North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he has concerns about proposed legislation that would allow the towns of Mint Hill and Matthews to operate their own charter schools.
House Bill 514 is strongly opposed by Charlotte Mecklenburg School officials, who say it will lead to increased segregation and higher taxes for residents in those towns.
Davidson town officials voted unanimously this week not to be a part of the legislation. Officials in the neighboring towns of Cornelius and Huntersville have come out in support of HB 514. Davidson officials said there was not enough discussion or public input on the legislation. Speaking at a J.M, Alexander Middle School in Huntersville today, Cooper agreed.
“Before you do anything like that I think you have to have a lot of discussion,” Cooper said. “I would have to see whatever passes, but I have a lot of concerns about it now. I don’t think it’s positive for this area or our state.”
HB 514 was introduced by Republican Bill Brawley who represents the townships that favor the legislation. Brawley and the bill’s supporters say it is needed to ease overcrowding in the area. Some CMS officials say it is a tactic the township officials want to hold over them so their issues get top priority.
