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From News14 Carolina, several days ago...

http://www.news14charlotte.com/content/special_edition/back_to_school/?ArID=89962&SecID=124

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Mecklenburg County lawmaker has completed legislation that would deconsolidate the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. Rep. John Rhodes, R-Mecklenburg, finished a final draft of the legislation this week and says the fate of CMS should be decided by the taxpayers.

Rhodes reads over legislation that places the future of CMS in the hands of voters. He says many of his constituents want a change.

If deconsolidation is passed, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as it is now would be abolished in July 2006.
“This school system does not belong to Mecklenburg County, the state of North Carolina, CMS; this school systems belongs to the people, the taxpayers of Mecklenburg County,” he said. “We have to provide the personalized service to kids in Mecklenburg County and I believe smaller will provide that more personal service.”

The draft provides for a referendum vote on the issue in November. Voters would decide if deconsolidation – or the breaking up the district – would benefit the county.

If passed, CMS as it is now would be abolished July 1, 2006.Then, its future and how it would be broken up would be determined by the State Board of Education, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and the current school board.

Rep. John Rhodes, R-Mecklenburg, says the fate of CMS should be decided by the taxpayers.
"In nine years, we're expected to have 170,000 students in CMS,” Rhodes said. “If we go at the current pace, that’s too large.”

Rhodes is among the many in favor of deconsolidation, while School Board chair Joe White is one of those who are not. He has said in the past that deconsolidation is not the answer to overcrowding and discipline problems.

"I sincerely believe that a parent who is concerned and involved and a child with a good attitude who wants to learn can learn at any of our 148 institutions," White said.

Rhodes says it is his intention to let the people of Mecklenburg County decide the school district's fate in November.

Rep. Jim Gulley, R-Mecklenburg, co-signed the final draft of the legislation.