CMS Enrollment Higher Than Expected

A slowly rebounding economy and excitement over two new high schools pushed CMS enrollment beyond expectations this year. Staff predicted the district would grow by about 1,300 students. Instead, nearly 2,000 new students enrolled. CMS Student Placement Executive Director Scott McCully says that's more than expected, but still moderate compared to just four or five years ago when the district had enrollment gains upwards of 5,000 students. This year, McCully says suburban CMS schools grew fastest, causing the need to shift some teachers and resources. The new Hough High in Cornelius had one of the largest groups of unexpected students enroll - about 100 more than projected. McCully says new high schools often draw extra interest. Some of this year's district-wide growth may be a result of families switching to CMS from charter and private schools. District-wide, there are 135,638 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.