CMS 2027 Student Advisor Forum - October 21, 2026

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education’s 2027 Student Advisor finalist forum was held October 21, 2026. Nine candidates discussed how they would gather input from students across CMS, represent different schools and backgrounds, and communicate student concerns to the Board. Topics included screen use and the existing cell-phone ban, school safety and gun violence, mental-health support, equitable access to clubs and career or college opportunities, and the student advisor’s role in Board discussions and the upcoming superintendent selection. Candidates generally supported broader student outreach and described approaches such as school visits, surveys, social media, and student councils.

Candidates also discussed limited district resources and budget priorities, including a stated $6 million reduction to mental-health and psychological funding, and the need to weigh student needs against available funding. These were candidate views and discussion points; the forum did not take a Board vote or make spending, procurement, contract, or vendor decisions. No procurement activity was identified.