Who are Charlotte’s education superheroes? + CATS fired employee after 2022 train derailment

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

The Charlotte Observer Mobile Newsroom is off to our next stop — the communities in the Beatties Ford Road corridor — and we’re excited to meet them.

Beginning next month, The Observer will be at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. We will be in residency there for the next six to eight weeks to learn more about this community, the issues they care about and to cover it in ways we’ve never done before.

To kick things off, the branch will host “Meet the Charlotte Observer Staff “ Monday, April 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. We invite the community to come and tell us about your neighborhood and your concerns. Bring your questions and conversation and learn more about how we do our jobs.

1. Who’s changing lives at Charlotte-area K-12 schools? Nominate your education superheroes

Many people help make a school run well.

We want to honor those unsung heroes in the Charlotte area. Have someone in mind? Let us know!

We’re looking for public, charter and private school employees or volunteers in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina.

Anna Maria Della Costa explains how you can nominate someone.

2. CATS fired an employee for 2022 train derailment. He says there were warning signs

A Charlotte light rail controller says he was fired for how he handled the May 2022 Blue Line derailment, despite being told the train was clear to run.

Light rail controller Terry Creech was fired on June 23 by the Charlotte Area Transit System after being suspended with pay following the derailment, according to a termination letter he provided to The Charlotte Observer.

“While it is confirmed that your actions did not contribute to the train’s derailment ... our records do confirm that the proper procedures were not followed,” the termination letter says.

Genna Contino shares more from the letter.

3. CMS unveils new maps for south Charlotte high school. Here’s where students could go

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released proposed feeder patterns yesterday for a new high school being built in south Charlotte.

Officials presented the draft scenario to a packed cafeteria at Myers Park High School to gather input and feedback. The district will continue to have community engagement sessions into April before presenting to the school board. Board members are expected to vote on plans May 23.

Anna Maria Della Costa breaks down the proposed maps.

4. Coming this May: The new Sycamore Brewing location in Charlotte at The Line

Sycamore Brewing is back!

Its new South End location will open in May. Last year, the local brewery shut down its original location at 2161 Hawkins St., trading it in for a brand new spot still under construction next door at 2151 Hawkins St.

Its new home will have 10,000 square feet of space that anchors The Line, a 16-story office building.

Heidi Finley has the details on the opening.

5. Some more stories to read

• Coming soon to a theater near you: A bevy of Broadway tours inspired by beloved movies

• NC law prevents cities from controlling rent prices. Could this bill change that?

• This North Carolina city was just named the most beautiful and affordable in America

• B.A.D. is back on again. Here’s what we know about its Charlotte doughnut shop plans

• Walmart worker in NC got fired for missing work due to chronic illness, EEOC lawsuit says

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