Mecklenburg County commissioners have made it clear they don't want to put school bonds before voters this fall. Still, CMS Superintendent Ann Clark is making the case to do that, but with a dose of reality. She's meeting with commissioners Tuesday afternoon to talk budgets.
"In some ways, I hope we get to a win-win solution. That may not be a bond in 2016, but is a commitment on the part of the county to begin addressing some of these capital needs," says Clark.
The CMS board has asked commissioners to put an $805 million bond package on November's ballot. Commissioners from both parties say CMS needs to wait until next year to give more time for existing debt to be paid off.
Clark says it makes sense to put the bonds before voters right away partly to help support a new student assignment plan that's in the works. Magnets will likely be a big part of that. The bond package would add 4,000 magnet seats. It would also build 10 new schools and replace four others.
The CMS board and county commissioners are also scheduled to discuss the district's request for an extra $23 million next year.
The meeting begins at 3pm at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.
