Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the city of Charlotte hosted the 2026 Education 2 Employment Signing Day on July 8 for 14 recent

CMS graduates who will begin their careers in full-time roles with multiple city departments. This is the third cohort of CMS students to be hired by the city in departments that include Aviation, Charlotte Department of Transportation, Charlotte Fire Department, Department of General Services, Housing & Neighborhood Services Department and Solid Waste Services.

“Just like athletes signing to play sports at the collegiate and professional levels, these students are putting pen to paper to sign contracts that seal their future,” said CMS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight during her remarks. “Let’s be clear: They aren’t just signing up for a job; they are launching lifelong careers in public service.”

In addition to Dr. Balknight, employees from previous Education 2 Employment cohorts spoke, along with the following participants: Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones; Danielle Frazier, special assistant to the city manager for Workforce Development; and Rodney Jamison, Solid Waste Services director. The signing day aligns with the district’s Goal 4, to build multiple, clear life pathways for seniors to be enrolled, enlisted or employed after graduation.