CMS proposes renovating, building new schools to fight overcrowding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released a plan Tuesday to open four schools in an effort to ease student overcrowding.

READ: CMS unveils proposals for 2015-2016

The proposal could shuffle thousands of students out of their current schools.

CMS officials will hold a public meeting Thursday to discuss proposed plans to ease overcrowding by opening two new schools and restoring two more next fall.

The plan would affect thousands of students in CMS schools.

The new schools would be funded by money from the 2007 bond. The restoration of two schools closed during the financial downturn that began in 2008 would be paid for with money from the 2013 bond.

One new elementary school would open in east Charlotte, with another opening in north Charlotte.

Two other schools -- Oakhurst Elementary and Starmount Elementary -- would be renovated.

In addition, district officials proposed a flexible-learning academy high school and the addition of two partial magnet programs, as well as two new rigorous academic programs.

"We want our families to have a variety of options because we recognize that every student is unique," said Dr. Heath E. Morrison, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. "Adding new schools and magnets, as well as a flexible-learning academy, will continue our efforts on this front."

CMS will continue to solicit community feedback on the recommendations through Nov. 18 with a series of public meetings. A final vote on the plan is expected November 19.