Proposed County Budget Would Hold Back $56M From CMS

CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County commissioners are considering a plan to withhold $56 million of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' budget for the upcoming year in a bid to improve school performance.

In a plan outlined Thursday, CMS would receive $549 million of the county's $1.99 billion Fiscal Year 2022 budget, representing a $6 million increase for the school district, WSOC reported. CMS, however, had requested an increase of $26 million.

The recommendation to hold back $56 million in contingency would be from the school district's administrative budget, and would not impact classrooms funding.

CMS leadership said the recommended budget would "adversely affect" students and staff.

Among the conditions that must be met in order to unlock the money — which amounts to 11 percent of CMS' overall budget allocation — are concrete plans including quantifiable goals and timelines to improve performance at 42 low performing schools. The board's proposal also wants to see improved scores and grades, and close the college and career readiness achievement gaps.

"The Board was clear that the status quo at CMS was unacceptable and that the community deserves better when it comes to educating our children," Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio said in opening remarks presenting the county's budget Thursday.

"They charged me with thinking creatively as to how performance and funding can be linked. This priority not only links budget allocations to strategies and targets to improve college and career readiness outcomes for all students, but also improves transparency and accountability in how County funds are used to improve student outcomes."

According to Diorio, the plan would place $56 million in CMS non-instructional funds in Restricted Contingency until a series of conditions are satisfied.

The county recommended the $56 million be held from the following function categories:

• $27.4 million for CMS school leadership
• $11 million for financial and human resources services
• $2.5 million for accountability
• $15.1 million for policy, leadership and public relations

School district leaders called the recommended budget disappointing.

“Our funding request this year represents what we know our students need as the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” the school district said in a statement, WSOC reported. “We are disappointed that Mecklenburg County has proposed denying approximately 16 percent of our local funding request. This denial will adversely affect our students and staff.”

CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston also fired back at the proposal. "I do not understand how increased student needs doesn't translate into additional support from everyone who has a stake in the success of children," he said.

"We will not let this distraction get in the way of a strong finish to this challenging school year," Winston said. "Our teachers and staff are doing the work to help finish instruction and meet the needs of our students."

Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the county budget proposal next week.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners is set to hold a public hearing for resident input in the recommended budget on Wednesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. Residents may email comments to clerk@mecknc.gov or register to speak here.