CMS moves one step closer to creating a housing community for teachers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are one step closer to creating a housing community for teachers. The Board of Education approved a lease on seven acres of land in east Charlotte near Garinger High School.

This is a part of the district’s multi-year “At Home in CMS” initiative, designed to retain and recruit high quality educators. It would create more than 100 mixed rent units, based on income.

Nearly half of all CMS teachers surveyed said housing may impact whether they remain at CMS. The same survey showed 97% of teachers said housing costs are their most important consideration. District 6 school board member Anna London, “Housing affordability is a real issue in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and while continuing to advocate for higher pay this is an innovative way to invest in the people who show up every day for our students and families.”

The “At Home” initiative is a public-private partnership. CMS expects to break ground on the “Teacher Village” sometime next year.