen, offer up suggestions, and then figure out how to move forward,” Green said. He has expressed his willingness to work with all lawmakers to ensure that public education remains a priority for North Carolina.
Supporting Teachers and Prioritizing Student Success
One of Green’s key goals is to ensure that teachers are not just respected but revered for their critical role in shaping the future of the state’s students. He believes that educational success goes beyond academic results, stressing the importance of character development alongside learning. Green has also acknowledged the challenges posed by the Leandro lawsuit, which has been a long-standing issue regarding adequate funding for public education in North Carolina.
“My vision for North Carolina public schools is to create leaders of tomorrow, grounded not just in knowledge, but in ethical values,” Green explained. His goal is to provide every student in the state with the opportunity to achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Community Support and Encouragement
Before taking the oath of office, Green received strong support from individuals who had worked closely with him in the past. N.C. Rep. Amos Quick and Alan Duncan, the vice chair of the state board of education, both praised Green for his integrity and commitment to high standards. Their words of encouragement highlighted the support Green has garnered from the community as he embarks on this important journey.
Green’s leadership is poised to guide North Carolina’s education system into a new era of excellence, with a focus on both academic achievement and personal growth for students.
As he begins his tenure, he is committed to making lasting improvements in the state’s schools, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education.
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