Education

Turmoil within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

The leadership crisis at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools stems from administrative reorganizations that weakened the school board's structure. Tensions escalated when former board Chair Stephanie Sneed allegedly secured an undisclosed $30,000-a-month consulting subcontract for a political ally without Superintendent Crystal Hill's knowledge. Following Hill's controversial 5–4 termination by the board on Sept. 22, 2026, the district faced widespread turmoil, including high-level staff resignations, threats against board leadership and an immediate search for new leadership. The fallout has sparked joint financial and oversight investigations by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Three top CMS officials to depart after summer leadership turmoil

WFAE | By James Farrell

Published September 10, 2026 at 4:59 PM EDT

Three top officials at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are leaving the district following a tumultuous summer for the school system's leadership.

CMS confirmed to WFAE on Thursday that Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight and Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz will retire effective Jan. 1. Chief Human Resources Officer Angela Wood resigned effective Sept. 14.

The district said Alan Hooker, CMS chief of recruitment, retention and talent development, will serve as interim human resources chief until a successor is named.

The departures come weeks after the CMS Board of Education reinstated Superintendent Crystal Hill following a two-month suspension.

The board suspended Hill while it investigated allegations involving misuse of federal funds, a hostile work environment and conflicts of interest.

Hill told WFAE this week that the investigation found no wrongdoing. Balknight served as acting superintendent until Hill's reinstatement.