CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Local education staff and officials are sounding the alarm after widespread staffing cuts were made this week at the U.S. Department of Education. Both Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders and the state superintendent told Queen City News they are worried about essential federal funding getting to students who need it.
“We really don’t know who, which department, what positions, who’s controlling what really, it’s up in the air right now,” said CMS Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin.
The U.S. Department of Education has already cut half of its workforce and laid off 1,300 employees on Tuesday. Rankin says the cuts are causing confusion. Ten percent of the district’s funding comes from the feds, used to pay for basic educational needs, staffing and professional development.
“Not really knowing if they’re going to be there of not could be detrimental to us being able to provide a quality education to all of our students,” said Rankin.
State Superintendent Mo Green echoed Rankin’s comments, saying the cuts are a cause for concern. Eleven percent of the state’s funding is federal and helps pay more than 14,000 public school employees. Green said they are monitoring all changes to keep districts informed and take appropriate action when necessary.
“These funds are critical for our most vulnerable students, particularly those with disabilities and from low-income families,” Green said in a statement.
