The CMS Foundation works closely with CMS educators to understand the district's most urgent strategic priorities and identify where private investment can help accelerate progress.

Public funding alone is not sufficient to provide our students and educators the opportunities they need and deserve to be successful. While CMS receives funding through tax dollars, the vast majority of these funds are restricted (approximately 70 percent of all funds) and can only be used in specific categories such as salaries, supplies and facilities. This is why support from the philanthropic community is so critical. Private investments can be used for more than just meeting basic needs. They can seed innovative ideas and help take proven programs to scale.

The CMS Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is primarily sustained through private fundraising efforts. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools contributes to the foundation's work by providing office space, supplies, and technology and administrative support.

Yes. The CMS Foundation leverages and manages private dollars to help the district achieve its strategic goals. The foundation works to ensure that private investments have a meaningful, sustainable impact on public education in our community. For more information about the foundation, click here.

• We encourage you to first discuss your concern with the teacher, staff person or the principal of your child's school. Many concerns can be resolved at the school level. Click here for a list of schools.
• If still unresolved, contact the learning community office that serves the school. Click here for a list of learning community offices and their schools.
• Individuals may contact the ombudsman at any point during the course of a school-related concern. The ombudsman will help determine the best steps to address and resolve the concern.