CMS Ramps Up Recruiting Efforts

CHARLOTTE, NC. — Wednesday morning was the first time 9th grade CMS student Ariel Thomas stepped into a classroom in more than a year.

“Different. I was a little excited, so I got up a little before 4 o’clock,” Thomas says.

Superintendent Earnest Winston says the district had strong systems and processes in place for the first day.

“We were ready today. We were very excited about what we inside of our classrooms today,” says Superintendent Winston.

District officials say there are about 85 bus driver position openings. The district is offering a bus driver recruitment bonus. $1,000 will be offered for all new drivers who have a start date this school year and who participate in a training class no later than September 30th. Officials say there were bus delays.

“We do usually on the first day, see you around 7 o’clock average time of clearing. We can see up to times that go a little bit later than that,” says Community Superintendent Matt Hayes.

CMS teacher Steve Oreskovic says the lack of bus drivers was obvious during dismissal.

“Late buses. Later than I have seen, and I think it’s at multiple schools,” Oreskovic says.

Oreskovic says overall, the day went well, and students complied with the mask mandate.

“The kids seem happy to be there, and it was a good day. It was a good day overall.”