EARNEST WINSTON
Matthews,NC
Summary
Experienced educational leader with a proven track record of managing a large, complex organization, excelling in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Principal Intern
Forest Park Elementary School
5 2023 - 5 2024
- Supported educational programs by drafting correspondence to staff and families, conducting classroom observations, and reviewing academic results to ensure students supported academically and emotionally.
- Oversaw school operations by managing disciplinary issues and implementing staff development initiatives, improving student performance in reading and math on end-of-year exams.
- Initiated project to improve student attendance, reducing chronic absenteeism by 8%.
Advisor
Daybreak Health
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Conducted thorough analysis of school climate and regional environment to inform decision-making.
- Spearheaded outreach initiatives by connecting with key decision-makers in the network.
- Established public presence as a mental health thought leader, utilized by Daybreak in webinars and public engagement.
Consultant
Friendship Day School for the Sciences & Arts
05.2022 - 04.2023
- Led the hiring process for a new head of school, successfully appointing a leader for grades K-5.
- Provided strategic guidance to the Board of Directors and implemented processes and systems to ensure sustained growth and sustainability.
Superintendent of Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
07.2019 - 04.2022
- Led day-to-day operations of nation’s 17th-largest school district, including management of educational programs in 180 schools for 141,000 students.
- Implemented strategy to provide access to college-level/advanced courses for students of color, which resulted in a 29% increase in enrollment.
- Operationalized hybrid learning model, opened two virtual schools, and implemented a program to continue to feed students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Partnered with CMS Foundation to develop Connect for Tech, a campaign that raised $3.2 million to buy 12,000 hotspots for students to learn remotely during the pandemic.
- Launched $50 million initiative to provide additional academic support for students whose learning was significantly disrupted during the pandemic.
Chief Engagement Officer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Established the Ombudsman’s Office by designing a comprehensive complaint resolution system, directly addressing school-related concerns of parents, community members, and employees, resulting in a 30% increase in district responsiveness and satisfaction.
- Facilitated communication between the superintendent and the Board of Education by organizing regular briefings and ensuring accurate, timely information exchange, resulting in improved decision-making, and strengthened relationships.
- Created two-way engagement channels with community, parents, and government stakeholders, ensuring their input shaped district initiatives, resulting in improved student outcomes.
Chief of Staff
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
06.2012 - 07.2017
- Directed all facets of daily operations of the superintendent’s office, ensuring compliance with Board of Education policies and regulations, and local, state, and federal laws.
- Provided leadership and collaborated with all offices to ensure the resources and supports were available to meet the needs of schools and departments.
- Analyzed and managed confidential and sensitive issues that arose frequently in the rapidly changing environment of the superintendent’s office where improper handling may have resulted in serious consequences for the school district.
- Developed clear and concise communication materials, including talking points, speeches, presentations, and key messages aligned with organizational goals.
External Communications Supervisor, Executive Coordinator for Chief Operating Officer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
06.2006 - 06.2012
- Developed and implemented comprehensive external communication strategies to enhance the reputation and visibility.
- Oversaw the creation and dissemination of press releases, media advisories, and other external communications materials.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with local media outlets to effectively pitch stories and secure media coverage.
- Drafted crisis communication plans and provided guidance during emergencies.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders, including district leadership and school principals, to align external messaging with organizational priorities.
Education
Master of School Administration -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 06.2022 - 05.2024
Skills
School management
Budgeting
Education program management
Performance evaluation
Strategic planning
Virtual education
Public engagement
Interpersonal communication
Civic Engagement
- Editor, Social Justice Advocate Newsletter, 01/01/24, present
- Board member, Piedmont IB Middle School PTSA, 09/01/22, present
- Former Board member, Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg
- Former Member, Freedom School Advisory Board at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
- Former Board member, Stratford Richardson YMCA
- Former Board member, Mecklenburg PTA Council
- Former Board member, Ohio Wesleyan University Alumni Board of Directors
Honors And Awards
- Atrium Health Martin Luther King, Jr. Growing the Dream Award
- School Executive Leadership Academy, Queens University
- Ohio Wesleyan University Alumni Board of Directors Heart of the Chapter Award
Professional Development
- Communications Skills Workshop, University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Center for Graduate Life & Learning, 2023
- District Administration’s National Superintendent’s Academy, 2022
- North Carolina Next Generation Superintendent Development Program, 2022
- Leadership Development Initiative Class 15, Community Building Initiative, 2016
- Leadership Charlotte Class 31, 2010
Timeline
Advisor
Daybreak Health
06.2023 - 09.2023
Master of School Administration -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
06.2022 - 05.2024
Consultant
Friendship Day School for the Sciences & Arts
05.2022 - 04.2023
Superintendent of Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
07.2019 - 04.2022
Chief Engagement Officer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
07.2017 - 07.2019
Chief of Staff
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
06.2012 - 07.2017
External Communications Supervisor, Executive Coordinator for Chief Operating Officer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
06.2006 - 06.2012
Principal Intern
Forest Park Elementary School
5 2023 - 5 2024