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CHARLOTTE—Parents are being called upon in an unprecedented manner to fill economic gaps created by shrinking school budgets.

During the Mecklenburg PTA Council's "All Hands on Deck" meeting, officials discussed the mission of the organization. Requests are ranging from asking parents to volunteer to applying for a grant to build a new classroom.

The bottom line is the budget is tight and the school needs some extra help.

"Honestly, sometimes it does feel like public school is not free. Free education is not free," said Jonette (Jo) Harper-Stanley, Mecklenburg PTA Council first vice president.
 
At Beverly Woods Elementary, the principal has asked parents to devote at least one hour of volunteering this year. Whether it it tutoring, working with a small group, or creating a bulletin boat, all the help schools can get is necessary and appreciated at this point.

Parents took their role one step further and applied for a grant that got the school a new science lab.
 
"I think it will be really fun for the kids and teachers because I think they will get more hands on time with that science. We're really hoping it would boost our emphasis on STEM technology," said Katie Iverson, Beverly Woods PTA President.
 
Not all school are as fortunate to have parents with those types of expertise and resources. That's why there are limits placed on how much assistance parents can provide.
 
"We don't want to push parents back from helping," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Gorman. "But we have to make sure there's equity."
 
CMS is currently seeking information that could lead to hiring an outside firm to operate a system-wide fundraising program.