Lawmaker plans bill to break up Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system

A Union County lawmaker is preparing to introduce legislation that would divide the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) system into several smaller districts, according to a CMS school board member who spoke with WFAE.

Republican state Representative David Willis is reportedly drafting the bill, which would also initiate recall elections for the school board. The move responds to longstanding criticism that CMS, with nearly 140,000 students, is too large and difficult to manage effectively.

CMS board member Anna London expressed concerns about the proposal, saying she does not support breaking up the district and worries it could lead to inequities among students. She emphasized the need for discussions about the underlying issues the bill seeks to address.

The CMS board has recently faced criticism and calls for resignations amid the firing of its superintendent and ongoing financial investigations. Previous attempts to split the district, including a 2018 legislative review, did not result in action.

Lawmakers are set to return to Raleigh for a short session soon, but the future of the bill remains uncertain, especially with a shift in House control from Republicans to Democrats following the midterm elections.

The Charlotte Ledger was the first to report on the bill, and Willis’ office has not yet commented on the proposal.