The goal of the new zone offices is to provide better service to schools and parents on issues such as discipline, transportation and human resources. Parents with questions or problems should still call their child's school first.
South Zone
The south area has some of the highest-scoring schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. But parents have complained that CMS can be unresponsive, helping prompt the creation of regional offices.Superintendent Peter Gorman tapped his chief of staff, Robert Avossa, a former high school principal in Orange County, Fla., to lead the zone.
The south has also struggled with crowding, but schools are being built to alleviate the problem faster than in other parts of the county.
East Zone
The east zone reflects a range of schools, from high-scoring Butler High and Matthews Elementary to schools with poverty rates that top 70 percent.
The office is led by Nancy Bartles, who had been running Independence High (one of the schools in the zone). She came to Independence from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, where she earned recognition for dramatic increases in test scores at the high-poverty school.
South Zone
SCHOOLS
ElementaryBeverly Woods, Collinswood, Elizabeth Lane, Elon Park, Endhaven, Hawk Ridge, Huntingtowne Farms, McAlpine, McKee Road, Montclaire, Nations Ford, Pineville, Pinewood, Providence Spring, Smithfield, Sterling.
Middle
Community House, Jay M. Robinson, Quail Hollow, Smith (K-6), South Charlotte.
High
Ardrey Kell, Providence, South Mecklenburg.
Other
Starmount Pre-K.
OFFICE
Robert Avossa, area superintendent
8500 Pineville-Matthews Road, suites F and G, just west of Johnston Road
980-343-1467.
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays.
East Zone
SCHOOLS
ElementaryAlbemarle Road, Bain, Clear Creek, Crown Point, Greenway Park, Idlewild, J.H. Gunn, J.W. Grier, Lansdowne, Lebanon Road, Matthews, Oakhurst, Piney Grove, Rama Road, Reedy Creek.
Middle
Albemarle Road, Crestdale, McClintock, Mint Hill, Northeast, Northridge.
High
Butler, Cato Middle College, East Mecklenburg, Independence.
OFFICE
Nancy Bartles, area superintendent
9601 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews, on the corner of Sam Newell Road.
980-343-1461.
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays.
