CMS approves funding for new middle school, student devices refresh

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — In a unanimous vote by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, millions of dollars in funding will be allocated for a new middle school as well as a 'refresh' for 34,000 student devices.

According to the agenda, the board was seeking approval for Phase Two of the middle school construction and improvements to its associated site. Now, $60M has been approved for Messer Construction to complete site work, roadwork, plumbing, electrical and other required systems. The new middle school is scheduled to open in August 2026.

Additionally, the board also approved $4M to go towards entering into a lease agreement to refresh 34,000 student devices, most of which were purchased with federal funding three to four years ago.

Technology services reviewed seven proposals to determine the best return on their investment based on many factors including cost, warranty, and specifications. The total price for the devices would be $16,750,440 at a yearly lease cost of $4,187,610.

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Teachers in three Massachusetts communities fighting for new contracts pushed forward with their demands Monday as parents braced for the possibility of more canceled classes on Tuesday. Teachers in Beverly and Gloucester voted Thursday to authorize a strike, and schools were closed Friday as teachers in both districts hit the picket line over pay, paid parental leave and other issues. School officials in Marblehead, about 16 miles (25.8 kilometers) north of Boston, have already announced schools would be closed on Tuesday and that no extracurricular activities or sports would take place.

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