Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

[graydog]

The biggest issue at South Meck is the large number of kids who don't want to learn. They create a disruptive environment. Also, the growing poverty numbers there contribute to the number of kids who lack a supportive home environment. Also growing is the number of ESL students. South Meck looks better on paper than it is b/c the Ballantyne kids bring up the average scores.

That is why there was such an uproar over the 2006 redistricting for Ardrey Kell. With those kids gone, South Meck's numbers change dramatically. Some of that was salvaged, but the change remains a risk. South Meck neighborhoods are now less likely to draw the higher income families, which could perpetuate a downward slide.

The best thing about South is their principal Marion Yates. She cares deeply about her kids and she lets them know it everyday by setting high expectations and recognizing their successes. Even though she pushes hard, the kids love her because of her firecracker personality and because they know she cares.