Hi Reader,

This is a special edition newsletter for folks interested in school news from Charlotte, NC. If you don't want to receive special edition newsletters anymore click here (you'll still receive regular newsletters)

Finally, time to make decisions...

After a long spring filled with feedback and a delayed vote, the Board of Education is finally ready to vote on changes to the magnet program! Not sure what I'm talking about? Read the overview here​

Why was the vote delayed? The Board was concerned that they didn't have feedback from the full community. They delayed the vote to make sure no voices were left out. They also wanted more time for feedback and to review the proposal.

I personally appreciate this, because the magnet schools represent communities big and small. It's easy to have one community dominate the conversation.

So when is the vote?

The vote for magnet changes have been split into 2 parts. You can read the memo here.

Part 1: Visual & Performing Arts, Montessori, World Languages, STEM, Early/Middle Colleges

• June 9 – Board of Education Presentation
• June 23 – Public Hearing
• August 11 – Board of Education Vote
  • Changes will be implemented in the 2027-28 school year
  • The vote will include changes to the magnet program and their proposed feeder schools

Part 2: Vote on International Baccalaureate (IB) and Learning Immersion / Talent Development (LI/TD).

• December 2026: Vote (exact date TBD)
  • I assume there will be a public hearing sometime in Oct / Nov
  • Changes will be implemented in the 2028-29 school year

My guess is they split up the vote because the IB and LI / TD programs take up a HUGE portion of the magnet schools. Better to get the simpler ones out of the way in August, and give these schools more time to make a strong plan.

What About Leadership Schools?

Leadership schools were left off the memo, so I called tthe CMS School Choice Office to ask what's going on. The Leader in Me Program runs in Myers Park and Elizabeth Traditional Schools. This program is proposed to be scrapped, with all schools transitioning into the IB + LI/TD program.

They are doing this because the program serves K-8, but the program was underutilized in middle school. CMS wants programs that robustly serve K-12.

According to the magnet office, Leadership Schools will be included in the December vote (with IB + LI/ TD) and changes would be implemented in the 2028-29 school year.

So that's it then?

Not quite...The board is also exploring major redistricting this fall for all public schools. The vote will also be in December. So there will be plenty more noise this fall!

So if you want to make noise for the IB, LI/TD, and Leadership programs, keep doing it BEFORE redistricting plans are released.

Right now I see schools approaching this individually. I challenge you to link up with PTAs from other schools. If you share a common cause, then work together!

So what do you think?

Are you feeling anxious? Settled? Ambivalent? Fired Up? Let me know by responding to this email.

This has been a long process, but I am happy to see it's being taken so seriously. I hope we see the same interest in community feedback as the district takes on zoning this fall.

I will be so sad to see the Leadership program go away- so if you've got fight in you, put in a good word for Elizabeth and Myers Park Traditional!

Stay involved with Primary Focus

• Fri June 19: Story Time at Betty's Bookworms- Got a 0-5 year old? I'll be hosting story time from 9:30-10am! It's free, fun, and so cozy. Starts at 9:30 sharp
• Weds June 24: School Talk Workshop (virtual) a workshop for Charlotte parent / caretakers trying to figure out the school system to find the right school for their child.
• Grade Level Series: Prepare for your child's next grade! Check out my youtube series understand how to prepare your child for next school year.​
• Support: Have these magnet emails been helpful for you? Say thanks by buying me a coffee​

Have a wonderful week...and let me know what you think!