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 14th-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.

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Director, Institutional Gifts at Discovery Place
2. Director of Development at Blumenthal Arts
3. Marketing Business Coordinator at Blumenthal Arts
4. Costume Shop Manager at Charlotte Ballet
5. K- 8 Music Teacher at Charlotte Preparatory School

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The YMCA of Greater Charlotte will sell its Morrison branch in south Charlotte and upgrade several branches, including the Johnston YMCA in NoDa, the nonprofit announced yesterday.

Why it matters: This marks a pivotal moment for the YMCA as it seeks to modernize both from a facilities perspective and financially in a post-pandemic world.

Driving the news: The organization is selling the Morrison YMCA for $42.5 million to Moments of Hope Church. The site will become the church's new home and potentially a school.

• The deal is expected to close by summer 2027. The Morrison YMCA, which serves 4,200 households, will stay open throughout that period.
• Programming at the Morrison YMCA will ultimately shift to other nearby branches. Branch members will continue to have access to all YMCA locations, with more details coming in the coming months.

Zoom in: The beloved NoDa location will be redeveloped in phases, and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte will continue to own and operate Johnston Y's main facility, a YMCA spokesperson tells Axios.

• Redevelopment will include the smaller building on the site. This will be a mixed use project on part of the property and a developer will lead this part of the project. Construction is expected to begin in the next 12 to 18 months.

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Charlotte City Council will interview five finalists for the interim mayor position today at noon.

Why it matters: An appointee could be selected by council as soon as Monday. The next mayor's term would begin July 1 and stretch 18 months through December 2027.

State of play: Former council member Harold Cogdell may be the frontrunner. He received the most nominations to advance, from council members Dimple Ajmera, Dante Anderson, Malcolm Graham, Renee Johnson, James Mitchell and Kimberly Owens.

Other finalists:

• Attorney Robert Harrington was nominated by five council members: Joi Mayo, Ed Driggs, Graham, Mayfield and Owens.
• Council member James Mitchell, Jr. received five nominations from JD Mazuera Arias, Driggs, Graham, Johnson and Mitchell.
• Sen. Caleb Theodros got four nominations from Mazuera Arias, Johnson, Mitchell and Owens.
• Carrie Cook also received four nominations from Anderson, Mayfield, Mayo and Watlington.

Runners-up who didn't make the cut:

• Michael Evans, nominated by Anderson and Driggs.
• Sebastian Feculak, nominated by Ajmera and Mazuera Arias.
• Former mayor Jennifer Roberts, nominated by Ajmera.
• Douglas Welton, nominated by Mayo.

What's next: Anyone can watch the interviews at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. You can also watch on the city's YouTube channel.

🏆 The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest honor, was awarded Wednesday to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and former Panthers player Steve Smith Sr. during a ceremony at Bank of America Stadium. (Office of the Governor)

🥯 Harriet's Hamburgers will serve weekend breakfast at its Plaza Midwood location starting this Saturday. On the menu: A New Mexico breakfast burrito, a Pub Smash bagel, hash browns and an agua fresca. (Instagram)

🚨 A person was found unconscious at the American Airlines hangar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport yesterday. Few details are known. (WBTV)

🎶 Country superstar Jelly Roll thanked staff at Novant Medical Center for helping him "get on his feet" while dealing with a sinus infection ahead of his Charlotte show last week. (WBTV)

🛣️ The City of Monroe voted unanimously to return its support for the I-77 toll lane project after a bill was drafted that would put the city on the hook for an estimated $2.3 million. (WBTV)

Charlotte is celebrating Father's Day and Juneteenth with a list of events all weekend long, from concerts to Black Boat Weekend.

🎤 Tomorrow: Celebrate Juneteenth at The Carolina Theatre with a night of poetry and music. | $22+ | 7:30pm | Details

🏟️ Saturday: See Chris Stapleton live in concert at Bank of America Stadium. | $80+ | 6pm | Details

🎶 Sunday: Take your dad to vibe to a mariachi band over brunch and drinks at Mal Pan. | Free | 11:30am | Details

Full weekender