A Board of Education, also known as a School Board, plays an important role in shaping public education policy, overseeing budgets, and ensuring accountability within local schools. In Cabarrus County, residents are served by two public school districts: Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools, each governed by an elected Board of Education.

Together, these boards make decisions that affect more than 35,000 students, hundreds of teachers and staff, and every family that calls Cabarrus County home. Understanding what school boards do, and why their elections matter, helps voters make informed choices about the future of education in our community.

A Board of Education (or school board) is responsible for establishing the vision and framework for how local public schools operate. While boards shape policy and set priorities, they do not manage schools day-to-day. Instead, they hire and oversee the superintendent, who is responsible for implementing board policy and managing district operations.

School boards focus on five primary areas:

• Policy & Governance: Creating rules and policies related to curriculum, student conduct, safety, graduation requirements, and district operations.
• Budget & Finance: Reviewing and adopting the annual district budget, ensuring resources are properly distributed to meet student needs.
• Hiring & Evaluation: Selecting and holding the superintendent accountable for the district’s academic and operational performance.
• Community Voice: Listening to parents, teachers, and taxpayers to ensure decisions reflect community priorities and values.
• Strategic Planning: Defining long‑term goals for student achievement, growth, and school improvement.

The Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education oversees the state’s eighth‑largest district, which currently serves about 35,200 students across 44 schools; a 12% increase since 2015. The board consists of seven at‑large members who serve staggered four‑year terms.

The district is growing rapidly and becoming more diverse:

• 39.5% White, 23% Black, 20% Latino, and 12% Asian students.
• Over 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home.

Key issues facing Cabarrus County Schools include:

• Teacher pay and retention
• Overcrowding, particularly in northwestern Cabarrus County
• Investment in new school facilities
• Workforce readiness programs connecting education to career opportunities.

The Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education governs a district that serves students in and around Kannapolis and parts of Rowan County. Like Cabarrus County Schools, this board ensures high standards for student learning, manages district finances, and hires the superintendent to oversee daily operations.

The mission of the Kannapolis City Schools Board is to provide equitable learning opportunities and a safe, inclusive environment that prepares students for future success. The board meets regularly to review academic progress, approve staffing decisions, and plan for facility needs.