CORNELIUS – As practices began this summer, Hough High football coach Bobby Collins welcomed his first-ever senior class (the school had only grades 9-11 last year). Returning players are now a little more comfortable with Huskies’ system, allowing the Hough coach to concentrate on fine-tuning. But even with a senior-laden roster, Collins did not turn to a 12th-grader to lead the offense. Instead, he chose a sophomore – Josh Stilley. Chris Hunt reports in SPORTS»

By LISA MILLER
WFAE-FM

In a year of controversy, the CMS board’s decision to close 11 schools last year was perhaps the most controversial.  The public was told the action would save money. And, in the long-term, that’s still expected to be the case.

But the first-year savings have fallen far short of what CMS administrators projected. In fact, there weren’t any savings at all. Read the full story

Davidson Elementary School students and parents are invited to celebrate the new school year at the annual Back to School family picnic Sunday, 4-6 p.m. on the Davidson Village Green. Read the full story

The Hough High Huskies Marching Band marched onto the track for last Friday's preview. (Eric Feldman photo)

The Hough High band plays for supporters Friday on the football field. (Eric Feldman photo)

The Hough High School Huskies Marching Band is ready for another season. Musicians completed a summer band camp last week and staged a preview performance for parents and friends on Friday, Aug. 12, at the school stadium in Cornelius.

The band is directed by Robert Carrington. Thanks to photographer Eric Feldman and band supporters for these photos.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the band website houghhsband.org

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North Mecklenburg High's band performed at the J.M. Alexander Back to School Fair Saturday.

HUNTERSVILLE - Returning and incoming students and their families converged on J.M. Alexander Middle School Saturday, Aug. 13, for a Back to School Fair.The fair welcomed back existing J.M. Alexander students and their new classmates from Davidson IB Middle School, which is now a school-within-a-school at Alexander. Read the full story

Should taxpayers help pay for buildings, school buses and other capital expenses at charter schools? The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that state law does not require public school districts to share capital funds with charter schools. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has decided to lease the now-vacant Davidson IB Middle School on South Street to Lake Norman Christian School. The CMS board discussed leases for the Davidson site and nine other schools at its meeting Tuesday night. The decision disappointed Davidson town officials, who also had bid to use the school. Read the full story

By JULIE ROSE
WFAE

Not only did Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools not lay off teachers for the coming school year, the district is actually adding teachers to its roster.

At the most tense point of budget negotiations with county officials, CMS warned it may have to lay off 1,500 teachers and staff. Ultimately the money picture was much rosier and only 320 people lost their jobs because of budget cuts. Read the full story