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Huntersville Wants In On Town Charter School Bill

Huntersville.org

Updated at 5:55 p.m. - Another town wants in on the bill that would allow the south Mecklenburg towns of Matthews and Mint Hill to create their own charter schools. Huntersville town commissioners voted 6-0 last night to ask to be added to HB 514.

Huntersville Mayor John Aneralla said CMS has long neglected the northern towns.

“This is not something that is just happening today. It’s been happening for twenty years and it’s been happening all over the county. And that’s why I think we need this option,” said Aneralla.

During last night’s public hearing, people spoke for and against adding Huntersville to the bill.

“This is the biggest, no-brainer decision this board will ever make. Support of this gives you options, nothing more, but it gives you options to build capacity if CMS continues to ignore building capacity,” said Mecklenburg County Commission Jim Puckett who represents the area.   

Others worried a municipal charter would weaken CMS schools and increase segregation if lots of families left.

“The impact of a town-sponsored charter school will be the message that we are unfriendly to poor and marginalized people,” said Huntersville resident Tony Lowe.  

Huntersville’s move confirms CMS official’s concerns that other towns would want to create their own charter schools. CMS school board member Rhonda Cheek doesn’t support the bill and has said northern towns currently have a good mix of CMS and charter schools. 

Cornelius commissioners approved a similar motion Monday night showing support for HB 514.  They voted 3-1, with one commissioner absent. The lone "no" vote came from Democrat Thurman Ross. 
 
It wasn't clear Tuesday whether Cornelius commissioners also want the town's name added to the bill. The town clerk said a final version of the resolution had not been drafted.