CMS Board Chair says BOE is focused on moving the district forward
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Newly appointed CMS Board of Education Chair Dee Rankin says the board is focused on moving forward despite all the distractions.
He says he understands the frustration from the community.
“Whether we vote a certain way or make a certain decision, make a certain comment…everything that each of our board members do is centered around students,” Chair Rankin said.
Critics argue the board fired Superintendent Crystal Hill in retaliation after she released documents pointing to potential conflicts of interest in contracting. Some community members argue the board did not have students in mind during their 5-4 vote last week.
As a part of Hill’s severance package the district owes her one year of pay. The Board hired an outside law firm that spent months investigating Hill and cleared her of wrongdoing. The investigation cost more than $379,000.
“Why did you go through that investigation, then reinstate her just to fire her?
It seems like a waste of money to some people,” WCCB Charlotte’s Kaci Jones asked.
“It’s our responsibility as a board to govern and govern responsibly, and the board followed all the proper procedures and protocols that we’re supposed to follow,” Rankin answered.
Rankin says that while he and his fellow board members don’t always agree, he’s confident they can work together to find the next leader for the district.
“You talk about stabilizing the district, but is the board even stable right now?,” Kaci asked.
“I would say we are stable because we are committed to I would say focus on whatever decisions we make,” Chair Rankin said. “We’re all going to be centered around one thing, and I know it’s a repetitive thing that I’m saying, but students, families. So, I think that’s stable.”
Interim Superintendent Melissa Balknight is scheduled to resign in January. Rankin says he is hopeful the district will have another superintendent by then.
The board will meet Tuesday in a special meeting to vote on the charter for the superintendent search. After the charter is approved they will create a committee that will lead the charge on hiring a search firm and soliciting public feedback.
