Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Coverage of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the Nexus archive.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s back-to-school event set as superintendent remains on paid leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a back-to-school event this weekend, but Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill will not attend as she remains on paid leave pending an investigation. A University of Florida researcher noted limited academic impact from superintendent absences, citing minimal decreases in student achievement. The school board plans to update Hill's status before the August 25 school start date.
- Morning 3: 5 teens arrested months after deadly Stanly County shooting -- and other news
Five teens were charged with murder months after a deadly shooting in Stanly County on March 25. A viral video allegedly shows a toddler left alone in a Tesla in a Charlotte parking garage, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools awaits an update on its superintendent, who was placed on temporary leave on June 17.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools expects update on superintendent before students return
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools expects an update on the status of superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill before students return on August 25. The district placed Hill on temporary leave with pay in June for an investigation into administrative and operational oversight, with an independent review ongoing.
- CMS superintendent investigation update
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board held a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing investigation into Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill, who remains on paid leave. The district is paying a law firm $275 per hour for the investigation, and the first day of school is approaching as operations continue normally.
- CMS Board to discuss results of superintendent investigation
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Board of Education will hold a closed-session meeting to discuss the results of an investigation into Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill, who was placed on paid leave in June for administrative and operational oversight. The investigation began in May, following a heated exchange during a budget meeting, and its outcome will determine Hill’s future with the district. Her contract stipulates different financial consequences depending on whether she is fired with or without cause.
- Woman sues CMS, says 'sexual predator' was allowed to coach, leading to her rape as a child
A young woman is suing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, alleging that improper vetting allowed a known sexual predator to coach on school grounds, leading to her being groomed, assaulted, and raped as a child. The lawsuit claims systemic failures enabled the predator to access vulnerable students.
- CMS superintendent gets pay raise while on leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill will receive a raise while on leave, approved by the school board in December 2025. Her salary increases from $318,000 to $340,000 as she is on paid leave due to an investigation into administrative matters.
- More CMS students choose dual enrollment at CPCC to cut costs
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) offer a dual enrollment program allowing students to earn free college credits, reducing costs for four-year degrees. Participation grew from 2,400 students in 2019 to 6,600 in recent years, with the program saving students over $46,000 if they complete an associate degree at CPCC.
- Teachers react to pay raise in new state budget
North Carolina's new state budget includes a significant starting salary increase for new teachers, with raises averaging 8% and $12.5 billion allocated to K-12 education. However, veteran teachers criticize the raises as insufficient, with some experiencing a 5.5% increase that fails to keep pace with inflation. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board Chair called the raises a 'great start,' but noted starting salaries still fall short of a living wage in Charlotte.
- Fourteen CMS grads join city departments on signing day
Fourteen Charlotte-Mecklenburg School graduates joined city departments in Charlotte, N.C. on signing day, including roles in aviation, transportation, and the fire department. A city official emphasized their potential to become future leaders in various roles.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools aims to hire 150 bus drivers before 1st day of school
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools aims to hire 150 bus drivers before the first day of school, having held job fairs in June and July with over 99 applicants in June. The district is processing background checks and training, with a four-week certification period, and will introduce a new real-time bus tracking app called Alpha Portal.
- CMS board investigates more than $512K in contracts tied to superintendent’s former colleagues
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill is under investigation for over $512,000 in contracts awarded to firms owned by former colleagues, including HayMag Consulting LLC, led by her ex-superintendent Dr. Christopher Lowder. Former board member Lisa Cline raised concerns about the pattern of contracts and potential conflicts of interest.
- If CMS Board fires Superintendent Crystal Hill, taxpayers could be on the hook
Dr. Crystal Hill, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent, faces an investigation by the CMS Board, which has hired a law firm to look into allegations related to administrative and operational oversight. If fired, taxpayers could face financial consequences due to Hill’s contract terms, which include potential severance payments. The board has extended her contract to 2029, but her future remains uncertain.
- Garinger High School teachers oppose rental homes on school property
Garinger High School teachers oppose the construction of rental homes on school property. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is building 138 rentals for educators under the At Home with CMS program, but teachers argue the district should prioritize other school issues first. The district claims it addressed teacher concerns through meetings before approving the land lease.
