Morrow, Green square off in battle for North Carolina state superintendent

CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Much is at stake in the upcoming November election including several important positions in North Carolina such as the selection of a new state superintendent between Michele Morrow and Mo Green.

Here is everything you need to know in the race.

Who is Mo Green?

A native of New York City, the 57-year-old Democratic nominee received a Bachelor's degree and a law degree from Duke University. Green is the former Guilford County Schools Superintendent and before that stint, he worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools serving as chief operating officer and deputy superintendent.

Guilford County is the third largest district in the state. Green then became the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a foundation that supports various causes including public education.

He is married with two children.

Who is Michele Morrow?

A native of Nashua, New Hampshire, the 53-year-old Republican nominee moved to North Carolina and attended South Meck High School before enrolling at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1993 with a nursing degree, according to her campaign website's bio.

She is married with five children.

What are they campaigning on?

The two candidates faced off in a debate last week in Southern Pines with both stating respective goals for schools. During the debate, Green attacked Morrow for some of her past social media posts. "She's the one that actually calls for people to be executed when she doesn't believe them. This is the person who has called for the public execution of Barack Obama."

Morrow said she wants to know more about how money is being spent and plans to audit individual districts and programs.

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"It's time for us to ensure that every student and every teacher is protected inside the classroom as well as out and that's one of the reasons why I've put as the top priority that we're going to make our schools the safest buildings in the state," Morrow said.

SCHOOL SAFETY

On school safety, Green said school resource officers are needed in schools, but mental health counselors need to be prioritized. He also pointed to physical safety features like increasing cameras and metal detectors.

Morrow said she plans to create a statewide SRO program ensuring each school has at least two SROs, adding that when she won the primary she created a school safety advisory council to look at best practices across the country.

Who are they replacing?

Catherine Truitt is the current superintendent and previously served as senior education advisor for former governor Pat McCrory. Truitt was defeated in her bid for re-election by Morrow for the Republican ticket.