After months of layoff warnings Charlotte teaching staff to rise by nearly 500

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will hire nearly 500 more school staff members this fall after warning for months that the system was headed toward layoffs.

The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that school board members congratulated their staff for responsible fiscal management as they approved a $1.2 billion budget, nearly 2 percent higher than last year.

Critics say the announcement shows education officials exaggerated financial concerns during earlier budget talks.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools cut 320 non-teaching positions this year, and 184 teachers lost contracts based primarily on performance issues.

Even with 504 lost jobs, the district will post a net increase of 484 positions over last year.

School leaders say the state budgeting system forces leaders to estimate state and local allocations before the money is actually approved, resulting in inaccurate estimate totals.
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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-07-27-11 1029EDT