CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will be in uncharted waters next month. Construction will be completed on the two new high schools, and for the first time in years, there will be no new construction underway.

CMS has feverishly tried to keep up with a growing student population. But right now, there is no money, so there's no immediate construction beginning.

The school board is planning for its long-term future, when the money does return.

Tuesday night was the beginning of those plans, which could include changing all the priorities for renovation and new construction.

"To deal with a new reality, we just need to face it head on," said Board Chair Eric Davis.

It may also mean changing the list of projects included in the 2007 bond passed by voters.

Less than half of the $500 million of that bond money has been spent.

Board member "Coach" Joe White is hoping the board doesn't stray from the list they created and promised voters they would carry out. "This is an opportunity for those who didn't support that bond, and those that didn't like some of the items in the bond package to re-do all of that," said White.

Tuesday night was the first step, and there will likely be long discussions among board members on how to figure out which projects are the most important.

But no matter what plan they decide on, it means nothing if there's no money to pay for it.

Money for construction is separate from CMS’s operating budget. Getting additional money for building and renovating schools wouldn’t come at the cost of jobs, officials said.