Are charter schools safer?

At Lake Norman Charter School,  where almost 1,600 students in grades 5-12 went to school last year,  the only criminal or violent acts reported in 2012-13 were two cases of weapons other than guns.

At the nearest Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools in Huntersville,  Alexander Middle School had four weapons incidents.  North Mecklenburg High reported eight students caught with drugs,  three with alcohol,  three assaults on school personnel,  one gun,  one other weapon and one assault resulting in serious injury.  Lake Norman's rate was 1.3 incidents per 1,000 students,  according to the state tally released Wednesday,  compared with 4.5 at Alexander and 10.6 at North Meck.

In east Charlotte,  KIPP Charlotte charter school reported one assault on school staff and Sugar Creek Charter reported one sexual assault  (touching private parts against the person's will).  That put Sugar Creek,  which had 858 students in grades K-8,  at 1.2 acts per 1,000 students and the smaller KIPP,  which serves grades 5-8,  at 3 acts per 1,000.  Both charters serve mostly African American students from low-income families.

Sitting right between the two charters is CMS' Martin Luther King Middle School,  with similar demographics.  It reported 11 students caught with alcohol, five with weapons other than guns and four with drugs.  There were three assaults on personnel, two assaults with weapons and one sexual assault,  for a rate of 27.6 acts per 1,000 students.

That pattern plays out over and over when you look at the 2012-13 state crime and violence report.  I calculated an average for 16 charter schools in Mecklenburg or just across county lines.  Half of them  --  Carolina International School, The Community School,  Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy,  Queens Grant,  Crossroads High,  Community School of Davidson,  Socrates Academy and Corvian Community School  -- reported no crime or violence last year.  All totaled, the 16 schools served a total of 11,659 students last year and averaged 1.8 acts per 1,000.

That compares with an average of 9.9 in CMS  (which had 27 of 160 schools with no criminal/violent acts), 5.1 in Cabarrus, 3.5 in Gaston, 7.5 in Iredell-Statesville, 5.8 in Lincoln and 8.2 in Union County.

So what does that mean?  I didn't hear back after leaving messages at Lake Norman and Queens Grant.

The CMS response was skeptical.  "I certainly wouldn't say that charter schools are safer than CMS,"  said Chief Communications Officer Kathryn Block.  "We have to remember that this is self-reporting."  She noted that CMS takes the state mandate seriously,  though  "I can't speak for what other entities may or may not report."

It's possible that some schools underreport.  Several years ago CMS logged remarkably low numbers on this very report.  One of my colleagues delved into police reports and showed that those numbers were far below reality.  CMS acknowledged the flaws and started reporting much higher tallies.

And among supporters of traditional public schools,  there are always rumblings that charters force out troublemakers.  The suspension/expulsion section of the crime/violence report doesn't seem to support that  --  I counted 10 long-term suspensions and two expulsions from the Charlotte-area charters  --  but it's possible that some students are  "counseled out"  and return to district schools.

Still,  this seems to be one of the intriguing questions about what charter schools bring to the mix.  I've heard parents say they opt for charters because they consider them safer and more orderly.  These numbers seem to bolster their belief.

Want to interview Heath Morrison?

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is seeking questions for the superintendent via the district's Facebook page. Selected questions will be featured in this weekend's  "Facebook Edition"  of InSight, Superintendent Heath Morrison's monthly broadcast on CMS-TV.

Morrison

Post your question by 5 p.m. Thursday and it might be selected for the show that airs at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  There's already a question about school security from Stephanie Moore-Rice:  "How easy is it for someone to just walk in a school during the day,  and how fast can someone stop an unrecognized guest?"

Coretta Wilson,  an Alexander Graham Middle School teacher who used to be a WCNC anchor,  interviews Morrison on InSight.  On the last Facebook episode,  he took a question from Kandace Mitchell,  a Chantilly Montessori parent,  about creating more year-round schools and one from Amy Rinehart Rosenhour about changing high school start times.  You can watch it here --  or if you want something shorter than the four-minute clip,  Morrison says he'd like to have more calendar flexibility but that's up to the state.  And he says the district will  "continue to look into" changing school hours,  but notes that there are a range of parent views and a  "delicate balance"  involved in making changes.

