FBI investigating Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools matter
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office are investigating a matter related to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, federal officials confirmed Monday.
Why it matters: CMS, the second largest school district in the state, is also under investigation by Republican state auditor Dave Boliek, the State Bureau of Investigation, plus the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, our news partners at WBTV report.
The latest: The FBI has not provided additional details regarding its investigation. What is being examined within CMS and when the investigation began remains unclear.
Catch up quick: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education terminated Superintendent Crystal Hill for convenience in a 5-4 vote on Sept. 22. The board did not provide a specific performance or misconduct reason for her dismissal.
- Around this time, Hill shared a memo detailing financial concerns.
Go deeper: School board votes to terminate Superintendent Crystal Hill
Follow the money: The state auditor's office is investigating CMS' "alleged financial irregularities," specifically as they pertain to the district's transactions.
- Last month, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for a formal criminal investigation into the school district.
- While Merriweather did not publicly specify which transactions, he did point to fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
What they're saying: The state education board recently issued a statement that the proper management of public education funds is a top priority.
- "If the facts establish violations of state fiscal requirements, the State Board will take whatever actions are authorized and necessary to protect public funds and uphold public confidence in North Carolina's public schools," read the joint statement from state board Chair Eric Davis and state Superintendent Maurice Green.
Zoom in: Stephanie Sneed stepped down from her role as CMS Board Chair last month, but she remains on the board. Five CMS executives have recently announced that they're stepping down:
- Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz
- Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight
- Chief Human Resource Officer Angela Wood
- Chief Operations Officer Tim Ivey
- Chief of Staff Chasity Dolan
Balknight, Kluttz and Ivey were expected to retire on Jan. 1, 2027.
Go deeper: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' top-paid employees in 2026