Laura Cooper, co-chair of the LWVCM Education team, spoke at a recent public hearing on the budget. Here is a condensed version of her remarks:

"The LWV Education team closely monitors the progress of the schools. Teacher vacancies are down, and test scores show considerable improvement. This happened, in part, because county funds bolstered the school system's critical need to recruit and, probably even more important, retain experienced teachers. In recent years the General Assembly has consistently failed to meet its constitutional duty to fully fund our public schools. In 2011 North Carolina was ranked 27th in funding public schools. Today North Carolina ranks 48th, and, if you compare states in terms of their wealth (GDP), North Carolina is 49th.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has been choosing to use a significant amount of our tax dollars to fund what we all value in this county: education. And we--along with students, parents, and employers who are looking for an educated workforce—applaud the board for it. We know that our community’s economic future depends upon making sure that students are educated for jobs that pay a living wage.

CMS has made progress in improving student outcomes and is beginning to close achievement gaps. Based on end of year NC test results for 2023-24, there is good news:

· 146 (83%) of the schools met or exceeded growth; this is the highest number in CMS history.

· 108 schools earned a school grade of A, B, or C.

· The ­­graduation rate increased to (84%), with significant increases for Hispanic and Multilingual learners.

· More students were at or above proficiency in K-2 literacy, and, most significantly, there was a decrease in achievement gaps between white and Black and Hispanic student groups.

Our schools have strong leadership, viable strategies, and a district-wide focus on improving student outcomes.

As you consider the 2025-26 budget, keep in mind the significant impact county tax dollars has in attracting and retaining teachers and staff. The most important ingredient in student learning is having a qualified teacher in every classroom. Working together the county and school board can ensure that we keep the momentum going.”

League of Women Voters Leads Coalition to Raleigh to Deliver “New Mecklenburg Resolves” Calling for Full and Fair Public School Funding

CHARLOTTE, NC — On June 3, the League of Women Voters of Charlotte Mecklenburg (LWVCM), alongside a coalition of 17 nonpartisan community organizations, travels to Raleigh to deliver a powerful message to North Carolina lawmakers: It’s time to fully and fairly fund our public schools.

This action follows a May 27 press conference in Charlotte where educators, students, parents, faith and business leaders gathered in front of the Mecklenburg County Government Center to unveil The New Mecklenburg Resolves—a community-led call for educational justice in North Carolina. The event concluded with an urgent call to action: sign the Resolves, join the movement, and help carry the message to the General Assembly.

“Our schools can’t wait—and neither can we,” said Suzanne Elsberry, President of LWVCM. “This is about every child in North Carolina having access to the quality public education they deserve, no matter their zip code.”

The New Mecklenburg Resolves declare public education to be a moral, constitutional, and economic imperative—and demand that lawmakers stop the chronic underfunding of schools, invest in students and teachers, and fulfill the state’s constitutional obligation to provide a sound basic education.

Today’s visit to Raleigh marks a key moment in this growing grassroots effort. Coalition members and volunteers will personally deliver the Resolves to members of the General Assembly, urging immediate legislative action.

Community members can still sign the Resolves and learn more about how to support the movement at: The New Mecklenburg Community Resolves