April 26, 2006

PUBLIC COMMENT: MECKLENBURG RESIDENTS CAN VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Charlotte, NC – The citizen committee charged with developing a school construction package is seeking additional public input. The School Building Solutions Committee, chaired by former Governor Jim Martin, is asking people to respond to the following specific question:

“Thinking about all the capitals needs of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, what are the most important criteria (i.e., values, guidelines, considerations) the School Building Solutions Committee should use in forming its recommendations?”  For example, should size of a school be important?  Should growth be important?

This public comment opportunity will take place during the Committee's meeting on Friday, April 28, from 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. The meeting begins at noon in room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte.

This is not a forum for general comments, but rather a chance for parents, teachers, principals and other Mecklenburg residents to give specific input on this question. The Committee will consider this input as part of developing its decision-making criteria in developing a capital package that will be supported by the community.  Those who would like to speak to this question should register with the Mecklenburg County Manager's Office at 704-336-2472, or via email at schools@co.mecklenburg.nc.us Registration will be open until 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28.

Each speaker will have three minutes to address the School Building Solutions Committee in response to the above question. Groups of three or more will have eight minutes to speak.

Those unable to respond in person may submit responses via email at schools@co.mecklenburg.nc.us. The School Building Solutions Committee will hold additional public input opportunities during the next several weeks on related issues.

The 35-member Committee was formed by the Board of County Commissioners in response to voters rejecting the school bond referendum last November.  The Committee is charged with building a school capital package that will be supported by the community.  Committee members were appointed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, the County's seven mayors, and Martin.  The Committee is scheduled to provide its recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education in July 2006.

For ongoing and up-to-date information on the committee's work, visit www.charmeck.org and click on "School Building Solutions Committee."