iReady? I'd Rather Not.
- Jun 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Meeting Recap - June 09, 2026
"There is a profound difference between engagement and learning. Clicking through a program is no way to learn." - Allie Kaul, Public Comment
Consent Agenda
What is a Consent Agenda?
A group of routine items, like past meeting minutes, standard bills, and minor personnel updates, that are bundled together so the Board can approve them in a single vote. This helps the board move through their mandatory administrative tasks quicker allowing more time for discussion of major district issues. To ensure transparency, any board member can easily "pull" an item from the consent agenda to discuss and vote on it separately.
Consent Agenda Items | ||
Meeting Minutes | ||
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Contract Approvals | ||
Sogolytics Survey Platform Contract | Survey platform with greater analytics capabilities to assist in evaluating data | $146,700.00 |
Johnson Control Fire Protection LP | Fire alarm system maintenance | $490,680.50 |
Kelsan Inc. | Custodial Equipment Repair | $250,000 |
Public Consulting Group LLC | $3,500,000.00 | |
Bayada Home Health Care | Nursing and personal care services for students with medical and behavioral needs | $1,000,000.00 |
Mission Medstaff/Angles of Care | Nursing and personal care services for students with medical and behavioral needs | $1,000,000.00 |
Positive Behavior Support Contract | Certified behavioral analyst support and training for staff working with students with disabilities and behavioral health needs | $800,000.00 |
EDU Healthcare | Specialty health services for students with IEP’s | $2,000,000.00 |
ESS Southeast, LLC | Specialty health services for students with IEP’s | $1,500,000.00 |
Maxim Healthcare/Amergis Staffing | Specialty health services for students with IEP’s | $2,500,000.00 |
Applied Data Technologies | Project management and computer system engineering to support CTE department | $299,227.50 |
Naviance Platform | Platform to support career and college readiness for students and staff. | $294,445.49 |
Contract Renewals | ||
Instructure: Mastery Connect | Platform used to manage student assessments, track benchmarks, and deliver curriculum. | $1,700,000.00 |
PSAT testing for all 10th and 11th grade students on as well as other resources for students applying for college | $322,974.72 | |
Verizon Wireless Service Contract | Wireless and data services | $423,304.92 |
Public Comment
What is public comment?
A dedicated period during the board meeting where community members can address the board directly with their questions, ideas, or concerns. Each individual is given two minutes to speak.
The public comment section during the June 9th meeting had two major themes: technology in the Classroom, and magnet program concerns. These topics are not new to the public comment section. Community members have been raising concerns about the districts magnet school revamp since February 2026.
Technology in the Classroom
Digital Overuse and the i-Ready Contract
The most prominent theme involved a coordinated effort by students, parents, and medical professionals to urge the board to cancel the $18 million i-Ready contract and limit classroom screen time.
Questionable Data
Multiple speakers argued there is no independent, peer-reviewed research proving i-Ready improves learning outcomes, noting that studies cited by the company are often self-funded.
Loss of Connection
Parents and former educators expressed concern that gamified software is displacing hands-on learning, movement, and face-to-face social interaction.
The Students Also Had Something to Say
Several students shared their first hand account of the program. Many claimed that the lesson were often unchallenging or repetitive, with one 8th grader reportedly saying, "I’m losing brain cells every time I do a lesson"
Magnet Program Concerns
Breach of Trust
Families from Harding University High School voiced frustration over the elimination of the Law, Social Justice, and Forensic Science magnet program.
Students and parents explained that they made strategic, long-term decisions to attend the Title I school specifically for this program’s promised internships.
Reports
Why are there reports?
The section of the meeting is dedicated to informational presentations, meaning they do not require an immediate vote or board action, by the superintendent, staff, or board committees on district progress, finances, and special projects.
Student Outcomes Focused Governance Goal 3 (Grades 6-8) Interim Measure 3.1 Monitoring Report
Presented by Superintendent Crystal Hill this report focused on strengthening Math 1 performance for middle school students, with a long-term goal of increasing the percentage of students scoring College and Career Ready (CCR) from 27% in June 2023 to 57% by June 2029.
Missed Annual Target??
Combined middle and high school performance was projected at 27% CCR, which is 15 percentage points below the annual target.
For students in grades 6–8, 62% were projected to reach CCR, representing a 12 percentage point decrease compared to the 2024–2025 school year.
