The $2.5 billion bond referendum funds 30 high-priority projects focused on providing significant benefits for students and staff. These projects will improve educational environments, offer more academic options, alleviate overcrowding, and renovate and replace aging CMS facilities. Learn more about the progress of these projects in our quarterly newsletter. | | In October, N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green visited Northwest School of the Arts, one of CMS’ 2023 bond projects. His visit focused on the strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence, and highlighted how investments in modern school facilities are shaping the future of public education in North Carolina. | | New Middle School #1 South Has a Principal Who's Committed to Student Success | Opening August 2026 | | | | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has officially named Dr. Jovana Edwards as Principal for the new Middle School #1 South, opening in August 2026. Currently the Principal at Polo Ridge Elementary, Edwards brings her passion for student success and building strong school communities to this exciting new school. The 54-classroom facility, located at 5410 Camp Verde Lane, will help relieve overcrowding at Community House Middle, Jay M. Robinson Middle and Rea Farms STEAM Academy (K-8). Stay tuned as we continue building the future of CMS! | | The North Mecklenburg High School replacement project has officially moved from the design phase into construction. Many other projects are gearing up to start work soon, all part of the 2023 Bond. Our commitment to building for excellence is in full motion. Stay tuned as we transform learning spaces across the district! | | |
Project Status
Cotswold Elementary School
Big changes are happening at Cotswold Elementary! As part of the 2023 Bond, crews are demolishing the old building for an on-site replacement. Students were paired at Billingsville during construction. The construction team is finishing slab demolition, installing a strong building pad, and digging footings in January to keep our brand-new school on track to open in 2027.
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First Ward Creative Arts Academy
Phase 2 progress at First Ward Creative Arts Middle School (grades 6-8) is nearing completion! The first-floor music classrooms and Building E theater are taking shape — complete with a new theatrical lighting system designed to elevate every performance.
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Montessori Upfit at Marie G. Davis
Lots happening at Marie G. Davis! The school is on its way for upgrades to accommodate J.T. Williams Secondary Montessori. Future plans include a barn, a location for beehives and a greenhouse. Stay tuned for more updates!
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New Elementary School on Park Road site
Exciting progress at the new elementary school on Park Road site! The building envelope and framing are complete, and crews are working on the brick veneer, insulation, and site improvements. Inside the building, sheetrock and mechanical work are underway, with the school on track to open by August 2026 under the 2023 Bond.
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New Middle School #1 South
Middle School #1 South is coming together! Crews are enclosing the building and starting on the classrooms, gym, and locker rooms—plus construction is underway for the new baseball, softball, and football fields. This 2023 Bond project is set to open in August 2026.
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North Mecklenburg High School
North Mecklenburg High School is getting a major update! Crews are tearing down the old stadium and athletic fields to make space for new facilities funded by the 2023 Bond. Construction of the new football stadium will commence once all existing sports facilities are demolished. The new football stadium will be ready for the start of the fall football season in August 2026. The remainder of the school is scheduled to be completed by the 2028-29 school year.
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Northwest School of the Arts
Big news at Northwest School of the Arts! New furniture was installed in Building G this December, and everyone is getting excited for the big move-in planned for January 2026. The bright colors and natural light are already making the new space feel amazing!
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South Mecklenburg High School
South Mecklenburg High School is rebuilding the new football, baseball and softball fields. The football field will receive turf, the baseball fields and softball fields are relocating, and the new school buildings will receive updated classrooms. Big improvements are underway thanks to the 2023 Bond, bringing new facilities and programs, with occupancy in August 2027.
| | CLICK EACH OF THEM BELOW TO SEE THE PRESENTATIONS: | | |
Presentations
CLICK EACH OF THEM BELOW TO READ MORE:
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Renderings
Dilworth Latta Elementary School is moving forward with its repurposing project. Construction is set to begin in August 2026 and the building scheduled to open its doors in August 2027. During the recent project update meeting, architects shared new exterior and interior renderings that highlight the modernized spaces designed to better serve students and the community.
| | New renderings for Middle School #2 North were unveiled during the latest project update meeting, showcasing the future 54-classroom campus planned for 13832 Stumptown Road in Huntersville, North Charlotte. The design was shared by architects Hord Coplan Macht, Inc. | |
COMING UP
Berryhill K-8 Replacement School
TBD
Beverly Wood Elementary School Replacement
February 2026
Huntersville Elementary School Replacement
February 2026
Stay tuned!
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Partnership with a 2023 bond construction manager-at-risk
This Thanksgiving season, Clancy & Theys Construction continued Building for Excellence by donating 63 kits that include food and hygiene supplies to Billingsville Elementary. This supports the students and families while renovating the campus through the 2023 Bond. Many thanks to Billingsville school counselor, Ms. Nesbitt, for her heartfelt guidance and partnership.
