CMS restructuring reduces learning communities from 9 to 6

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox announced Tuesday the first round of restructuring within CMS.

According to a release, the changes followed a review of achievement data and other key statistics, with a focus on expanding pathways for students to succeed.

The changes include reducing the number of learning communities from nine to six and creating five new positions to address cross-district issues and other student needs tied to academic outcomes.

“Our goal is to make the most of our talented people and resources to help our students achieve,” Wilcox said. “In order to focus on breaking the link between school poverty and academic achievement, and to do the best we can for all students, we must be optimally organized to create those outcomes.”

In the new structure, there will be six learning communities: northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest and two central ones.

Specific school assignments to learning communities have not been completed yet:

  • Dr. Matt Hayes will lead the Northwest Learning Community.
  • John Wall will lead the Northeast Learning Community.
  • Denise Watts will lead the Central 1 Learning Community.
  • Tara Lynn Sullivan will lead the Central 2 Learning Community.
  • Steve Esposito will lead the Southwest Learning Community.
  • Kondra Rattley will lead the Southeast Learning Community.

“Our reconfigured learning community structures will serve to broker district-based support more efficiently and effectively. School assignments within the new learning community structure and support staff roles within these new zones will be determined in a collaborative process in the coming weeks,” Wilcox said.

The restructuring also created five new positions:

  • Dr. Curtis Carroll will serve as associate superintendent for high school programs.
  • Avery Mitchell will serve as associate superintendent for middle school programs.
  • Trish Sexton will serve as associate superintendent for elementary school programs.

In addition, two new positions will address student services and cultural competency and inclusiveness:

  • Kathy Elling will become associate superintendent of student services, overseeing such student supports as social, emotional and mental health care, and anti-bullying efforts.
  • Dr. Chris Triolo will serve as executive director of teaching and learning, working to boost cultural awareness and inclusive teaching across the curriculum.

“These changes are designed to best use existing talent and leadership resources within the district and to further build out pathways to achievement for students,” Wilcox said in a memo to the Board of Education.

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