Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Our Commitment
Keeping students safe while supporting continuous learning
At Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), every decision we make during severe weather is guided by a single priority: ensuring the safety of our students and staff while minimizing disruptions to learning.
Our approach is aligned with CMS Board Policy O-WTHR and supports the district’s Strategic Plan, which prioritizes academic success and equitable access for all students even during unexpected events.
When bad weather or other emergency situations occurs, it may be necessary for CMS to close school, delay, shift to remote, or close schools early. Parents and students should have a well-communicated plan in place in the event of these emergency situations.
Guiding Requirements
Under North Carolina law, all public-school districts must provide either a minimum of 185 instructional days or a minimum of 1,025 instructional hours over the school year. In addition, North Carolina law allows public school districts to use remote learning days to address emergencies.
Finally, our Board of Education has a policy and accompanying regulation that allow the superintendent to waive up to four instructional days per year for weather or emergency conditions without requiring those days to be made up as long as the instructional hours adhere to state requirements.
CMS Annual School Year Calendar
All Charlotte-Mecklenburg School calendars exceed the legally required number of instructional hours, so the Superintendent has options should emergencies arise, such as inclement weather. The additional hours allow avoiding the need to make up lost instructional time via a designated make-up day due to closures. The Superintendent can determine when it is needed to:
- Close schools
- Designate days for remote learning
- Delay the start of school when roadways and our facilities are safer
How to Receive CMS Inclement Weather Updates
When winter weather or severe conditions are expected, CMS works proactively to provide timely, accurate information. The official source for decisions is always the CMS website.
Other ways we'll notify families:
- ParentSquare (text, email, voicemail in preferred language)
- Social Media:
- Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @CharMeckSchools
- X (formerly Twitter): @CharMeckSchools
- Local News Outlets: WBTV, WCNC, WCCB, WJZY, Spectrum News 1
We encourage you to always keep your contact information updated through Infinite Campus.
Types of Weather and Decisions if there is Inclement Weather
When inclement weather is in the forecast, CMS begins monitoring conditions several days in advance. Our Operations Team collects updates and information from official sources and compiles a detailed debrief for the Superintendent. The Superintendent then evaluates how the weather may impact students and staff across the county and makes an inclement weather decision.
School Closed
- All schools will be closed
- District Offices will remain open
- Before School Educational Programming (BSEP) will be canceled
- Afternoon and evening activities will be decided later in the day
Delay
- Students will report to school two hours late
- Before School Educational Programming (BSEP) will be available 2 hours later
- School bus services will run two hours later in the morning.
- Breakfast will be served for all levels
- After School Educational Program (ASEP) will be held, unless otherwise communicated
Early Release
- Schools will be dismissed early
- School buses will run early in the afternoon
- After school programming and clubs Activities, ASEP and Athletics will be canceled
- Schools Closed
Remote
When inclement weather affects our schedule, students will take part in remote learning as communicated through ParentSquare and posted on the main page of our website. Families are encouraged to watch for specific instructions to help support students as they complete their assignments. Whenever possible, schools will provide work that builds directly on learning from the previous day. At times, students may also receive assignments designed to practice skills and strengthen competencies that support their overall learning.
*Due to the timing and severity of a weather event, the processes outlined may be adjusted as needed.
Two-Hour Delay Schedule
During a Two-Hour Delay, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will begin classes two hours later than the regular schedule.
| Regular Bell Times | Two-Hour Delay |
|---|---|
| 7:15 AM – 2:15 PM | 9:15 AM – 2:15 PM |
| 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
| 7:45 AM – 2:45 PM | 9:45 AM – 2:45 PM |
| 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM | 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM |
| 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM | 10:45 AM – 3:45 PM |
| 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM | 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM |
How CMS Makes Weather Decisions
CMS always monitors weather conditions and considers timing and intensity of the predicted forecast. Temperatures, visibility, and the safety of both neighborhood streets and main routes are important. Students and staff travel from every part of the county and under very different conditions
Inclement Weather Frequently Asked Questions
- How will I be notified if my child's school is closed, delayed, or has early release due to weather?
- When does planning begin before an inclement weather event?
- Can I track my student's bus during early release or delay?
- Do we have Make-Up Days?
- Why are all schools canceled if weather only affects part of the county?
- Where do I get remote day homework info?
How will I be notified if my child's school is closed, delayed, or has early release due to weather?
When does planning begin before an inclement weather event?
Can I track my student's bus during early release or delay?
Do we have Make-Up Days?
Why are all schools canceled if weather only affects part of the county?
Where do I get remote day homework info?
Resources
- School Calendar and Make Up Days
- Please refer to the district's academic calendar for make-up days to ensure instructional time is protected.