Where do 2007 CMS bond projects stand?

Want to see which projects are finished, which are still in the works and which fell victim to changed plans?  Check out this interactive map of the projects Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders promised when voters approved $516 million in bonds in 2007.

Screen shot -- click link in copy for interactive map

More coverage is coming this weekend on the 2007 bonds and the $290 million plan on the Nov. 5 ballot.  But I thought I'd go ahead and share the maps  (here's another one plotting the proposed 2013 projects).  My colleague April Bethea has created a voter guide page to serve as a one-stop source for information about the bonds, school board election and municipal elections this year.

Remember that Friday is the deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 5 election,  and early voting starts Oct. 17.

Some notes for anyone who's taking a close look at the 2007 map:  I got CMS to provide initial budget and final/current costs for this list on their bond page.  In some cases,  the final numbers are different from what you'll find on the CMS construction page  (check elementary,  middle and high school updates).  Construction planner Dennis LaCaria says that's because the bond numbers that I used for the map reflect only the part of the project done under the 2007 bonds.  In some cases,  design and site work and other preliminaries had already been done with other funding sources.

You'll also find West Charlotte High on the CMS list but not on the map.  That's a decision,  not an oversight.  When I wrote about the CMS  "Promises Made,  Promises Kept"  report several weeks ago, a West Charlotte booster called outraged that I has listed that school as getting renovations under the 2007 bonds.  She insisted that school had no recent work and is long overdue.  On closer look,  I decided she was right.  While all the other projects are in the millions,  West Charlotte is listed because it got less than $200,000 in electrical work.  Normally that would fall under the miscellaneous  "bundled"  work,  such as roofing,  paving and fire alarm improvements that are spread among several schools.  It doesn't make sense to me to describe that as a significant school renovation.

A note about my responsiveness  (or lack thereof)  this week.  I'm sort of time-traveling here.  I wrote a slew of school board and bond stories (including this post) last week and now they're running while I'm taking a week off.  That means I'll be filtering comments and posting them as I get a chance,  but it won't be as quick as usual.  Likewise,  I won't be answering calls and emails,  but it's not for lack of interest.

Let the school board race begin!

Now that primaries are over,  it's time to start thinking about the Nov. 5 school board race. We've got information on all 12 candidates posted on the Observer's voter site, and I'll be working to keep you up to date as the board race and the bond campaigns gear up.  (Yeah, I realize some folks are running for Charlotte mayor, too, but Jim Morrill has got that under control.)

Please let me know about opportunities to meet the candidates and/or learn more about the bonds for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Central Piedmont Community College.  And if your group posts candidate questionnaires,  send me a link.  I've got a list of resources at right,  under the photo,  and I'll keep adding to it  (including any more candidates who create web sites).

A quick recap,  for anyone who hasn't tuned in yet:  Mecklenburg voters will choose six district representatives Nov. 5,  with the three at-large candidates up for a vote in 2015.  You only vote for the seat in your own district  (here's the map and here's how to look up your district).  Party affiliation isn't listed on the ballot, but we've included that in our information in case you're interested.

Joyce Waddell,  the incumbent in District 3,  is guaranteed to return, as she drew no opposition.

And District 6 is guaranteed to get a new member.  Tim Morgan, who was elected to that seat in 2009,  moved to an at-large seat two years later.  Amelia Stinson-Wesley,  appointed to fill the district seat,  isn't running.  Three people  --  Paul Bailey,  Bolyn McClung and Doug Wrona  -- are seeking that post.

The other four races each have an incumbent facing one challenger.  In District 1, Christine Mast hopes to get Rhonda Lennon's seat.  In District 2,  Thelma Byers-Bailey is challenging incumbent Richard McElrath.  In District 4,  Queen Elizabeth Thompson hopes to oust Tom Tate, the board's senior member with eight years under his belt.  And in District 5,  Edward Donaldson is challenging Eric Davis.

Voters will also be asked to approve $290 million in bonds for CMS and $210 million for CPCC.  It's the first bond vote for either group since 2007.

Early voting starts Oct. 17.  And remember:  Your neighbors probably won't vote  (turnout is always low in off years),  so you carry extra clout if you do.  If you're not already registered,  do so by Oct. 11 to be eligible.