CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have experienced a 3.2% drop in student enrollment. That amounts to nearly 5,000 students.
It was reported Friday that there were 142,177 students enrolled. Last year’s head count was 146,888.
The enrollment drop falls in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In previous years, a steep decline would affect state funding is directly tied to student enrollment. But legislation passed by the state’s General Assembly holds school districts harmless for enrollment drops because of he pandemic.
The state allocates money to school districts based on enrollment projections. Money has been typically taken back when enrollment falls short during the first two months of the school year.
CMS began the year with virtual-only instruction. School board members recently approved a plan to gradually bring students back.
