CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A group of local African American clergy members is opposing the upcoming $2.5 billion CMS bond package on November's ballot.
"This was just not a good time to present a bond," Rev. Ricky Woods, senior minister of First Baptist Church-West, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.
Woods says his group has worked behind the scenes to discourage Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools from pursuing the referendum.
Inflation, interest rates and property revaluations already put a burden on citizens this year, and a bond package would burden the most marginalized communities, he argued.
"The issue is academic outcomes. And what I have been arguing is that CMS needs an investment, but it needs an investment that will improve academic outcomes," Woods said.
The bond would fund about 30 construction projects. According to county projections, if the bond is approved, starting in 2025, property taxes would go up $38 per year for a house valued at $384,000.
Then, it would go up $77 per year in 2028 and $115 more per year from 2029 to 2031.
CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill told WCNC Charlotte it's difficult for students to learn, and for teachers to educate, in some of the district's older facilities.
"We have a responsibility as a community to take care of the students," Hill said. "The very basic need is having a sound basic facility for students to learn in and for our teachers to work in."
Early voting is currently underway and Election Day is November 7th.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.