More than 139,000 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students returned to class Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Ballantyne-area drivers should expect heavier traffic near schools during morning and afternoon hours through the school year.

The district warned that commuters will see increased congestion around schools and along major routes during pickup and drop-off windows, according to WFAE. Several surrounding districts, including Union County, started Monday, Aug. 24, meaning traffic was already building before CMS students joined the mix.

What Ballantyne families should know

CMS will operate 750 school buses this year, including 28 electric buses, carrying more than 71,000 riders daily, according to Cornelius Today. The district has 98 bus-driver vacancies but said all routes will run using existing staff.

Families using bus service should note a key change: CMS replaced its previous tracking app, Here Comes the Bus, with a new platform called AlphaPortal. The app provides live bus tracking, arrival notifications and route alerts. Parents are advised to have students at their assigned stops at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, as posted times may shift while routes are finalized.

Ballantyne Ridge High School on Toringdon Way and Ardrey Kell High School are among the local schools generating morning and afternoon traffic surges. Ballantyne Ridge, which opened in August 2024 to relieve overcrowding at Ardrey Kell, South Mecklenburg and Myers Park, is entering its third school year.

Staggered starts for younger students

Not every student started Tuesday. Kindergarten entry is staggered Tuesday through Thursday this week, with the first full day Aug. 29, according to The Charlotte Ledger. Pre-K's first full day is Sept. 2. High school students in college-campus programs began as early as Aug. 10-11.

Staffing and other updates

CMS began the year with 161 teacher vacancies, about 50 fewer than last year, meaning more than 98 percent of teaching positions are filled. Superintendent Crystal Hill, speaking at the district's Aug. 18 back-to-school briefing, urged parents to stay engaged: "Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We welcome them. Meet with your child's teacher. Check their grades and their schedule."

Breakfast is free districtwide.

Paid lunch prices rose 10 cents due to higher food costs: $2.60 for pre-K, $2.85 for K-8 and $3.10 for high school. Lunch is also free at 114 CMS schools with high-need populations.

Students must keep cellphones, smartwatches and personal tablets "off and away" during instructional time under a policy adopted last year following a state law.

Families can download AlphaPortal and check bus assignments at cmsk12.org.