Charlotte Mecklenburg School member Rhonda Cheek speaks with Bo Thompson about guns being found in schools, fifteen so far, saying that it "pisses me off." Also, voicing her disappointment in the lack of communication from CMS administration regarding many of the school system's issues.
WBT's Brett Jensen joins Bo Thompson with breaking news of trouble in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools: guns, fights and some inappropriate images in a 6th grade art class lesson. Also, Brett's take on the on the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets.
"Nine guns, three knives and two potential sexual assaults since August 25th."
Another student has been charged with bringing a gun to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school. According to police, the incident happened Monday at West Charlotte High School. No further details were provided by CMPD. In just 17 days of class, this marks the eighth weapon— seven guns and a knife— to be found on school property.
The County initially withheld $56 million from the school district after concerns of an inequality gap between minority students and white students. After harsh negotiations by both sides, CMS will not only get the amount originally requested, but an additional $12.1 million in overall funding.
For instance, the teachers that have an expertise in science, math, English, foreign language, but with little to no background in areas of social justice or race relations, are required to engage their students on topics such as coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, how to become an activist or how a student is essentially inherently biased in thoughts and actions.
“We are dismayed that this funding dispute has reached the point where we must seek statutory resolution. But we will not stand by while the County impedes our efforts to educate students,” said Elyse Dashew, chair of the Board of Education. According to CMS, the county’s budget, which was approved and passed on the first day of the fiscal 2022 year (June 1), will leave the district underfunded by $81 million.
On Friday, CMS announced superintendent Earnest Winston would present a recommendation to move all middle and school students to Plan A, which involves no specific social distancing on campus. He is expected to put this on the table at the next CMS Board meeting on March 23.
