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Three top CMS officials to depart after summer leadership turmoil
By James Farrell
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.
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.