Resizing CMS (and other large school systems)
House Bill 82:
Act To Establish The Study Commission On
Large Local School Administrative Units
Republican Representatives Donny Lambeth and Jeff Zenger introduced HB82, a legislative proposal that could reshape the educational landscape for the state’s five largest school districts. It would create a Study Commission on Large Local School Administrative Units, tasked with investigating whether these districts—Wake County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Guilford County, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, and Cumberland County—are indeed too large and whether their size negatively affects student performance and district governance.
Key Provisions of House Bill 82
Study Commission Creation
HB 82 proposes a nine-member Study Commission composed of five legislators, two school board members from the targeted districts, and two members recommended by the Department of Public Instruction.Scope of Study
The commission is tasked with identifying any negative outcomes in the five largest districts and determining if those outcomes are tied to population size. It must also develop recommendations for addressing these challenges.Information Gathering
All state departments, local governments, and related subdivisions must provide the commission with requested information to support a thorough investigation.Reporting Requirement
The commission must report its findings and legislative recommendations to the 2026 General Assembly.Termination Date
The commission will be dissolved once the report is filed or by December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.Funding
Commission activities will be funded from the NC General Assembly’s General Fund.
Potential Implications if HB 82 Passes
Restructuring of Big Districts
Should the Study Commission recommend it, North Carolina could see a significant reorganization of the five largest school districts. This might involve creating smaller, municipal-based districts, each with its own administrative body.Policy Debate
A thorough examination of district size is likely to spark debate on how resources, funding, and governance should be distributed. Expect robust discussions among state lawmakers, school boards, and community members.Resource Allocation
Splitting large districts could increase infrastructure demands, requiring new administrative offices, superintendents, and support staff—resulting in higher costs to the state and local governments.Impact on Student Performance
The bill’s core goal is to improve educational outcomes. However, opinions diverge on whether smaller district sizes would actually help raise test scores, graduation rates, or teacher retention.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
Committee Referral: HB 82 has been referred to the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
Hearings: Expect at least one committee hearing where stakeholders—including representatives of the five largest districts, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens—can provide input.
Formation of the Commission: If the bill passes, the nine-member commission will begin gathering data, hosting public forums, and conducting research to form recommendations.
Final Report: The commission’s report to the 2026 General Assembly could shape the next phase of legislative action, potentially paving the way for future bills on district restructuring.