Dr. James L. Pughsley, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

  “Jim” Pughsley starts his first year as CMS superintendent with a very full plate. Implementing the Choice Plan, along with the usual beginning of school, demands are urgent: space, staff, schedules and transportation especially.  250 mobile units moved. 1,200 teachers hired. 10,000 new students, transfers, and late enrollees scheduled.  90,000 students per day transported.  And that’s just for openers.

   Next, cut the budget $16 million (NC doesn’t have a budget three months into the fiscal year).  Hope for no increases in student-faculty ratios, or reductions in force.  Then champion the November bond vote on $224 million to prepare for 50,000 new students by 2010 and address equity issues produced by the Choice Plan.  And remember, NC needs 12,000 new teachers a year during this decade, although our state colleges and universities only graduate 3,000 annually.

   All of this will improve student achievement under the state ABC test programs, and make it possible to build on the 2001-2002 record.  Last year, CMS achieved 87% of its goals with no low-performing schools, 17 Schools of Excellence, 27 Schools of Distinction, 62 with high growth or exemplary growth status, and 49 with expected growth.  Eastover was one of 25 state elementary schools recognized as most improved.  Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IP) enrollment increased 23%, with African-American enrollments up 30%.  50% of graduating Seniors took at least one AP or IB course.   As a result, 172 CMS graduates entered college this fall as sophomores, rather than freshmen.

   The CMS vision statement calls it to become “the premier urban integrated school system in the nation.”  To realize that vision, it must repeat and improve on last year’s performance each year, so these “pockets of excellence” become a “system of excellence.”  That will require a culture of ACHIEVEMENT, FAIRNESS and HOPE.   Goals for 2005 call for no under-achievers by 5^th grade, a move up from the current status, with 80% at grade level in reading and 85% in math.  High Schools will have to reach 75% of their goals in 10 areas, up from 61% today.

   The Choice Plan requires a fair distribution of resources, for in spite of the changes, the same students must learn, though they sit in different seats.  The goal must be raising the ceiling and raising the floor.  When the system combines achievement and fairness, students will live in hope.  All citizens are responsible for creating this culture.  A full plate indeed…for Jim Pughsley, and for us all!

   Visitors & Guests - Jeff Triplette; Club Education - Sadlar Barnhardt; Invocation - Mary-Stuart Brooks.

   Head Table: Russell Ranson, Dick Klingman, Tony Zeiss, Ed Kizer.

*    *   *

Club News of Interest

Ø Our deepest sympathy is extended to Bill Loftin, Sr. and Jr. upon the death of beloved wife and mother, Martha Jane.

Ø A warm Rotary welcome is extended to our newest member Kevin Anderton.

Ø Bijoy Sahoo is nominated for the Rotary Foundation’s Alumni Service to Humanity Award.  Congratulations, and good luck!

*    *   *

New Member

Steven L. Carter

 

Banking-Human Resources

Wachovia Corporation

301 S. Tryon St.

NC0064 (28288-0064)

704-383-0470

     Steve is a native of Spartanburg, SC and a 1984 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a BS in Industrial Management.  For six years, Steve was a Manufacturing Manager with Texas Instruments (Dallas, TX) in the Defense Systems Group, working on the Harpoon and Tomahawk missile programs.  His work with quality initiatives at TI led to a consulting job with EQM, Inc., based in his hometown of Spartanburg. 

     While in Spartanburg, Steve was a graduate of the Leadership Spartanburg program, and was elected president of that organization’s alumni group just prior to moving to Charlotte. Since moving to Charlotte in October of 1995, Steve has been with the Human Resources division of First Union National Bank, now Wachovia Corporation. 

     As a Senior Vice President and Senior Project Manager, Steve is helping craft a new HR division after the merger, and is coordinating the division’s efforts to establish more rigorous strategic planning, external benchmarking, and human capital measurement processes. 

     Steve and his wife Pauline recently moved to a new home in the Radbourne community in the University area, and are enjoying every minute with children Will (9) and Dory Ann (5).  The family is very active in their membership at St. John’s Baptist Church.  Welcome to Rotary, Steve.

*    *   *

POWELL'S
OBSERVATIONS

Ø The Business Journal carried a picture of a grim Jerry Orr bemoaning the loss of revenue at the airport due to  the September 11^th attack.
Ø Bill Underwood is the new Executive Director of the Children’s Law Center.
Ø Joel Walters is a Director of the Levine Museum of the New South.
Ø Will Pleasants was named Mayflower Van Lines’ National Account Salesperson for July.
Ø Mike Crum says the Coliseum Authority is exploring the possibility of an outdoor music venue using the Coliseum’s parking lot.
Ø Ric Cannada, a former member, will be recognized as the New President of the Reformed Theological Seminary at Carmel Presbyterian Church at 7 PM on October 3^rd.  A reception will follow.  Rotary friends are welcomed.
Ø Tom Norwood was on the Charlotte World Council Citizens Award Dinner committee that honored General Hugh Shelton.
Ø Don Haack and family were pictured in The Observer at the party for opera star Demyce Granes following the September 4^th performance.
Ø Duke Ison’s picture was in The Observer kissing a cow.  In doing so, he was fulfilling a promise made to members at Dilworth United Methodist who responded positively to a money raising challenge.

*    *   *

Click here for photos of this Meeting