02-04-2025
CMS parents to weigh in on proposed budget
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Charlotte-Mecklenburg School leaders will hold two public engagement sessions Wednesday about the for the 2025-2026 school year.
District officials will hold a at 1 p.m. An in-person session is set for 6 p.m. at J.M. Alexander Middle School on Tuesday evening.
The funding package would provide raises for teachers, approximately $8 million for an average of a 5% increase. It also includes a 3% increase assumption for all staff based on indications from state lawmakers.
Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill said it would be a 'tight' budget cycle but would focus on maintaining the quality of education, according to an open letter signed by Hill and Board of Education Chair Stephanie Sneed.
'We have reduced or eliminated funding for programs and expenses that have less direct impact on student outcomes or district goals to free up resources for initiatives with stronger alignment and measurable results. Additionally, we are closely monitoring news about potential federal funding cuts, which pose significant risks to vital programs that directly support CMS students and staff,' they wrote.
The proposed budget for FY2026 is a roughly 1% increase from the current operating budget.
CMS board passes budget that increases teacher pay, invests in facilities
The main sources of funding would come from Mecklenburg County (34%), the state (55%) and federal funding (6%).
Sneed and other board members reached out to local U.S. Representatives to express concern over outlined in the Continuing Resolution the House of Representatives passed.
The upcoming year will be the first since 2020 without pandemic-related relief funds for schools.
The CMS Board of Education will vote on the budget on April 22.
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