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CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte chapter of the NAACP and decentralization supporters got into a war of words Monday, regarding the group's proposal to split Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools into three separate districts.

In a news conference, NAACP members called the idea backwards and one that would create unequal educational opportunities.

But decentralization supporters say the proposal isn't about race, but about saving money and improving accountability.

Charlotte NAACP President Kojo Nantambu came out swinging.

"Splitting up CMS will only guarantee one thing, that is the poor will be more neglected and more disenfranchised,” said Nantambu.

Nantambu lashed out Monday against a petition drive in Mecklenburg County that proposes the creation of three separate districts within CMS, with smaller school boards and superintendents in each.

The three areas would include the northern Mecklenburg County towns, everything inside the I-485 loop and a section covering Steele Creek, Mint Hill and Matthews.

The General Assembly would have to vote and approve a plan.

"They are trying to utilize the power and authority of a very radically and ideologically misguided body of government,” said Nantambu.

Tom Davis leads the CMS decentralization push. After months of research, Davis argues three separate district would still be diverse and more attentive to student and parental needs, while saving taxpayers money.

"There's no reason to get into the state politics,” said Davis. “We are just trying to create something locally, be cost effective. A smaller district will be more responsive to the needs of any child, not just the have or have-nots.”

But the NAACP feels otherwise.

"This is just another political ploy to put us back in the dark ages of separate but unequal," said Nantambu.

Davis said he hopes to discuss the proposal further with the NAACP instead of the war of words and accusations of racism.

"It was put out there to start a dialogue,” said Davis. “If someone out there has a better idea, then bring it forward, we are open for dialogue."

It's unclear when – or if – the General Assembly would even discuss the decentralization proposal.