Raises, race and other budget answers

Yesterday I noted some questions I'd be asking going into the budget.  As anticipated,  technology and choice were so central to Superintendent Heath Morrison's plan that there's not a lot to add  (read the CMS presentation here and my budget story here).  Here's more on the other themes:

Raises:  Morrison's plan reflects the 1 percent hike in Gov. Pat McCrory's plan.  That would require coming up with $2.2 million in county money to ensure that 1 percent extends to county-paid staff.  If CMS can persuade legislators to go higher,  Morrison assured the public and the board he'll find money to increase the county match.  For instance,  if the state approves a 3 percent raise,  CMS will need a total of $6.6 million in county money.

Morrison

On the other hand, Morrison warned that it's possible the General Assembly could end up granting state employees no raise.  He said if that happens,  he's committed to ensuring all CMS employees get at least 1 percent -- which would require $7.9 million from the county.

Many school board members were still underwhelmed by 1 percent --  as I'm guessing a lot of CMS employees are.  Morrison told them it wouldn't have been realistic to ask county commissioners to commit to covering a 3 percent raise,  even if that meant assuming the state's responsibility.  "If we proposed to do a full 3 percent (with county money),  then basically that becomes our only ask,"  he told the board.

Cultural competence:  There's nothing in the budget about cultural competence or racial equity,  but Morrison said he plans to unveil a plan in the coming year. The cost won't be high enough to merit a budget breakout,  he said.  He said his effort will involve "a number of individuals and partners,"  with the possibility of outside money to cover some of the cost.  He says he wants to hear from task forces studying cultural competence and African American males before making a decision:  "The worst thing you can do is convene a task force and say,  'Here's the plan.' "

Bell schedules:  Morrison insists that months of talks with parents and teachers who want bell schedules and bus routes changes haven't been wasted,  even though none of the options they pondered made it into the 2013-14 budget.  He lauded those people for working on solutions,  but said all alternatives were too expensive and/or affected too many people to tackle this year.  He noted that previous CMS leaders caught flak for making the original changes without consulting the people affected;  "I don't want to do that again."  In short, the answer is "not this year," but not necessarily "never."

Safety:   There's no money in the 2013-14 budget for additional security staff or school resource officers.  Morrison said that's because the city of Charlotte has shifted $2.7 million in costs for the existing police corps to CMS over the last two years.  Council members are looking for ways to give CMS a break,  and if that happens it might free up money to expand staffing.

Cuts:  The plan includes $9 million in  "reductions and redirections,"  including $1.6 million from eliminating 14 vacant central office jobs,  $2.5 million from adjusting budgeted salaries and benefits to reflect the reality of what the current workforce is earning and $1 million to eliminate the contract for Thinkgate tests.  Morrison said more savings may show up in his second year,  as he continues working through CMS'  processes and systems.

Seven big CMS budget questions

Superintendent Heath Morrison rolls out his first budget today,  a little less than a year after he was hired to lead Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.  Here are the big things I'm wondering:

Large raises?  Morrison knows morale has been bad and employees are frustrated by stagnant wages.  Will he ask county commissioners for another big chunk of money to bump up what the state approves,  like interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh did last spring,  or take the more traditional path of following the state's lead?  And will some form of performance pay be incorporated?

How much for technology?  We don't have to wonder if the budget will include a big request for money to provide internet access in schools.  Morrison has said online testing requirements make that a mandate, not an option.  The question is how much -- and how much that leaves for other projects in a tight budget year.

What kind of choice?  Again, we know Morrison is big on increasing options within CMS.  The question is how far he'll go with that in 2013-14 and where he'll find money.

Changes in busing or bells?  Some parents and teachers have been pushing hard for Morrison to find money to change school hours and/or restore busing options that were cut during the recession.  They'll find out this evening whether that made the cut.

