CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is extending its decision-making timeline on proposed bus transportation changes as the district grapples with a daily shortage of around 100 drivers.
School officials announced they are postponing decisions on route adjustments to conduct further surveys and gather community feedback.
The district faces severe transportation strains that leave some morning buses running extremely late and result in hours-long afternoon rides home for students.
To address the shortage, CMS officials are evaluating options such as consolidated and community bus stops to reduce pressure on routes.
Nicole Portee, a CMS official, acknowledged the challenges families face while emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation.
“We recognize the impact these changes could have on our students, families, and staff,” Portee said. “We are willing to extend our timeline to ensure we make thoughtful, informed decisions.”
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Families across the district have expressed strong concern about the proposed transportation changes, particularly at magnet and specialized programs.
A prior district survey revealed that 49% of families at the Southern Academy of International Languages reported they would pull their children out of the school if the bus proposal becomes permanent.
Local parents expressed relief over the decision to pause the proposal while noting the logistical challenges of bus schedule changes. Cierra Stelzer, a parent and community member, welcomed the delay after the initial plan was announced.
“I’m glad they’re postponing, just because they kinda sprung it on us, out of nowhere,” Stelzer said. She added that transportation disruptions directly impact student extracurricular activities, noting “it affects a lot of kids’ after-school schedules and their club sports.”
Other family members highlighted the scheduling strain that potential bus stop changes could place on households.
Fran O’Connor, a family member, expressed deep concern over managing overlapping schedules under the proposed revisions.
“I think that would be a disaster for this particular family,” O’Connor said, noting that “being in two places at once is impossible.”
CMS staff will host two additional community meetings to gather public input on the proposal. The sessions are scheduled to take place at Nations Ford Elementary and Mint Middle School.
District officials plan to evaluate feedback from ongoing community outreach before setting new dates for a final decision. “Once the survey is complete, we will share an updated timeline with families,” Portee said.