At the Sept. 16 Huntersville Town Board meeting, resident Bill Fountain used public comment to criticize Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) for what he described as "social promotion" of students who have not mastered basic skills.

Fountain said that, based on county-level data he referenced, roughly 2,100 of the 9,700 CMS graduates in 2024 had a GPA below 2.0 and he characterized proficiency statistics as alarming; he quoted a 2025 report figure that 37% of students met the state standard, which he said meant 63% did not meet standards, and said roughly 44% are not proficient at grade level. Fountain argued that equity policies should not supplant merit and accountability, and he urged a return to focus on foundational skills: reading, writing and math.

This was a public-comment submission only; the town board did not take action on the remarks during the meeting. Fountain framed his comments as an appeal to public officials and school leaders to prioritize academic fundamentals and accountability.

ACTIONS, DISCUSSION AND NEXT STEPS: Public comment only; no formal board response or directive was recorded. The remarks were entered into the meeting record for the board to consider informally.

ENDING: No town action followed from the comment at the Sept. 16 meeting.