"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Before the summer vacation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools laid off 665 teachers. Now that the state budget is finally approved, Superintendent Peter Gorman is re-hiring teachers...but not all of them. CMS can bring back 286 teachers and licensed staff.
Gorman says his priority is finding top talent, and that there might be better teachers out there than the ones who were dismissed this summer.
Teachers who were laid off are having to re-apply. Teachers let go because of a poor performance record, and retirees drawing their pension, are not eligible.
Aside from needing to make budget cuts, maybe this was an opportunity to thin out underperforming teachers.
We want Superintendent Gorman to hire the best...
Teachers who will make CMS a great place for students to learn...
Passionate teachers that want to impact children's lives...
Educators who can help bring CMS to the top of the scholastic charts.
This is an opportunity to make the best decisions for the future of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and we support Superintendent Gorman and his staff in their efforts.
But, as we all know, even the best teachers can't do it alone. Parents, you have to be involved. Your child's success in school depends on it. It's time for all of us to step up to the plate.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