| | The 2025 Independence High School ACE Mentorship Session #1 was a great start! As planned, we began with student registration and mentor introductions, welcoming two new mentors joining the ACE program for the first time. They opened doors to CMS students interested in architecture, construction and engineering. Students participated in a candid survey reflecting on last year’s program, sharing their likes, dislikes and new ideas. The CMS students reviewed the overall program schedule and expectations. This session concluded with an active construction materials scavenger hunt around the campus, where all students successfully identified the materials and received a gift. Here’s to our next generation of ACE professionals. | | |
Through our partnership with She Built This City, more than 825 CMS students from eight middle and high schools gained hands-on experience in construction — building skills, confidence and pathways to future careers. Students are bringing learning to life — building benches and garden beds. This collaborative event not only enhances their schools but also sparks interest in construction careers and empowers them with real-world skills. The students who participated are from several CMS schools, including:
· Independence High School
· Mallard Creek High School
· Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
· Hopewell High School
· Olympic High School
· West Mecklenburg High School
· West Charlotte High School
· Albemarle Middle School
| | Discovery Day engages with 21 students from West Mecklenburg High School | | Hord Coplan Macht, working with the 2023 Bond program, welcomed 21 amazing West Mecklenburg High School students for Design Discovery Day! Students had a hands-on look at what it’s like to be architects, interior designers, urban planners, graphic designers and builders. The future of design is shining bright as we continue Building for Excellence! | | |
Workforce Development Lunch & Learn with Whiting-Turner
In November, Whiting-Turner hosted a Workforce Development Lunch & Learn at South Mecklenburg High School, where they serve as the construction managers for the school’s 2023 bond project. The session brought together industry leaders, educators, and trade partners to discuss real hiring needs. Stephane Berwald from DiverseCity Services asked our MWSBE (Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise) community, “Is anyone hiring?” In response to the construction industry’s workforce shortage, the event focused on aligning training programs with employer expectations, strengthening soft skills and building partnerships that connect students and future (potential) job seekers with real opportunities. We continue Building for Excellence and preparing a skilled, diverse and adaptable workforce for the future with the support of workforce development partners Access Services, CPCC, Goodwill and She Built This City, along with trade partners Wayne Brothers, Fountain Electric, Superior Mechanical Systems, ReadySite, Alpha Insulation and Gastonia Plumbing & Heating.
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Home Immersion Tours give high school students hands-on exposure to construction careers
Seventy students from East Mecklenburg, Independence and Olympic high schools participated in a hands-on Home Immersion Tour (HIT), exploring five skilled trades — masonry, specialties, drywall, electrical and plumbing — through interactive stations led by industry professionals. This experience supports CMS’ commitment to workforce development by giving students real-world exposure to high-demand careers and helping them discover viable opportunities after graduation. A special thank you to Builders Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with pathways into the construction and homebuilding industries, for these rewarding experiences.
Meet our CMS Supplier Development team — dedicated to building strong connections with diverse suppliers and ensuring that minority, women, and small business enterprises have access to contracting opportunities with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
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Student Builders Shine at the Second Annual Build a Shed Event
The second annual Greater Charlotte Build a Shed event brought together 30 talented trade and skilled students for a fun, competitive challenge that builds confidence and showcases the possibilities of a future career in construction. Congratulations to the winning team from Independence High School, partnered with Edifice Inc. and Doggett Concrete, and to the runner-up team from A.L. Brown High School, partnered with Brasfield & Gorrie and Adams Electric Company. Five sheds built during the event will be auctioned by the participating schools and programs: The ROC, Independence High School, A.L. Brown from Kannapolis City Schools, Palisades High School and Olympic High School. Thanks to the Associated Builders and Contractors for supporting this hands-on learning experience.
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Building pathways for Piedmont Middle School STEM leaders
Recently, Messer Construction—one of our construction managers—sponsored Piedmont Middle School students as they attended a Science Olympiad event in Georgia. These tournaments bring together students for hands-on challenges across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, from engineering builds to lab-based problem-solving. Piedmont Science Olympiad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning all funds directly support programs that help students grow in STEM. We’re proud to support opportunities that expand learning and inspire future STEM leaders.
| | Meet our CMS Supplier Development team — dedicated to building strong connections with diverse suppliers and ensuring that minority, women, and small business enterprises have access to contracting opportunities with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. | | |
CMS Marketplace Expo
Thank you to the 20 amazing vendors—businesses, fundraisers, food trucks, and service providers—and to everyone who participated in and attended the CMS Marketplace Expo on Dec. 4. Through our guiding principles of Engage, Empower, Impact, and Elevate, this event strengthens community ties, supports educational initiatives, and promotes partnerships that benefit students and families. Vendors enjoyed direct access to school communities by engaging with influential parent groups and school leaders, enhanced visibility to a targeted, education-focused audience, and valuable networking opportunities with other vendors and school representatives. By aligning with local education and youth development, together we’re building a shared vision of educational excellence and community-driven support!
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New Second Ward Medical High School balance of work pre-bid meeting
On Oct. 15, we hosted the Balance of Work pre-bid meeting for the new Second Ward Medical High School at Hawthorne Academy, with catering provided by the talented students of the Metro School Café. Over 100 interested contractors attended to learn about this exciting project — a high school to be built on the former Metro site, which will relocate the current program from Hawthorne Academy. The event was hosted in partnership with Rodgers Builders.
| | Educating Teachers on How to Properly Care for and Maintain School Buildings | | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' Facility Care and Use team launched a new initiative at Bruns Avenue Elementary School to educate teachers on how to properly care for and maintain school buildings. More than 40 teachers attended the session, where they learned best practices for keeping facilities safe, clean and functional for all students and staff. Participants also received a Facility Care and Use handout outlining important do's and don't's to support the responsible use of CMS buildings, including communicating maintenance needs, respecting shared spaces and avoiding actions that could harm facilities, such as altering, removing or damaging building components. | | Explore the CMS Bond Construction website! Stay informed on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bond projects, including project updates, reports, outreach events, procurement opportunities and MWSBE resources. | |
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