CMS Board approves $2.1 billion dollar budget, county funding next

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The budget battle nears the end for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The Board of Education has approved Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill’s $2.1 billion dollar budget after originally shooting it down two weeks ago.

“If these two weeks result in even one student having a better opportunity in a world where things are not fair then the work has been worth it,” Stephanie Sneed, CMS Board of Education Chair said in a meeting Tuesday night.

The board says the amended budget has several updates intended to close the achievement gaps, equip classrooms and better address mental health concerns.

The CMS budget is made up of funds from the district, county, state and federal government. The superintendent presented to the board Wednesday afternoon where she’s asking for nearly $700 million dollars which is a $25 million dollar increase.

“What was presented today was something that was not a shocker. It wasn’t a surprise. We were receptive to it and we want to support them any way that we can,” Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

The state legislature has approved a 8% salary increase for teachers which will help CMS carry some of the cost, but Commissioner Jerrell says he’d like to see the state and federal government supplement other costs for better student outcomes.

“It’s trying to thread this needle every year of not enough funding for what they deserve and the outcomes we really want to produce,” Commissioner Jerrell said.

As the Board of Education moves forward with the funding request they say they’re happy to see staff stretch the possibilities with the current budget.

“I offer no apologies for the push, it is with students in mind and even with this budget its not perfect but its better,” Board of Education Chair Sneed said.

The county manager will present his budget recommendations in a meeting Thursday. There will be a public hearing on the county budget on May 21st.