- Charlotte is bringing back red light cameras: What to know
Charlotte is reinstating red light cameras at 10 high-injury intersections as a one-year pilot to reduce traffic deaths, following 34 fatalities in the first half of 2023. The program, approved by the city council on June 22, will issue $75 tickets to drivers caught running red lights, with 90% of revenue required to fund Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Cameras are expected to be installed by early 2027.
- Deputy Superintendent Balknight takes helm amid CMS leadership change
Dr. Crystal Hill, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been placed on paid leave, leading to Dr. Melissa Balknight temporarily assuming leadership. The change occurs amid an investigation into administrative and operational oversight, with the school district preparing for the upcoming academic year.
- CMS Board of Education meets for first time since superintendent was placed on leave
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board met after superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was placed on paid leave and under investigation. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight addressed the board, focusing on academic achievements while the investigation into Hill’s administrative actions continues. The board expects updates from the investigating firm, but no public details have been disclosed.
- CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill says she was not told why she was placed on paid leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill was placed on paid leave by the school board pending an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. Hill stated she was unaware of the specific concerns prompting the review and expressed trust in the process while reaffirming her commitment to students. The board had previously extended her contract through the 2029 school year.
- CMS superintendent says she doesn’t know why she’s under investigation
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill stated she does not know the specific concerns prompting her administrative leave during an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. The CMS Board of Education placed her on paid leave, with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight assuming her responsibilities temporarily.
- CMS superintendent not informed reason for review, she says
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill welcomes a review initiated by the school board but has not been informed of the reason for the investigation.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent says she has ‘not been told’ reason for leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill is on temporary leave pending an investigation into administrative and operational matters. Hill stated she has not been informed of the specific concerns prompting the review and expressed trust in the board’s process while emphasizing her commitment to students.
- CMS superintendent placed on leave as district faces leadership instability
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into administrative and operational oversight issues. The move has raised concerns about ongoing leadership instability in the district, which has seen multiple superintendent changes since 2014, prompting community and political figures to question the impact on students and governance.
- Morning 3: Olympic athlete reportedly collapses during race in North Carolina -- and other news
An Olympic athlete collapsed during a race in North Carolina. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent was placed on temporary leave amid an investigation. A furniture store president is accused of killing a co-worker who was a local school board member. Tropical Storm Arthur's remnants are expected to bring rain and wind to Charlotte.
- Ex-board member claims ‘culture of fear’ after Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent put on leave
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was placed on temporary paid leave pending an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. Former board member Melissa Easley claimed a 'culture of fear' suppressed teacher and leader voices under Hill's leadership, while Hill defended her record, citing academic improvements and increased pay.
- Superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools placed on leave: What we know
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education placed Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill on temporary leave with pay amid an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. The board cited the need for oversight and accountability, while Hill expressed gratitude for her role and commitment to the district. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight will assume additional responsibilities during the investigation.
- CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill placed on paid leave
Crystal Hill, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since 2023, has been placed on temporary paid leave while an investigation into administrative and operational oversight matters is underway. Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight will assume additional responsibilities during the investigation, which the board has limited from public discussion.
- CMS superintendent on temporary leave pending investigation, school board says
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill is on temporary leave pending an investigation into matters involving administrative and operational oversight. The Board of Education announced the investigation but did not specify details.
- Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill on temporary leave with pay, school officials say
Dr. Crystal Hill, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been placed on temporary leave with pay pending an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. She was appointed in July 2023 and is the first Black female superintendent in the district's history, credited with securing a $2.5 billion bond and leading academic improvements.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools seeks more bus drivers, technicians ahead of next school year
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is holding a transportation job fair to recruit bus drivers and technicians for the upcoming school year. Applicants can meet hiring managers and apply on-site. The district aims to avoid delays in school bus services.
- Crystal Hill will no longer be CMS superintendent, sources confirm
Dr. Crystal Hill will no longer serve as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ superintendent, confirmed by multiple sources. The circumstances of her departure remain unclear, though her contract was recently extended in December. CMS is expected to provide more details soon.
- Statement expected on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent’s future, sources say
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board is expected to announce the future of superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill on Wednesday. Concerns have been raised about her recent absence from school events, while she has been credited with improving test scores and securing a $2.5 billion bond. The board previously rejected and later revised her proposed budget.