CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just a few months into the job, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools' new superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill faces a consequential event; a $2.5 billion school bond referendum on November's ballot. It represents the largest school bond package in North Carolina history.
"It's absolutely not too big," Hill argued, speaking on WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint.
"First of all, we are the second largest district in the state. So by nature, it would be a large ask. The 17th largest in the country. And our needs are great," she said.
The bond would fund about 30 construction projects within CMS.
According to county projections, if the bond is approved, property taxes would go up $38 per year starting in 2025 for a house valued at $384,000. Then, it would go up $77 per year in 2028.
From 2029 to 2031, the taxes would go up $155 more per year.
"Our original list was 125 projects," Hill said, adding, "We've worked very closely with our funding partners at the county to help us identify the amount of debt that the county manager and the county would be willing to take on."
With some buildings in disrepair and some schools overcrowded, Hill said it impacts how students learn.
"We have a responsibility as a community to take care of the students," Hill said, adding, "The very basic need is having a sound basic facility for students to learn in and for our teachers to work in."
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Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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