As we begin the 2012-2013 school year, we are optimistic about achievement and growth in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As a new superintendent -- I came to CMS in July 2012 -- I see much reason for pride and celebration in our district. I also see opportunities for improvement in teaching and learning.

CMS made some progress in academic achievement during the 2011-2012 school year, as the state data makes clear. Our district’s four-year cohort graduation rate increased to 76.4 percent, a gain of nearly four percent over the prior year.  I’m very proud that 10 of our high schools had graduation rates above 90 percent and one had 100 percent. In addition, the class of 2012 earned a total of $96.7 million in scholarships, the highest amount ever earned by a CMS graduating class. Nearly all of the scholarship money -- $85 million – was awarded for academic excellence.

Our district made gains in 14 of 17 areas tested, with the largest gains coming in fifth- and eighth-grade science. The number of students performing at standard or above on state tests for reading increased in five of six grades, with the largest gain (2.2 percentage points) in third grade.

CMS also made progress in narrowing achievement gaps between black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students in math, reading, and science. 

In mathematics, the gap between African-American and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by one percentage point.  The gap between Hispanic and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by one percentage point.  Also in grades three through eight, the gap between economically disadvantaged students and students who are not economically disadvantaged narrowed by one percentage point. 

In reading, the gap between African-American and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by less than a percentage point.  The gap between Hispanic and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by less than a percentage point.  The gap between economically disadvantaged students and students not economically disadvantaged in grades three through eight narrowed by less than a percentage point. 

In science, the gap between African-American and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by two percentage points.  The gap between Hispanic and white students in grades three through eight narrowed by one percentage point.  The gap between economically disadvantaged students and students not economically disadvantaged in grades three through eight narrowed by one percentage point. 

There remains much room for improvement. Graduating three out of four students is not enough. We also want to close the achievement gaps between our African-American and Hispanic students and their white classmates. We will continue the district’s focus on increasing the graduation rate and on improving the quality of instruction. All of us in CMS are focused on every student, every day, for a better tomorrow – and I look forward to improving our schools to better serve all students.

Heath E. Morrison

Superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools