The Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education meets Tuesday night in Charlotte, with an agenda that includes a public hearing and vote on the first of what could eventually be $100 million in proposed budget cuts for 2011-12.

The board will hear a presentation from staff about prioritization of proposed cuts.The budget cuts are expected to include 1,500 job cuts and changes in bus transportation and bell schedules.  The board will vote on three specific proposals:

• Weighted student staffing
• Bell schedule changes and expanding the elementary school day (to obtain transportation efficiencies)
• Reduction in Bright Beginnings classes

The board has already decided on other measures to trim spending next year, including school closings and consolidations. The closings will include Davidson IB Middle School, whose international baccalaureate program will be moved to J.M. Alexander Middle School  in Huntersville.

Also on the agenda Tuesday is a proposal regarding participation fees for athletics.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m., at Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte. See the full agenda on the CMS website, CLICK HERE>

Download a copy of the budget prioritization proposals, along with estimated savings (PDF), CLICK HERE>

RELATED COVERAGE

Jan. 12, 2011, “Closings were only a start; CMS to slash 1,500 jobs.”

Jan. 25, 2011, Charlotte Observer, “Deep cuts aim at youngest,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board could vote today to slice 60% of pre-K Bright Beginnings classes for 4-year-olds.