CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Ann Clark got emotional a few times Thursday as she laid out the district's goals for 2015.
She spoke at CMS' State of Our Schools address at East Mecklenburg High.
"It was a very special day. Still a little emotional," Clark said after her address.
Clark said she is committed and ready to lead the district she's called home for three decades, serving as a bus driver, a teacher and now superintendent.
"I'm going to give it all of my heart and all of my head," she said.
During her address to CMS staff and community leaders, she laid out six goals, including offering a more personalized approach to learning for students and ensuring employees are paid competitive salaries.
"This is intrinsically rewarding work. Intrinsic reward does not pay bills; it does not pay mortgages," said the North Carolina teacher of the year James Ford.
Clark was appointed as superintendent on Tuesday, nearly three months after former superintendent Heath Morrison abruptly resigned.
School board chair Mary McCray said she approached Clark almost immediately.
"We could not think of a better person who could immediately step in and just keep this ball rolling," McCray said.
Clark will serve as the district's top leader for 18 months. In the meantime, the board will conduct a national search for someone to take over permanently.
Clark used the phrase "team CMS" multiple times Thursday, saying the district's success is dependent upon community partnerships.
She's already looking ahead to next week, when school grades will be released.
"If we have schools that get D's or F's, then what are we going to do about that? Not just CMS but what are we, this community going do about the fact that we have schools that are failing?" Clark asked.
Clark told Channel 9 that Thursday was also about rebuilding any lost public trust.
Clark said literacy will be the North Star for the district under her leadership. She said CMS is developing initiatives to close the achievement gap.
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