Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Following this, a seventh-grade student, Drake Lynn, led the pledge and spoke about the character trait of Hope, referencing the significance of 9/11 unity and expressing hope regarding the continuation of in-person schooling despite COVID restrictions. A significant portion of the meeting involved the first reading of proposed policy BSA concerning the selection process and responsibilities of the Board's student advisor. Following this, there was the first reading of proposed changes to bylaw BEA regarding remote meeting participation and agenda restructuring. The meeting then held a public hearing regarding proposed policy GBS on social media rules for staff interaction with the community, which involved several public speakers addressing topics such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), mandatory COVID mitigations like masking, and transparency in curriculum.

The meeting was a joint session between the CMS Board of Education and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. The primary focus was the presentation of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 2021-2022 budget request to Mecklenburg County. Key discussion points included addressing the social and emotional needs and well-being of students following the COVID-19 pandemic, which was highlighted as a top priority in the budget. Updates were also provided on student performance and efforts to progress monitor against the strategic plan, including proposed procedures to ensure transparency. A significant portion of the discussion involved detailing the temporary federal funding received through the CARES Act (ESSR I, SR2, and SR3 funds), emphasizing that this funding is restricted for COVID-19 related impacts, cannot be used for ongoing needs, and must include at least 20% allocated for activities addressing learning loss. The process for utilizing these funds, including prior expenditures on leave pay, technology, HVAC optimization, and PPE, was outlined.

The board meeting featured a significant workshop dedicated to establishing goals and guardrails, with input provided by Mr. AJ Crille. Key discussion points focused on finalizing the community's vision and values as defined by these goals and guardrails. Specifically regarding Goal Number One, which addresses the performance of Black and Hispanic third-grade students in literacy and career/college readiness, the Board debated whether to use a singular aggregate metric or separate metrics for each demographic, ultimately leaning toward retaining the original aggregate metric while ensuring terminology like CCR is spelled out as 'Career And College Ready'. A discussion also arose regarding the proposed shift in baseline data from 2019 to 2021 and extending the target end date to 2025 versus maintaining the original 2024 strategic plan timeline.

This document outlines the strategic direction for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which includes revising its existing strategic plan by incorporating recommendations gathered from 22 community task forces. A significant component of this strategy involves a proposed $294 million bond campaign to address critical issues such as school overcrowding, aging facilities, and the expansion of academic programming. The plan emphasizes defining success, establishing measurable targets, and fostering collective ownership among employees and the community.

The meeting primarily addressed the return of students to in-person learning following remote instruction due to the pandemic. Key discussions included the protocols and readiness measures in place for a safe return, and the flexibility granted to administrators to close individual schools or grade levels if necessary. There was a discussion regarding metrics for potential school closures and the continued engagement of the approximately 60,000 students opting to remain fully remote. Furthermore, the board discussed staffing readiness, vaccination opportunities for student-facing staff, and plans for resuming extracurricular activities, specifically Athletics and the Arts, under strict protocols. The board is also exploring options for prom and graduation ceremonies, noting the prior use of drive-by ceremonies. Academic topics included adjustments to grading expectations to ensure students cannot earn below a 50, providing an opportunity for recovery, and addressing the impact of lower-than-expected student enrollment, particularly in kindergarten, and the resulting learning loss over the summer months for students remaining remote. A Deputy Superintendent also provided insight on lessons learned, emphasizing the exposure of existing community disparities and inequities that need addressing.