Today's speaker was Dr. Eric Smith, superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. Eric graduated from Colorado State University and received a graduate degree from the University of Florida. He taught in the Florida school system and served as superintendent in several school systems before coming to Charlotte in 1996. Eric received praise from John Lassiter, school board member who introduced him, for his leadership of the 23rd largest school system in the U.S.
     Eric talked of the critical role of the public school system in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is growing — it now has over 100,000 students, larger than most cities in North Carolina. When he was recruited, he immediately set goals in three areas: academic achievement, safety, and community involvement. Measurable outcomes have been set for all goals. These goals have guided the entire budgeting and decision-making process since his arrival. Subsequently, a fourth goal has been added regarding the business operations of the school system and making them as supportive as possible of the principals and teachers in the schools.
     Charlotte-Mecklenburg has a very diverse student population. It is comprised of 50% White, 42% African-American, 4% Hispanic, and 4% Other. Approximately 12% have special needs such as various forms of learning disabilities. Approximately 6,000 speak languages other than English and 78 different languages are spoken by CMS students.
     We appear to be doing very well in terms of measurable outcomes. Seventy-two percent of third graders read at or above grade level, versus sixty-one percent in 1996. African-Americans experienced the greatest growth, from 39% to 55%. The drop-out rate fell from 10% in 1995 to 8% in 1999. In North Carolina's ABC's, 45 schools showed Exemplary Growth in 1999 as compared to 18 in 1997. Low performing schools in the third through eighth grades fell from 22 in 1997 to one in 1999 and Eric says it will be zero in 2000. 42% of 1999 CMS graduates completed at least one AP or IB course as compared to 31% in 1996. We had a record number of 301 AP scholars in 1999.
     Obviously, budgeting is a key issue. Smith feels that budget allocations should be tied to the goals and outcomes actually achieved. The School Board and County Commission are struggling with the appropriate funding level and the size and timing of a bond issue.
     Smith says the primary focus of CMS is on its core business of teaching. However, the student assignment plan has taken and still takes way too much time and focus. Smith would like to see a resolution of this soon so that CMS can focus on its core business of teaching.
     There is an ongoing tremendous need for additional teachers. CMS will hire approximately 1,000 new teachers this year because of growth of the school system and teacher turnover primarily caused by low salaries and difficult job requirements. Smith cited two major problems in recruiting teachers: teaching conditions (adequate materials and supplies, discipline, mentors) and salaries (approximately $3,000 less than Gwinett County outside Atlanta).
     Smith feels there is a strong trend toward more choice and parental involvement in school selection for students. Whether it be a magnet school program focused on languages, arts, science, math, etc. or just a strong, well-balanced curriculum, Smith feels there will be much more parental involvement and choice going forward.
     He offered the following in response to questions:

3. The N.C. State Teachers Pension Plan is allowing numerous good teachers to retire after 30 years of service when they still have good years left they could teach. There is a new focus on how to keep some of these in the system including the possibility of re-hiring them full-time and allowing them to receive a salary as well as a pension.

4. Teaching correct morals is as important as the academics. We have a curriculum on character education and a Rights and Responsibilities handbook for all students.

     Dr. Smith gave an outstanding presentation which gives us all cause for optimism for the future of the CMS system.
     Doug Booth introduced visiting Rotarians and guests and Tom Hutchins gave a humorous Health and Happiness report. Don Sanders led us in song and Gene Bratek delivered the invocation. Other members at the head table included Ken Harris, Jack Smylie, Ned Fox, and Bob Peterson. Tom Robertson made a special announcement to continue his recruiting efforts for our Habitat for Humanity project.

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New Member

L. J. Melody & Company
2570 One First Union Center
704-343-2777
FAX 704-334-0939

     Jim grew up in Bristol, Tennessee. He received his BS and MBA degrees from East Tennessee State University in 1964 and 1966, respectively. He also received a degree in general education from CPCC in 1977. Jim has a newly married daughter, Jennifer, age 30, and a son. Mark, age 26. Jim enjoys golf, tennis, basketball and the YMCA.

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POWELL'S
OBSERVATIONS

POWELL MAJORS

     E. K. Fretwell used a letter to the editor to express his ideas that more emphasis needs to be placed in helping new teachers get started on the right track in elementary schools.
     Ed Kiser is now the executive assistant to the Chancellor for Constituent Affairs at UNC-Charlotte. Ed formerly had the post of Development and University Relations.
     Freda Nicholson has been elected for a two-year term as president of the American Association of Museums.
     Jeannie Falknor has been named as 1999 Charlotte Business Woman of the Year. The award is presented annually by Queens College and Wachovia Bank.
     Herb Woodward in a letter to the editor of the Observer comments on the heritage of Robert E. Lee as South Carolina deals with the Confederate flag.
      Bill Hillhouse's mother was one without power during the recent snow, sleet and ice storm.

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