More school guards?  The board has already approved spending capital money to beef up school security.  Now we'll see whether Morrison plans to add police officers, security guards or both,  and what it will cost.

Cultural competency?  A cultural competency program won't be a big-ticket item, but it'll be a talker.  Morrison drew equally fervent praise and criticism earlier this year when he talked about hiring racial equity consultant Glenn Singleton. Morrison has gone silent on that subject for the last couple of months. But it's hard to imagine he'll wait another full year before tackling something he has repeatedly described as one of his top priorities.

Real cuts?  CMS always touts millions of dollars in  "reductions and redirections,"  but those tend to be expenses that went away on their own or shifted from one funding source to another.  Big, real cuts are tough.  But Morrison came in with fresh eyes and a surge of popularity.  He's got to find money for his own vision,  and county commissioners don't exactly have their checkbook out. We'll soon see whether Morrison is going to make big sacrifices to free up money.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St.  You can show up to comment on the capital plan,  make remarks on any topic or dress like a zombie to protest testing. Or you can watch from the comfort of your own computer.

Shooter drill and CMS-TV school

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is working with county officials to plan a safety drill simulating an armed attack.

Superintendent Heath Morrison would like to see a high school partner with the newly-revived CMS-TV station to air student-produced programs.

And the cultural competency task force is exploring what an expanded diversity office might do to help students.

Those are a few of the tidbits I picked up at Butler High last night,  at the last of three CMS town hall sessions designed to give the public a voice in budget planning and a chance to check in with the district's 22 advisory task forces.

Plenty of CMS officials and task force members were on hand,  but there wasn't much public.  Attendance has been light throughout,  several people said,  and Monday's was so anemic that everyone went home 20 minutes early.

Some people may have opted for more convenient outlets,  such as a recent online budget poll that got more than 11,000 responses.  And most of us know that the public seldom mobilizes on a big scale until specific proposals are on the table,  especially proposals that upset people.

"Compared to 2009-10,  the crisis mentality isn't there,"  CMS magnet director Jeff Linker said,  referring to school-closing plans that drew big crowds and angry protests.

On Monday,  his task force on magnets, choice and alternative schools drew one parent unhappy with his middle school options.  They'd gotten about a dozen visitors at an earlier town hall held at Waddell Language Academy.

Joel Gilland,  a Mountain Island Elementary parent who co-leads the group with Linker,  said the task force has talked about ways to help neighborhood schools work with their communities to become schools of choice.  They're thinking there should be a way for CMS staff and people with ideas to work together to explore academic specialties,  partial magnets or alternative structures  (such as turning Mountain Island into a K-8 school)  that might boost interest.

Morrison's mention of creating a video-production academy,  which would give students experience that could translate to a career,  ties in with a push to explore stronger career-tech programs throughout the district.  Linker said the task force is also looking at areas with  "pent-up demand"  for magnets  (the suburbs have mostly been left out)  and new themes that might serve new needs.

At the session to talk about cultural competency Monday,  it was just me and three staffers there to lead the discussion.

"It's been a little bit disheartening,"  said co-leader Maria Petrea,  interim East Zone superintendent and former principal of Collinswood Language Academy.  "For whatever reason,  I don't think the public has seized the opportunity to be involved."

Reports on Morrison's interest in working with racial equity consultant Glenn Singleton have stirred plenty of online commentary,  but apparently folks who love or hate that idea aren't turning out to talk in person.  Petrea said the task force has been asked to explore options for a diversity office that would recognize the district's cultural and linguistic diversity and encourage a staff pool that reflects that diversity.  She said the group hasn't been asked to weigh in on whether CMS should work with Singleton's Pacific Educational Group and doesn't expect to make recommendations for the 2013-14 budget.

The budget overview that launched the meeting had the biggest crowd,  with all the task force members and other staffers in the audience.  Morrison's comment about staging an  "active shooter drill"  sometime this year came in response to a question about mental health and school safety.

The town halls are over,  but there will be two more public sessions to comment on the budget after Morrison presents a plan:  April 16 at West Charlotte High and April 22 at Rocky River High.  You can keep up with budget developments on the district's web site.

