The economic recession has squeezed state, local and federal budgets. Where do we go from here? In large part, the answer depends on informed, involved community members like you.
You can write letters to state, federal and local politicians, telling them about the issues that matter to you. You can attend the Board of Education meetings and county public hearings and comment on the school budget. You can volunteer in the schools, sharing your own knowledge and experience.
Most of all, you can stay informed about school budget issues throughout the school year. KNOW where your education dollars are going. KNOW how schools are performing. KNOW politicians’ voting records. And BRING that knowledge with you when you vote.
Want to share your views on budget issues? Here is a list of general addresses and the role each organization plays in the budget process.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education
Votes on final budget and presents it to the county.
/boe/Pages/default.aspx
Write to:
Attn: CMS Board Member name
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
Fax: (980) 343-7128
Email:
Chairperson and Member at Large Ericka Ellis-Stewart- Ericka.ellis-stewart@cms.k12.nc.us
Vice Chairperson and Member at Large Mary T. McCray- Maryt.mccray@cms.k12.nc.us
Member at Large Timothy S. Morgan- Tim.morgan@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 1 Rhonda Lennon- Rhonda.lennon@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 2 Richard Allen McElrath Sr.- Richard.mcelrath@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 3 Dr. Joyce Waddell- Joyce.waddell@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 4 Tom Tate- Tom.tate@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 5 Eric C. Davis- Ericc.davis@cms.k12.nc.us
Member District 6 Amelia Stinson-Wesley- A.stinson-wesley@cms.k12.nc.us
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Draws up initial CMS budget request and plans for long-term growth.
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us
Email: budgetquestions@cms.k12.nc.us
Write to:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
Allocates local money to schools.
http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOCC/Pages/Home.aspx
Write to:
Commissioners’ and Manager’s Office
Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center
600 East 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
North Carolina General Assembly
Allocates state funding for schools and what requirements must be met.
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
Use the above web page to find out who represents you.
Resources
Want to learn more about the budget issues? Try these organizations:
MeckEd
Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education
http://www.mecked.org/
(704) 335-0100
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
http://www.charlottechamber.com/
(704) 378-1300
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/
(919) 807-3300
Public School Forum of North Carolina
http://www.ncforum.org/
(919) 781-6833
