Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools name Dr. Crystal Hill as new interim superintendent

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education members have named Dr. Crystal Hill as the new interim superintendent.

Hill has been the CMS Chief of Staff since May 2022. Prior to that, she worked with Cabarrus County Schools since 2016.

The vote was unanimous, 9-0.

“Dr. Hill has the skills we need to keep the train on the tracks, and in fact to increase momentum towards improving student outcomes,” said Elyse Dashew, chair of the Board.

Related: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent announces early departure

This comes as interim superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh announced last month that he would be leaving at the end of December. That’s six months earlier than expected.

Hill will begin on Jan. 1 and stay in the position until June 30. Hill will serve until a permanent replacement is found, which could affect many future decisions, including the district’s multi-million-dollar bond plan and the redrawing of district maps, on top of other everyday decisions concerning Charlotte area families.

“Serving as interim superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a responsibility that I do not take lightly or for granted,” Dr. Hill said. “It’s often said ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’, and in this role, I remain committed to making the best decisions on behalf of our students, their families, staff and this entire community.”

The district has had five superintendents in 10 years.

“Dr. Hill knows where we are as a district, and as a chief of staff has shown the ability to drive progress towards academic goals. I am confident that as interim superintendent she will take the appropriate and necessary steps to move our students to college or career readiness,” said Stephanie Sneed, who represents District 4 and is vice-chair of the Board.

The board and community have been engaged in feedback on what people want to see from the next permanent superintendent. That search will begin in January.

The board will also vote on a superintendent search committee at Tuesday’s meeting.

Download the free WBTV News app for the outcome of the board’s vote.

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