CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Board of Education has approved next school year’s budget after a late‑night meeting that stretched for several hours.
The unanimous vote came just moments before the district’s deadline, ending weeks of debate over Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill’s $2.1 billion proposal.
The board initially rejected Hill’s first recommendation two weeks ago, raising concerns about equity across schools, mental‑health support for students, and how CMS would handle reduced state funding.
Hill’s revised plan keeps the overall cost the same but includes several key changes.
What’s Changing in the Revised Budget
- Higher state funding assumption for teacher and non‑certified staff salaries
- Restoration of all DSS liaison positions, which support foster students
- Elimination of several virtual teacher roles to shift teaching positions to lower‑performing schools
The vote came on the same day state lawmakers released a new budget proposal that includes an average 8% raise for teachers.
CMS Chief Financial Officer Kelly Klutts said the district is still reviewing what that means for local finances.
“The combined impact of this increase is estimated to result in an overall budget impact of approximately 5.5 to 6 percent,” Klutts said. “Once the state budget is finalized, we will return to the board for approval of an amended budget.”
The North Carolina Association of Educators responded to the state proposal, saying rising costs for utilities, insurance, and classroom supplies continue to strain teachers despite the proposed raise.
CMS will revisit the budget once the state finalizes its plan.
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