A citizens task force appointed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg school officials meets regularly to explore school reassignment and busing concerns and invites the public to listen in. Some people see churches getting involved, by promoting constructive discussions about race in their congregations or by bringing different churches together for community activities. Even local governments working with the school system can play a role in finding solutions, town leaders say. Many believe consensus is within Charlotte-Mecklenburg's reach. But it will take much work to get there.
Some people believe the system needs drastic change.
Vince Mason sees the need for closer schools every morning, when he steps outside his home before 7 a.m. to pick up his newspaper. When Mike Vordenberg moved here from Wisconsin, he moved his family to the Lake Norman area. He figured schools in the northernmost end of Mecklenburg County would be immune to busing and constant school reassignments. Others believe Charlotte schools need to confront the racial divide. Kimbrelli Pharr believes busing for integration has many benefits.