08/05/2026
CPS Strategic Flight Plan: Oriole Pride!
As we celebrated our 2026 graduates this year at our stadium, I looked out at the sea of excited faces and reflected on how far we have progressed as a district. Our 2020 Bond work is completed and now we are nearing the final stages of our strategic plan for improvement! When our community developed our CPS Strategic Plan 2 years ago, we divided our work into three phases: Taking Flight, Gaining Altitude, and Soaring. We knew that lasting improvement doesn't happen overnight, but the energy and passion in our community can withstand the heavy lifting!
Our first priority focused on creating a strong foundation. We strengthened safety and security throughout the district, expanded extra- and co-curricular opportunities for students, and established clearer, more consistent district procedures. This included additional security staff, cameras, and training, along with an approved crisis response plan with the city of Charlotte.
We also continue to focus on one of our greatest strengths, our people. Recruiting and retaining exceptional staff remains one of our ongoing goals, because the quality of a school district is built on the dedication of the people who serve students every day. As we continue our strategic plan work, we have expanded to strengthen school culture, communication, and relationships.
We've improved the consistency of district communications with our digital signage and use of the Parent Square system so that families receive timely and reliable information. We've also worked intentionally to create positive experiences throughout our schools where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. This would include our community events like the Back to School Bash, the Senior farewell tour/Senior Sunrise/Sunset, and our Mental Health walk, as well as student events: STEM nights, Books and Breakfast, and PBIS reward events!
Looking ahead, our final phase, Soaring, will focus on creating consistent academic and behavioral supports across the district, strengthening transitions between our schools, and helping students better understand the many opportunities available after graduation, and how CPS utilizes its programming to prepare for the future, with CTE programs, partnerships with LCC, and varied AP coursework options.
These efforts align with the vision that has become part of our community identity: Grow. Work. Play. The Oriole Way. We want every Charlotte student to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a successful future—and we hope many of them choose to build that future right here in our community.
While we can be proud of the progress we've made, we also know that strategic planning is never truly finished. Continuous improvement means continually listening, learning, and adjusting. Over the next year, we'll continue sharing updates through Board of Education meetings, staff presentations, and community communications. Our goal is to complete the current Strategic Plan in early 2028. Shortly thereafter, we'll begin the next planning process by engaging students, staff, families, and community members through surveys, focus groups, and community outreach.
Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and belief in Charlotte Public Schools. We are building on a tradition of Oriole Pride, and together, we will continue moving our district forward for the benefit of our students!
Go Orioles! Oriole Pride!
Dr. Mandy Stewart- Superintendent
