CMS celebrates historic academic gains on heels of turbulent summer for district leadership
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is celebrating a major milestone. Newly released state data reveals district test scores have surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. “In 25-26, we didn’t just make history again, we redefined the standard,” says CMS Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Beth Thompson.
Wednesday’s test scores press conference was a landmark moment in Mecklenburg County, as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools posted record gains in grade-level proficiency in every tested subject for a second consecutive year. Thompson says, “78.6%. That’s 136 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools earned a school performance grade of an A, B, and or C, an increase of 12 schools from the previous year and a total increase of 33 schools over the last two years.”
The numbers paint a striking picture of post-pandemic recovery. Third-grade math scores officially crossed the 70% threshold for the first time in history. High School Math One performance soared by 13 percentage points. “We said back in 2023 that third grade students will have experienced all reading foundational skills instruction in person. There is now data, an increase of 11% in the performance of third grade student proficiency, to support that those strategies are now producing results,” says Thompson.
While school leaders applaud the growth, the School Board offers a note of caution. According to Board Chair Stephanie Sneed, those numbers are meaningless until achievement gaps among minority students are fully closed. Sneed says, “That’s why we monitor every board meeting that we have. And we’re asking the questions about what are we doing to close the achievement gaps. I mean, gains are great, but until it is eradicated, then the work is not done.”
The academic victory comes just days after superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was reinstated following a three-month investigation. The school board voted to release a report detailing those findings by the end of September.
