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. | | |
Renderings
New renderings for Huntersville Elementary School were revealed at the latest project update meeting on September 17, giving a first look at the future 45-classroom campus coming to 200 Gilead Road in Huntersville. The design, presented by ADW Architects, highlights a modern and innovative learning environment.
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COMING UP
Fourth Quarter 2026
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Presentations
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| | Cato Ridge Middle: A Brand-New School Year Begins | | |
A new chapter began this school year at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools! Aug. 25 marked the first day of school, and Cato Ridge Middle proudly welcomed students to a beautiful new campus made possible by the 2023 Bond.
The new school features modern classrooms, a turf football field, bike-friendly access and, most importantly, an end to overcrowding. Hear from the principal, teachers, a parent and students about what made this first day so special and why they’re excited for the year ahead.
| | Dilworth Elementary School | | | | |
From 1948 to a brand-new beginning. On Aug. 25, Dilworth Elementary welcomed more than 600 students into its new building, which replaced the former Park Road Montessori building, built in 1948.
We spoke with a school custodian and Cynthia Stone, District 5 Board of Education member, about the transformation and how the new facility is already making a difference for students and staff. A new building. A new chapter.
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Before and After at the Current Dilworth Location
After nearly eight decades, the age and condition of the former building made replacement necessary.
Today, the new Dilworth Elementary School, at 3701 Haven Drive in Charlotte, brings modern learning spaces and a fresh start to this location, made possible by the 2023 Bond. A historic location, a brand-new school and a new beginning for Dilworth Elementary students.
| | J.T. Williams Secondary Montessori | | Moving day for the farm animals! It took about an hour on Aug. 21 to move the chickens, goats and pigs to their new campus — a trip of just 15 minutes between locations. Students are excited for hands-on learning in animal science and future Veterinary Technician opportunities, supported by the CMS Bond program. | | Check out the project's phases! While some are complete or under construction, other projects are gearing up to start work soon- all part of the 2023 Bond process. Our commitment to building for excellence is in full motion. Stay tuned as we transform learning spaces across the district! | | |
Celebrating a New School Year: CMS Leaders Visit Bond Projects
Board members and other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders made school visits during the first week of school. They included new schools Cato Ridge Middle and Dilworth Elementary to see their facilities and celebrate the start of a new school year.
Thanks to the 2023 Bond, Cato Ridge Middle and Dilworth Elementary are open and providing students with modern spaces designed to support learning and success.
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Billingsville Elementary School
Students are back at Billingsville Elementary School, now benefiting from important improvements made possible through the 2023 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Bond.
This phase of the project included a new asphalt parking lot, a stronger base and freshly painted markings, along with important HVAC improvements. Crews upgraded Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes, cleaned and enhanced air-conditioning systems, adjusted pumps, and tested and balanced the systems to support better air quality and consistent performance.
With the work finished, these improvements help provide a safer, more comfortable and efficient learning environment for students, staff and families.Another CMS Bond investment delivering improvements for our schools and our community.
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Cotswold Elementary School
Construction is taking shape at the new Cotswold Elementary School! Roofing is underway on the classroom wing, while crews continue installing drywall, HVAC systems and other interior finishes throughout the building. The media center is also nearing completion, and work continues on the exterior walls, parking areas and fire access road.
With more than 100 workers currently on-site, the project remains focused on steady progress and safety as construction continues toward an August 2027 opening. Billingsville Elementary students will relocate to the new Cotswold Elementary School, while Chantilly Montessori students will move into the current Billingsville building.
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First Ward Creative Arts Middle School
Students are back at a transformed First Ward Creative Arts Middle School! Thanks to the 2023 Bond investment, bringing the school new signs, new windows, a new roof, an updated media center, a new ceiling and flooring in the cafeteria, and new flooring in the gym, including freshly painted basketball and volleyball courts.
The auditorium also received new wood finishes, while final updates, including new door hardware, were completed throughout the school. Another CMS Bond project is helping to create improved learning spaces for students and staff.
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Marie G. Davis Middle School
Interior demolition is moving quickly at the former Dilworth Elementary School, the future Marie G. Davis Middle School.
Located at 405 E. Park Ave. in Charlotte, the project has completed permitting, and construction now underway. Anticipated occupancy is August 2027 as the existing school is repurposed into a new learning space for CMS students and the community.
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Middle School #2 North
Construction has officially begun on New Middle School #2 North on Stumptown Road in Huntersville. After months of design and planning, the project is now moving from plans to construction, with crews on site beginning land clearing and installing erosion control measures. Scheduled to open in August 2028, the new school for grades six through eight will feature 54 classrooms and help relieve enrollment at Bailey Middle, Francis Bradley Middle and J.M. Alexander Middle.
