Decision made over controversial bell schedule for 1 Charlotte-Mecklenburg school

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools made a major decision regarding a controversial proposed bell schedule change for one of its schools.

In an email obtained by WBTV on Thursday, Nov. 5, the South Academy of International Languages said its 2027-2028 bell schedule will remain unchanged. A new bell schedule was being considered for the school, which prompted pushback from parents.

Read more: Charlotte-Mecklenburg school parents push back on proposed new bell schedule

In the email, officials with South Academy of International Languages said that school will continue to start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. for the 2027-2028 school year.

Prior to the announcement, the district was considering pushing back the start time to 9:15 a.m., and ending the day at 4:15 p.m. The proposed schedule change was reportedly introduced due to school transportation challenges.

Parents who spoke with WBTV’s Natisha Lance said traffic was already backed up during drop-off and pickup at the school, and that a later schedule could make the commute more difficult.

Parents were also concerned that the proposed bell schedule would impact families enough that students would leave the school altogether.

Declining enrollment at the school -- which is an immersion school -- could threaten the school’s future, parents warned.

SAIL’s language-immersion program requires students to start in kindergarten -- meaning they cannot transfer into the program at a higher grade.

Officials said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will send a district-wide transportation survey to all families to gather input related to transportation operations.

“... CMS will continue evaluating routes and designated community and consolidated bus stops that allow students from nearby areas to share a stop,” SAIL said in its email. “We understand that transportation adjustments can affect daily routines and will share information about plans and any changes to stop locations later this school year.”