Maurice Green elected as North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

Democrat Maurice “Mo” Green has been elected North Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Wednesday morning, it was announced that Green had won over 51% of voters in the state.

As predicted, it was a close race with his opponent, Republican Michele Morrow, receiving 49% of the votes.

Green was deputy superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the early 2000s before leading Guilford County Schools for seven years.

He’ll now oversee a system of 2,500 schools.

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Hours after winning, Green addressed narrowly edging out Morrow.

“It is concerning that my opponent almost was elected having put out the sort of comments and disparaging remarks she made about our public schools,” Green responded.

Though he said the outcome showed more votes wanted, “a more positive way forward.” He also pledged to listen to the concerns of those who did not support him.

“And be sure that we address the substance of some of what’s underneath some of that rhetoric, but we’re going to do it in a much more positive way,” Green elaborated.

Green also commended outgoing Republican State Superintendent Catherine Truitt on her service.

“She, I think, did some great work, particularly around early literacy skills,” Green said.

Congratulations to @MoGreenforNC! Team DPI pledges to work with you on a smooth transition on behalf of our 1.5 million @ncpublicschools’ students! #nced
— NC Superintendent Catherine Truitt (@CTruittNCDPI) November 6, 2024

And while he said he aligns with her over elevating school choice, he disagreed with her initiative that extended that to private and charter schools.

“I believe that taxpayer funds should be used to support school choice in our public schools and public school system,” Green explained.

As he prepares to lead a state school system of 1.4 million students, Green said his top priorities will be academic achievement, character development for students, and teacher pay.

Green said he believes the structure of teacher pay starts with a base that is too low and other things are cobbled together to bring up that base. He suggested stripping all that away and starting over with higher base compensation.

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