Black Child Development Institute highlights literacy programs for Charlotte schools

In a gathering marked by heartfelt advocacy and critical policy discussions, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Board of Education convened on January 14, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting students and families in the community. The evening began with public comments that highlighted the diverse needs of the district's student population.

Corita Pimentel, representing the Black Child Development Institute, passionately shared the organization's commitment to enhancing the lives of Black and brown children. She outlined their initiatives focused on literacy, family engagement, health, and early childhood education, emphasizing their alignment with CMS's goals for improving literacy in early grades. Pimentel detailed the success of their summer program, which serves over 250 children, and the distribution of culturally relevant books, underscoring the importance of community support in educational success.

Following her, Ray LeGron, a teacher at Olympic High School, voiced concerns regarding the impact of immigration policies on students. With a new administration prioritizing mass deportation, LeGron urged the district to provide training for staff on students' rights, particularly regarding immigration status. He called for a proactive communication campaign to reassure immigrant families that their children are safe and supported within the school system. His plea resonated with the audience, highlighting the urgent need for schools to be safe havens for all students.

As the meeting progressed, the board moved to approve several consent agenda items, including modifications to board bylaws and policies. Vice Chair Dee Rankin introduced changes to the order of meetings, placing public engagement at the forefront, and proposed updates to the student assignment policy. These modifications aim to enhance transparency and responsiveness to community needs, ensuring that parents are actively involved in the school choice process.

The evening concluded with unanimous support for the proposed changes, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. As the board members left the meeting, the discussions lingered in the air, a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the vital role of community engagement in shaping the future of education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.