CMS Adjusts 2025-2026 School Year Following Closures

Following the crazy winter weather in Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are adjusting the 2025-2026 calendar. After an emergency meeting, they have decided to adjust the calendar to accommodate hours lost due to the weekend storms.

WCNC reports that the two winter storms caused schools to lose almost two weeks' worth of class time. Classes resume regular schedule starting on Thursday, February Feb. 5. Due to the winter storms, CMS has experienced delays, remote learning, or been fully closed for the last two weeks.

Before Thursday, the last full day of school was on Thursday, January 22. Now, the school year will be shifted to accommodate. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, April 29, school day will extend from early release to full instructional days.

“We want to ensure our students have as much learning time in school as possible,” said Beth Thompson, CMS Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, to WCNC. “We know this is critically important to our students and families, so we're looking for any opportunities that could provide additional in-person instructional hours for our students in this year's calendar with the least amount of disruption.” 

CMS is working to help adjust the remainder of the year to make up for those days during the storm. The emergency meeting allowed the board to make a decision and give parents the information sooner.

In North Carolina, schools are required to reach 1,025 instructional hours for the school year. The school district does exceed that each calendar year to help with emergencies.

“These calendar adjustments demonstrate our commitment to maximizing every learning opportunity for our students,” Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill said in a statement. “Converting these early release days to full instructional days ensures students receive the comprehensive educational experience they deserve.”

For more information, head to the CMS homepage.