The people speak: Technology tops budget list

Getting better technology into schools is the top priority for more than 11,000 people who responded to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' online budget poll, according to results presented this week.

Enhancing school safety was a close third,  after two tech-related items.  When asked to rate specific security items,  buzz-in entry systems were the most popular with employees, parents, community members and students who responded.

Superintendent Heath Morrison,  County Manager Harry Jones and top staff members are meeting today to make another run at a plan for school safety improvements, which include buzz-in systems and 8-foot chain-link fences around campuses and mobile classrooms.  The school board voted unanimously Tuesday to ask commissioners for approval to spend almost $34 million.  But some members now say they might have voted differently if they had realized that spending would require delays in other projects promised during the 2007 bond campaign, including construction of two new elementary schools.

At the other end of the public-opinion spectrum,  expanding prekindergarten and diversity efforts got the lowest priority ratings in the survey,  though a majority still rated those efforts important.

The survey is designed to inform Morrison and the school board in shaping a 2013-14 budget.  Ninety percent of respondents called for increasing teacher salaries,  even if it limits other investments.  The CMS board has limited power over that decision,  with the state picking up most of the tab for teacher pay.

Opinions were split on whether CMS should spend millions to reduce class sizes.  The wording of that question seemed slanted toward a negative result,  with people rating their agreement or disagreement on  "class sizes should be reduced despite the cost, even if that reduction comes at the expense of programs that drive academic achievement"  and  "class sizes should remain unchanged given the cost tradeoff,"  which was introduced as $9.6 million to add one teacher per school vs. $130,000 to build one classroom.

To keep up with budget developments, check the CMS budget web page.

What kind of safety?

On Wednesday morning, just before he read about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools plan to beef up safety, Bill Allen delivered books to two CMS elementary schools.  In both cases,  he walked in through unlocked doors,  with no one asking who he was.  Then he went to Charlotte Catholic to pick up his granddaughter,  where he had to be buzzed in.

"I was in shock that I was able to walk into both (CMS) schools,"  Allen said.

The CMS plan calls for installing buzz-in camera/intercom systems at all schools.  As some of you have noted,  that system didn't stop the Sandy Hook shooter.

But it might help school staff keep intoxicated or agitated family members from coming in to confront the principal,  or suspended students from dropping by to make mischief.  As county commissioners and the school board reviewed plans to spend $33.7 million on cameras, entry systems and fences,  I kept wondering why they weren't talking in terms of the challenges local schools face on a regular basis,  instead of just the remote but horrific threat of armed attack.

For instance:  Would 8-foot chain-link fences and outside security cameras deter vandalism and break-ins at school buildings and mobile classrooms?  How much might CMS save in reducing such losses?

Do officials anticipate that adding security cameras to elementary and middle schools will help with classroom thefts, car break-ins, fights and drug use?  (According to Chief Operating Officer Millard House,  the cameras are not monitored constantly,  but recordings can be useful in investigating incidents.)

A school shooter won't stop to use new visitor check-in systems that scan IDs and do instant background checks.  But several schools already have such systems.  What has CMS learned about their value in keeping people with dangerous records out of schools?  Have they discouraged visits from parents who might lack legal immigration status or have minor criminal records they're embarrassed about?

Officials talked about how a better network of cameras and radios could help law enforcement respond to violent incidents,  accessing real-time views of the school from police cars.  Even if there's never a shooter,  it's easy to imagine the value in coping with large fights or fears that neighborhood  violence is about spill into a school.

Improving school safety was a very high priority with more than 11,000 people who took CMS' online budget survey,  according to results presented Tuesday.  But spending millions on safety upgrades this year requires a trade-off in deferred construction projects that were promised to voters in 2007,  information that wasn't made clear in the discussion leading up to Tuesday's school board vote.

CMS administrators say they're still analyzing the safety plan,  with more details to come before county commissioners vote in March.  That means there's still a chance to deliver what Superintendent Heath Morrison and the board have promised:  A full,  transparent review of pros and cons before they make decisions.