Darius Griffin
1. What in your background leads you to believe that you would be an effective school board member?
• Parent of students that attend Cleveland County Schools
• Master Degree
• Alumni Leadership North Carolina and leadership training at the Center for Creative Leadership
• Employed over 13 years with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in an executive leadership role
• Communities In Schools (CIS) Board Member
• Church Deacon
• Cleveland County Schools Volunteer

1. Why are you running for the school board?
I care about the Cleveland County School System and community. I also owe a great debt of gratitude to the public education system and Cleveland County community. Therefore, I stand committed to serving the people of Cleveland County to ensure our school system is equipped to prepare all students for graduation, careers, college and citizenship.
As you may know, our school system is in the middle of a transition. Students, parents, school teachers, administrators, support staff, and elected officials have to positively communicate, collaborate and stay committed to establish workable solutions. For that reason, I feel that I must continue to look forward and offer the voters of Cleveland County a sensible strategic leadership choice.
My plan: I want to Build and support relationships between schools and community programs, collaboratively work with board members to align Board of Education goals with community goals; contribute to strategic evidence-based policies that will establish a safe environment where all students graduate are career, college and citizenship ready.
I am enthusiastic about running for the board and would appreciate your vote Nov. 3.
2. What are the big issues the school board will face in the next four years?
Budget implementation, managing and motivating teachers and support staff; alternative schools such as charter and private schools; implementing common core standards
3. What are we doing right in the Cleveland County Schools?
Creating a strategic plan, lowering the drop out rate and increasing the graduation rate.

What are we doing wrong?
a. Implementing and tracking progress on strategic plan
b Building parental and community partnerships
c. Ensuring accountability at all levels.