CMS superintendent placed on paid leave
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill has been placed on temporary leave with pay, pending an investigation, our news partners at WBTV report.
Why it matters: In a statement, the country's 16th-largest school district said the matters under investigation involve "administrative and operational oversight."
What they're saying: "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," Hill said in a statement.
- "I will cooperate fully with any review and trust that the process will be conducted objectively and thoroughly."
The big picture: Hill has been praised for helping secure a $2.5 billion bond in 2023 and leading the district to historic test score gains. But this year has been rocky, with school board members initially voting down the superintendent's proposed budget for the first time in district history.
- The board voted it down 8-1, later approving a revised version after additional workshops and discussion.
- There has been growing concern about Hill's recent whereabouts, including her absence from several graduations this year. Former school board members told WBTV they found it unusual for the district's top educator to miss such milestone moments for thousands of students.
Context: Hill was named superintendent for the second-largest school district in North Carolina in July 2023. She was previously the interim superintendent and joined CMS in May 2022 as chief of staff.
- In December 2025, her contract was extended until 2029.
What's next: School officials said that Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight will take on additional responsibilities.