April 22, 2025

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Chief of Staff Dr. Ingrid Medlock and her associates brought multiple messages this morning:

Much of the initial presentation was about celebration, with descriptors like “absolutely” and “obviously” and “very excited” and “what we can celebrate” and “it’s pretty impressive” and “you should be proud.”

There was another piece describing staff “engagement” efforts designed to involve parents and residents by answering their questions and encouraging them to volunteer their time to ensure that all children go as far as they can in their education.

It was in the Q&A that a very different set of issues were on the table: low teacher pay; the state’s decision not to hold charter schools to the same standards as local school districts; perceptions that minority students are tested, but white students are taught; how to nurture students’ entrepreneurial spirits; what shows up in data about students’ encounters with behavior management technicians; and how CMS is engaging with Hispanic parents now fearful of all contacts with public officials.

A copy of the 49-page presentation is in a PDF here. The slides in the presentation are viewable. below the video.

A few of the handouts available to Belmont Center participants are in a PDF here.