CMS budget team proposes teacher-supplement increases, classified pay study and a pilot math bonus amid federal funding uncertainty

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools presented a multi-part budget update on March 25 that combined a five-year forecast, an explanation of federal funding risks and a set of compensation proposals intended to shore up teacher and staff recruitment and retention.

Chief Financial Officer Kelly Klutz and Superintendent Dr. Earnest Hill told the board that the district is operating in a constrained fiscal environment. Key risks cited included state revenue projections that are essentially flat for fiscal 2025–26, county revenue shortfalls, and uncertainty around federal grant renewals. Staff highlighted that roughly 75–77% of the operating budget is salary and benefits, and said the district will plan conservatively until state and county figures are final.

Federal funding risk: staff reported termination notices for several discretionary federal grants and said those awards are under appeal. Staff provided a high-level inventory showing the dollar amounts, the number of positions…