Union County Public Schools redistricting (Charlotte, Monroe: real estate market, house, neighborhoods)

[NJ Person]

Hi - my husband's company has offered him a relocation package to the Charlotte office (located in south Charlotte). We haven't decided if we should take it yet. We are from NJ and aren't among the many looking to escape, but after researching the Waxhaw area, we are starting to see that it might just be the ideal place for us to raise our kids (ages 6yrs and 8yrs).

Our main priority would be to move into the best school district we can afford. Our price range is $300-400,000. From the research we've done so far, it seems that Marvin Ridge may be considered the favored district? With Cuthbertson High School area being a close second? Is this accurate?

Any info, feedback, etc would be greatly appreciated!!! We are planning to come down for a week or long weekend to explore the area and make a decision about relocating, but we also want to focus on a few neighborhoods/areas since we'll have limited time.

THANKS!!!!

[lauralaylin]

IMO both are very good, and I'd add Weddington to the mix. You can't go wrong with any of them, so in those districts look for the house that works best for your family.

If you are definitely set on Union County, also check out UnionCountyMommies.com. That'll be a good perspective from moms who live in the area, and it's a great way to get to know people before you officially move down. I made all my friends in NC through it.

[somersmom]

All three are good districts; what is more important is what will be a better fit for your family.

Families in the Marvin district are probably more "driven" while I've heard that Cuthbertson is more "laid-back" and not as pressured (but not slacker).

Not sure what your time frame is, but the real estate market in those district is very hot right now and inventory is getting low and prices are rising. You may be more likely to find something in the Cuthbertson district in that price range, but you might want to check out Hunter Oaks, The Reserve, Cureton, Barrington.

Coming down for a visit is a good idea to see if you will like the vibe, b/c the financials are a no-brainer. We moved from Westchester, NY, and haven't looked back. But we've also met people who weren't in the right frame of mind to move here and have a hard time adjusting.

Good luck!

[NJ Person]

Thanks so much for the feedback - it's a relief to know all three high schools are a safe bet, that really opens up our options! And since re-zoning could be an issue at least we'll know our kids can have a good HS experience even if we did get re-zoned. Here in NJ with each 'town' having a high school, that is never an issue.

[Ex-LI]

Originally Posted by NJ Person

Thanks so much for the feedback - it's a relief to know all three high schools are a safe bet, that really opens up our options! And since re-zoning could be an issue at least we'll know our kids can have a good HS experience even if we did get re-zoned. Here in NJ with each 'town' having a high school, that is never an issue.

Rezoning won't be an issue like it was 5-10 years ago. Union County doesn't have the money to build new schools like it used to.

[getatag]

Originally Posted by Ex-LI

Rezoning won't be an issue like it was 5-10 years ago. Union County doesn't have the money to build new schools like it used to.

Have you been paying attention to student growth? It hasn't stopped with the recession (300 to 400 students per year). I would guess next year might be close to double the increase this year. Money or not there will be a need for some construction in the next 3 or 4 years. That means the planning cycle will begin in 18 to 24 months. (request for financing, procurement of land, reassignment plans, architectural plans, contracts, construction begins.)
The only things that may slow the potential need for construction are vouchers and charters. They would have to take a huge chunk of students to make a difference. The larger the chunk of students taken by those two methods the more potential liability the county incurs. The true county public schools will always be the "fall back" model for families and the legal rights to provide education to everyone. So if 10 or 15% of the students opt for vouchers or charters, and there is a percentage of bounce backs, it puts the pressure on to predict a scenario county boards have never seen before. How to plan for enrollment? The true county schools STILL CAN'T TURN ANYONE AWAY BY LAW. Picture parents going voucher or charter in droves, then decide it was a mistake and bounce back. Can't say no, can only increase your enrollment by acceptance. (plus, if it's a midyear returning student, what happens to the voucher or charter dollars that have already flowed to those schools?)

Remember the last couple of bond issues in UC came with an okay from voters to raise taxes. The commissioners in power at the time decided not to raise taxes to pay for the bonds.
The commissioners have also used COPs (Certificates of Participation) to build a school or two. COPs doesn't require a referendum. We can reference our high bond debt (highest in NC), but it will not reduce the need to build, only the method used to obtain the financing. Instead of low interest bonds, higher interest COPs, or who knows what. Years ago, the commissioners borrowed against our future taxes to keep tax rates low, the piper is about to come calling.

[Snooziesue]

We moved from New Jersey to the Waxhaw area four years ago and chose the Marvin cluster for our kids now ages 6 and 10. (They attend Marvin Elementary.) We have had such a positive experience and without a doubt the schools here are far better than what we experienced in NJ for both cirriculum and teacher/parent involvment. I found the most useful information on the schools down here on Schooldigger.com. It actually rates the districts in a concise, easy to read format. I would also encourage you to visit each of the schools and tour through the facilities. And, while it's true the area is still growing, you will find that your property taxes will be EXTREMELY lower than NJ and your school tax dollars will be spent more judiciously down here.

Good luck with your relocation!

[lauralaylin]

Just want to comment on Schooldigger.com. It isn't perfect. Our elementary school isn't even listed, and it's in its sixth year in existence. It's an excellent Union County school, so I'm not sure why we'd be off the list. I'm not saying not to use it, but you might want to research in other places as well.

[tksuther]

We are in the Cuthbertson district. We chose this district over the Marvin Ridge district mainly due to the fact that we loved the Millbridge neighborhood and the community. Everyone around us loves Kensignton Elementary and both Cuthbertson Middle and High Schools. I would be 100% fine with my kids attending Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, or Weddington.

[DD_2]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Millbridge will be rezoned from Cuthbertson middle and high schools all the way to Parkwood Middle and High schools over in Monroe, NC?

If so, can anyone elaborate why??