The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education on Tuesday celebrated academic growth reflected in the district’s latest state test results while also acknowledging persistent achievement gaps among student groups.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill says the investigation that led to her two-month paid leave found no evidence she violated school board policy, acted illegally or behaved unethically. It's the most detailed account yet of the events that led to her suspension.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill says an investigation into allegations involving misuse of federal funds, a hostile work environment and conflicts of interest found no violations of board policy or law.

Together, the UNC and Duke collections encompass about 1.7 million specimens of plants, fungi and other organic material. The collection will be the third-largest university herbarium in the U.S. and the largest in the Southeast.

Union County Public Schools led North Carolina in state exam proficiency for the second consecutive year, while Cabarrus and Gaston County schools also reported significant gains in student performance.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools saw gains across all 18 state testing categories, according to data the state released Wednesday.

Latino students and English learners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools made academic gains last school year despite heightened federal immigration enforcement.

The share of North Carolina students who were proficient for their grade level was the highest it's been in the past three years for all tested subjects, except fourth grade reading.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education wants the district to review whether its payroll practices comply with state law regarding teacher pay schedules.

UNC Charlotte has set a new enrollment record for the third consecutive year.The university said more than 33,000 students are enrolled for the fall semester, up from about 32,200 last year.