In Huntersville, a new commission that is studying charter schools and other educational options held its first meeting Monday night.
The 11-member Huntersville New Educational Options Study Commission formed shortly after Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board members voted to give lower priority for new schools to municipalities that operate their own charters.
Huntersville is one of four municipalities given that authority earlier this year by the General Assembly.
Commission member and parent Amy Hutchison says she has an open mind about the need for charters.
“I don’t have a preference either way and I’m here to begin to listen and take an active role to see what’s in the best interest of the kids," Hutchinson said.
Huntersville Mayor John Aneralla said that despite the town not receiving any new schools in the district's latest school bond funding, he is still willing to work with CMS officials around disagreements.
“We need a better understanding of how they look at prioritization and building new schools," Aneralla said. "We know there are numerous new developments going on and there are trailers at a lot of elementary schools and some of our high schools and we feel there is a disconnect between CMS and what’s happening on the ground.”
The commission's first task was to conduct a survey of residents within 30 days, but they voted to ask the Board of Commissioners for more time so they have a better understanding of the purpose of the survey.
The group will continue to meet through the end of April before presenting a final report in May. That report will contain a recommendation on whether the district should operate a charter school, partner with CMS or another entity or do nothing.
