CMS leaders explore new options for proposed school in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CMS is exploring new options for a proposed K-8 STEAM school in south Charlotte.

Funding for the Rea Farms Relief School was approved in the bond package of 2013. In the six years that have passed, south Charlotte has boomed with plenty of development and thousands moving in. Construction isn't slowing down any time soon. With many of the current schools overcrowded, CMS leaders say they want to make sure whatever they do with Rea Farms will have the most impact.

Even with a fall 2020 first bell looming, potentially impacted parents want leaders to take their time and get this right.

"Let's heed the wisdom of my son's second grade teacher, who often writes on his homework, slow down," parent Ronak Bhatt said.

Staff presented three options to the board to consider. A K-8 school, a K-8 school with some magnet seats and a middle school.

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For most of the parents in attendance at Tuesday's public hearing on the school, the three options are not satisfactory.

"There are scenarios the community will support, ones that will provide relief and stability," parent Leigh Sugg said. "Why aren't we talking about those?"

"I am disappointed the proposed options by the staff appear to ignore the input of the community," parent Ashley Harvey said.

School Board member Rhonda Cheek wants the board to consider making the school a full magnet.

"To say now we are not even considering a full magnet makes no sense to me because I thought that’s what we were voting on in that bond," Cheek said.

Cheek's comments were met with applause by many parents in attendance.

CMS is next scheduled to take this issue up May 14. A vote at that meeting is unlikely because the superintendent is not expected to attend.

Cox Media Group