The campus will also include turf fields for baseball, softball and football, providing new athletic opportunities for students and the surrounding community, similar to the construction at Cato Ridge Middle.
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North Mecklenburg High School
Construction continues to move forward at North Mecklenburg High School. Steelwork is advancing across the classroom wings, cafeteria and administration areas, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work and masonry are underway throughout the campus. The main and auxiliary gym roofs are also in place.
The stadium is expected to be turned over to the school ahead of athletic use. The soccer team is expected to play its inaugural game shortly before October 2, followed by the first football game against Mallard Creek on October 2.
The new North Mecklenburg High School is expected to welcome students in August 2028.
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Northwest School of the Arts
Construction is progressing at Northwest School of the Arts. Building B and Building D, which previously housed classrooms, have been fully demolished. Building C, which housed the front office and administrative offices, is undergoing renovations that will add 16 new classrooms for students.
Groundwork is underway, including leveling and shaping the site and installing drainage infrastructure to manage rainwater, as the area is being prepared for landscaping. Renovations to Building E, the Performing Arts Building, are complete, and the building is now occupied.Construction in Building C is expected to be completed in December, with students and staff expected to begin using the renovated space when they return from winter break in January 2027.
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Second Ward High School
Construction is progressing at Second Ward High School in Uptown Charlotte. The parking garage is advancing to level two, while foundation work is underway for the school building. The project remains on schedule, with completion anticipated for the 2028–29 school year.
The new high school, located at 700 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC will serve approximately 1,000 students, including students from Hawthorne High School who will move to the new building.
| | South Mecklenburg High School | | |
From the field to the future — South Mecklenburg High School construction is moving forward!
The football stadium is ready and already hosting games, with soccer and football taking the field this fall. Baseball and softball facilities are also on the way, while new lighting has been added to the existing tennis courts. Meanwhile, work continues on the main building, scheduled for completion for the 2027-28 school year. Once it opens, additional buildings will be demolished, making way for new paving, parking, green space and other site improvements.
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Back-to-School Bash Celebration
The bond program team says present! Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Construction booth on August 1 at the CMS Bases Loaded: Back-to-School Celebration – Grand Slam Start 2026!
From learning about our 2023 Bond projects to snapping photos in hard hats and safety vests (personal protective equipment or PPE), you helped make it a home run. Here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
| | Intern Day July 30: Investing in the future starts today. For National Intern Day, we celebrated students gaining hands-on experience in school construction and supplier development. Through the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, interns explored the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, visited construction sites, and learned how new schools come to life. At Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, we’re proud to create opportunities that inspire future leaders while building stronger schools and stronger communities. Happy National Intern Day to all of our interns — we’re excited to be part of your journey! | | |
Save the date: Charlotte Economic Development Week 2026
Charlotte Economic Development Week 2026 is coming October 5-9, and CMS Supplier Development is proud to be part of it!
Under this year’s theme, “Charlotte Al..Connect: Bridging Innovation and Community,” we’re bringing our vendor community together for a week focused on connection, learning, opportunity and growth. Throughout the week, they will have a golf tournament, educational workshops, a Business Connections Expo and an Awards Celebration honoring our vendors and the important work they do in our community. It’s a week designed to connect businesses with opportunities, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the entrepreneurs and vendors helping move Charlotte forward.
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Building Connections with Charlotte's Small Business Community
On Thursday, September 10, we joined the City of Charlotte’s Business Connections Event at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. We connected with local small businesses and shared information about opportunities to participate in the construction of CMS schools funded through the bond program, along with resources to help businesses learn how to get involved and grow their opportunities.
| | Berryhill Pre-K-8 Pre-Bid | | In August, contractors and vendors joined us for the Berryhill Pre-K–8 School pre-bid meeting at Messer Construction Co., bringing together partners to help move the project forward! The event promoted collaboration, connecting the school with high-quality vendors aligned with district standards. These efforts support the CMS Bond’s Building for Excellence mission of strengthening schools through thoughtful investments in quality, innovation and community partnerships. | | |
A sweet welcome back to school! Thank you to LS3P, one of our Bond architects, for stopping by the CMS Construction team with a thoughtful basket filled with cookies, apples and treats to welcome us back for the new school year.
We’re grateful for partners like LS3P who continue to support our team and the important work happening across CMS. Here’s to another great year of building for our students and schools!
| | Congratulations to our talented Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools high school students for their incredible success at the 2026 Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Charlotte End-of-Year Banquet! It was an inspiring evening celebrating the hard work, creativity, and dedication. | | 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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