9/23/2026

Last night, according to an email sent to press outlets, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted 5-4 to terminate Dr. Crystal Hill’s employment as Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for convenience, effective immediately. The Board has determined that a leadership transition is in the best long-term interest of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Under the terms of her employment contract, Dr. Hill is entitled to receive one year’s severance. Dr. Melissa Balknight has been appointed Acting Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

In a separate leadership change, Stephanie Sneed resigned as chair of the Board of Education. She will continue to serve as a member of the Board, and Vice Chair Gregory “Dee” Rankin will assume the role of board chair and Elizabeth Monterrey-Duvall has been elected as vice-chair for the remainder of Mr. Rankin’s term.

The statement says, “We recognize that the events of recent months have created uncertainty for our employees, students, and families. Our priority now is to provide stability for the district, support our employees, and ensure that our schools remain focused on the education and well-being of every student.”