Budget woes unlikely to delay opening of 2 new high school campuses in Charlotte-Mecklenburg district

FromThe Charlotte Observer: As Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) School District leaders sort through painful budget-cutting options, delaying the August opening of two new high schools is emerging as the least likely path. Last week Superintendent Peter Gorman had mentioned a possible delay as part of a worst-case budget scenario, along with closing underfilled schools and eliminating magnet busing. But in private follow-up talks between Gorman and school board members, officials concluded that a delay is an unpopular option. Earlier...from The Charlotte Observer: Up to 880 Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) Schools employees, including 658 teachers, could lose their jobs under budget scenarios Superintendent Peter Gorman has outlined. Gorman and board members say they'll also consider more drastic measures, such as closing under-capacity schools and eliminating busing for magnet schools. From The Charlotte Observer: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) School District has frozen hiring for noninstructional jobs. The freeze affects 122 vacancies in such areas as central offices, transportation and information technology; more retirements and turnover are expected in coming weeks. The district is one of Mecklenburg County's largest employers, with almost 19,000 workers. Teachers and principals still will be hired as vacancies occur, but other school vacancies, such as assistant principals, may be put on hold to anticipate possible job cuts.