Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' top-paid employees in 2026
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CMS headquarters. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
For a transparent look at how taxpayer dollars are spent, Axios keeps a list of the highest-paid government employees.
Why it matters: Local government must pay leaders enough to retain talent while still being responsible stewards of tax dollars.
The intrigue: The CMS superintendent would be on this list, but Crystal Hill was recently fired. Per her contract, the school district still owes her a year's salary in severance: $340,770.
- That means someone who doesn't work for the system is getting nearly $100,000 more than the top-paid exec currently.
- Several executives on this list recently announced their exits from the district as it faces multiple investigations and scrutiny over its finances and management.
See the list below. We included only base salaries, not benefits or bonuses.
1. Melissa Balknight, deputy superintendent
Salary: $248,499.95
Balknight is acting superintendent following Hill's termination. She also held the position while Hill was on paid leave during her investigation this past summer.
- Balknight is one of a handful of executives who announced they're departing CMS. Her retirement is effective Jan. 1, 2027.
2. Kelly Kluttz, CMS chief financial officer
Salary: $248,499.95
Kluttz is also retiring from CMS, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
3. Anna Hehenberger, CMS deputy general counsel
Salary: $231,750
Eight executives tie for the fourth-highest salary at $224,653.56:
- Kecia Coln, chief enterprise resources officer
- Chasity Dolan, chief of staff (resigning Nov. 9 and retiring from North Carolina Public Schools on Dec. 1.)
- Stephen Esposito, chief of strategic communications and engagement (Esposito was arrested on Sept. 24 and charged with DWI.)
- Alan Hooker, chief recruitment, retention and talent development officer
- Timothy Ivey, chief operations officer (retiring Jan. 1)
- Candace Salmon-Hosey, chief technology officer
- Beth Thompson, chief strategy and innovation officer
- Kimberly Vaught, chief academic performance officer
Go deeper: Mecklenburg County's 5 highest-paid government employees in 2026