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CMS board votes to redirect funding to add more emotional support staff in schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools budget will not include funding for school resource officers for elementary schools after the school board voted to redirect funding to student support services.

If allocated by the county, the extra money will go toward child pyschologists and counselors.

Earlier this year, Channel 9 got a first hand look at how a social worker helps students at Ranson Middle School.

He told us his office is like a revolving door and while he does as much as he can, there is always more to be done.

The national recommendation for social workers is one for every 250 students.

CMS has one for every 2,200 students.

In addition to asking for more money to hire support staff, CMS is training all staff to create personal connections with students.