Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Asks County to Put Up More Money as Federal Funds Shrink
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Superintendent Crystal Hill has proposed a $2.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 school year, with more than $1.95 billion dedicated to operating expenses — a hike of less than 1% compared to last year.
Facing an anticipated enrollment of about 141,700 students, the district is concentrating on maintaining educational quality and retaining educators amid tightening fiscal circumstances.
To help fund teacher pay increases, CMS is requesting an additional $28.3 million from Mecklenburg County, with $26 million earmarked for raises. This would bring the county’s total contribution to approximately $668 million if approved. The proposal includes an average 5% increase in local teacher supplements and assumes a 3% raise from the state.
CMS’s funding as a whole is made up of 55.4% from the state, 34.2% from the county, 6% from federal sources, and 4.3% from other special funds, according to the organization’s fiscal overview. Federal aid — which amounts to just over $117 million — makes up a small portion of the budget. 65% of which is earmarked for staff salaries, officials are preparing for shortfalls as COVID relief expires and federal grants are cut.
“So they’ve already started cutting the discretionary. So that’s a definite. We believe Title I, II, and III are certainly at risk at this point,” said CMS Deputy Superintendent Sarah Kluttz, referencing federal education programs that support low-income and English-learning students.
In response to the funding crisis, Hill emphasized CMS will prioritize program cuts over staff reductions. However, board members and staff continue to voice concerns about broader financial challenges, including housing affordability and disparities in local support. “Our teachers can’t afford to live in this county, and we don’t get the additional supplements that other counties do, either,” said board member Jennifer Nunn.
Complicating matters, a proposed performance bonus for Math I teachers at Title I high schools has sparked controversy, prompting the board to delay voting until after federal program reviews in April.
As public education funding becomes increasingly uncertain nationwide, CMS leaders are urging local and state officials to step up. North Carolina currently ranks 48th in the country for school funding, spending nearly $5,000 less per student than the national average.
