CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Parents against Charlotte-Mecklenburg School’s nearly $1 billion bond referendum are concerned with what they think is pro-bond messaging being broadcast on school grounds.
Parents said that during last week’s Myers Park football game, the announcer broadcast messaging about the CMS bond referendum.
CMS officials told Channel 9 the principal authorized this message about bonds:
“An important issue affecting our students and staff will come before voters Nov. 7 with the $922 million Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bond proposal."
"If the bond is approved, CMS would build 17 new schools and provide renovations or additions to 12 others. Our school would benefit through reduced overcrowding because of the addition of new schools. The bond would significantly impact learning, providing state-of-the-art technology and classrooms and learning spaces that encourage collaboration and flexibility, equipping students for success in the 21st century. Seventy-eight percent of CMS schools are at or over capacity and many were built in the 1950s. The bond would relieve overcrowding throughout the district. For more information on the CMS school bond, please contact the school office or visit the CMS website here. To vote in the November election, you can register to vote until Oct. 13. Same-day, in-person registration and voting can be done Oct. 19-Nov. 4. To learn more, visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website."
CMS officials said that message is allowed because it is “factual information” and not advocacy.
CMS defines advocacy as, “things like speaking in favor of the bond referendum to groups or individuals, participating in groups whose purpose is to support the passage of the bond referendum, requesting that individuals vote in favor of the bond referendum.”
CMS officials said advocacy during football games isn't allowed but the statement doesn't qualify because it doesn't tell people to vote for the bonds.
Larry Bumgarner, who started an effort opposing the bonds, said the messaging during football games is inappropriate.
“Machiavelli would be very proud to be on their board right now,” Bumgarner said. “They'll do whatever they have to.”
CMS officials said staff members can provide information about the bonds and details on how to vote, but cannot engage in advocacy while on the clock.
The messaging has gotten the attention of the CMS School Board.
District 1 representative Rhonda Lennon said she is asking how the messaging isn’t advocacy.
She is also asking for a review of all messaging about bonds during football games and things that are being sent home.
Cox Media Group
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