Dr. Hill clarified that these projections are based on the final MVPA benchmark assessment, which often functions as a "pre-test" because it includes content students have not yet been taught. She noted that while the monitoring report shows "red lights," end-of-year data indicates the district is "definitely progressing".
Revised Plan in Response to the 2024 Comprehensive Review Policy S‑ASGP
Presented by Dr. Melissa Balknight, the Deputy Superintendent, this reports highlighted the changes the district is considering following previous Board discussion and feedback from the community.
Major Changes Between Draft and Revised Plan
Early/Middle College Adjustments: The initial draft proposed converting all four middle colleges (Cato, Harper, Levine, and Merancas) into Early Colleges to serve grades 9–12
In the revised plan, Cato Middle College will remain a Middle College (serving only grades 11–12), while the other three will still transition to the Early College model
STEM Program Expansion
The revised plan adds a new STEM program at Grove Park Elementary for the 2027–2028 school year
This was not included in the February draft, which only highlighted the addition of STEM at the new Second Ward High School
IB and Learning Immersion (LI/TD) Delay
While the draft plan detailed a full transition of several schools to an integrated "International Baccalaureate Learning Immersion/Talent Development" pathway, the revised plan indicates a period of "Re-Engagement" for this theme in December 2026
World Languages Zone Refinements
The revised plan clarifies that the South Academy of International Languages (SAIL) will no longer serve the Violet transportation zone
It was confirmed that the Japanese program will remain a county-wide magnet at SAIL and South Mecklenburg High School
Updated Timeline
The Board of Education vote, originally proposed for May 26, 2026, was moved to August 11, 2026, following additional community engagement sessions in May and June
Superintendents Report
In her Superintendent Report, Dr. Hill addressed technology challenges, recognized the Class of 2026, and CMS educators accepted into the Teaching Fellows Institute, and also announced the districts back to school night for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
Testing disruptions experienced by some students during state testing on May 28th and June 2nd were specifically addressed by Dr. Hill. Hill shared that the district will be conducting enhanced technical checks in coordination with the Department of Instruction prior to testing in 2027.
Dr. Hill recognized graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 and highlighted the CMS produced web series "Senior Stories” Additionally, Hill congratulated 17 CMS educators who were selected to participate in the 2026 Teach Fellows Institute, a program designed to provide outstanding classroom teachers with leadership development.
Bases Loaded, the CMS Back-to-School night celebration, was announced for August 1st at Truist Field. Hill also encouraged families to complete the "Intent to Ride" bus form by June 19th.
Board Member Reports
Many board members took the time to thank the unsung heroes of the school district. Focusing on the district's many bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers, that support academic and athletic achievements. While, Student Advisor Inchara Gopinath reflected on her first half-term, noting her realization that "student voices really do matter
Stephanie Sneed - District 4 (Chair)
Chair Sneed shared a personal moment of pride, noting that her own daughter would be graduating from West Charlotte High School that Friday
Liz Monterrey Duvall - At-Large
Monterey Duvall recognized Pride Month, expressing support for inclusive school environments
Charlitta Hatch - District 1
Summer "Screen Time" Challenge: Member Hatch challenged families to be intentional about screen time during summer break. She emphasized that this issue extends beyond in-school technology use tablets encouraged parents to model healthy technology habits at home
Shamaiye Hayes - District 2
Member Haynes delivered a somber report for Gun Violence Prevention Month, sharing the personal loss of a lifelong friend and mourning a recently killed Harding High School student. She urged young people to avoid using firearms to settle disagreements and called on policymakers to implement evidence-based gun safety policies.
Action Items
What are Action Items?
Action Items are the are specific proposals or resolutions that require the school board to take formal, official action by holding a public debate and casting a vote.
ACTION ITEM | RESULT | NOTES |
Creation of Policy B-OLCA Office of Legal, Compliance, and Advocacy | Unanimous | |
Modifications to Policy P-CNTR Teacher Contract | Unanimous | |
Creation of Policy S-SFRS Student Free Speech | Passed 7-2 | Member Duval and Hatch voted no |
Recommend Approval of 2026-2027 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Application for State/Federal Funds | Unanimous | |
Recommend Approval of 2026-27 Federal Entitlement Grants District Application & Budget | Unanimous | |
K12 Insight, LLC Amendment | Unanimous | Increase of $365,000 to previous contract |
Non-Renewal of Selected Personnel Contracts | Unanimous |
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