​

140,000 children in our County get their education through a CMS school. In the past two years are kids have been asked to do all sorts of things that before COVID we would not have thought possible. And now it is time – for our County Commissioners to step up to the plate and do what in the past hasn’t been possible. Fully fund the request from CMS. This is the moment – for the adults to take the opportunity to do more for our kids.

 

CMS Basic bills they are required to pay have gone up by $20.9 million. However, the County Manager recommends increasing CMS funding by $19.9 million. This means CMS will have to cut/redirect funds by $1 million in order to cover the most basic costs that have increased. None of the other initiatives (including preventive maintenance) would be possible at this level of funding. 

 

CMS Budget request included $21 million to cover increases in FIXED expenses:

• $10.8 M

  • So that locally funded teachers and staff receive the same pay increases (2.5 – 2.7% depending on position) received by state funded teachers and staff.

  • To cover increases in retirement and health insurance rates.

• $5.5 M

  • CMS is required to fund Mecklenburg County students who attend charter schools. These funds cover charter school enrollment growth.

• $4.6 M

  • CMS is opening a new elementary and high school. These funds pay for staffing, maintenance, and operating cost of these new schools and expanded spaces at existing schools.

 

TOTAL Required Expenses = $20.9 Million

 

The County Manager’s proposed budget includes just under $20 million in new funds for CMS. If no other funds are added, CMS can ONLY pay for its fixed expenses. They cannot raise teacher pay supplement, increase teacher assistant wages, or keep up with preventive maintenance on school buildings.

 

CMS will NOT be able to establish a new Early College High School, provide additional supports to English language learners, plan a high school for newly arrived students who do not speak English, and increase social/emotional and academic supports for students.

 

 

ONLY THE COUNTY CAN FUND THIS. THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUFFICIENTLY FUNDING SCHOOLS.