Interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh just announced a few minutes ago (12:00 noon) that Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools did WIN the Broad Scholarship! This prize is given by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The award money this year is $550,000. The Broad Prize is the largest in urban education in the nation. Tim Morgan, District 6 Representative, is happy about this prize for two reasons. One, the prize is a big indicator of the progress that CMS is now making. Reason two, this money does help with the CMS budget.
In an email statement, Mr. Hattabaugh stated that he hopes all will join him in recognizing all of the students, principals, teachers, support staff and other employees who have earned this Broad Prize. Hattabaugh stated that there is still much work to be done in better educating the students in CMS.
This prize is given to districts who demonstrate the best overall performance and improvement in student achievement while also reducing achievement gaps among poor and minority students.
This money is earmarked for scholarships for the Class of 2012. CMS was a finalist last year and won the Broad Prize in 2004. This prize does validate that CMS is doing an excellent job in educating the children of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. CMS is proud to continue to win this prestigious prize.