CMS Board of Education places Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill on leave pending an investigation into “administrative and operational oversight” issues

Morgan Fogarty, Kaci Jones,

Dr Crystal Hill Cms 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education announced Wednesday that it has placed Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill on temporary leave with pay, pending an investigation into issues involving administrative and operational oversight.

The Board says it has asked Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight “to take on additional responsibilities to ensure the district has steady leadership during this period.”

In a statement to WCCB, the Board says its “responsibility is to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability across the district while supporting the continued operation of our schools. Because this is an active personnel matter, the Board is limited in what it can discuss publicly at this time.”

The district says it will not provide further comment at this time.

Moments before the Board of Education released its statement, Dr. Crystal Hill released her own statement:

“For the past three and a half years, I have dedicated my full attention, time, and effort to serving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and the students, staff, and community it represents. It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as Superintendent, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Board, our educators, staff, students, families, and community members in this important work.

During this time, we’ve experienced the following:

  • Historic academic gains (featured in two national studies)
  • Improved teacher working conditions (as evidenced by the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey)
  • Increased compensation for every employee category for the first time in 18 years
  • Passed a $2.5B bond
  • Achieved 4 fully-funded budgets from the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners (which has not been achieved in recent history)

Throughout my 28-year career, I have led with integrity, transparency, and accountability while serving in multiple roles across several districts throughout our great state.

While I am saddened by the Board of Education’s recent actions and the circumstances surrounding them, I remain committed to our community, our district, and our mission. I will cooperate fully with any review and trust that the process will be conducted objectively and thoroughly.

-Dr. Crystal L. Hill”

Dr. Hill recently clashed with the Board of Education during the latest budget process. Some board members accused Dr. Hill of being “snippy” in discussions about how to balance the budget according to guiderails and goals set by the board.

Dr. Hill joined the district as Chief of Staff in May of 2022 and was promoted to superintendent in July of 2023. Last year, the Board of Education renewed her contract until 2029.

The CMS Board of Education Chair says outside counsel will handle the investigation into Dr. Hill.