CMS interim superintendent stepping down in December

CHARLOTTE — The interim superintendent said he is leaving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools eight months after taking the job.

Hugh Hattabaugh stated at a CMS’ Board of Education meeting Wednesday night that he will be stepping down on Dec. 31.

He officially started his role in CMS on April 25 and his contract was supposed to run through June 2023.

Hattabaugh said he leaving earlier than expected due to his 98-year-old father having health issues.

Hattabaugh, who worked for CMS 10 years ago, returned to the district in April after former Superintendent Earnest Winston was fired. He has spent the last eight months trying to put the district on a path to improve student achievement.

“It’s been a privilege to come into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to assist the board and others, principals,” he said. “There’s no golden parachute. (I) told the board when I came here, so no one has to worry about that.”

CMS spokesperson says they don’t know when they will select another interim.

The CMS Board of Education released the following statement to Channel 9 on the matter:

“Interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh has decided to end his tenure with us sooner than planned. Hugh made this decision based on what was best for him and his family, and will leave at the end of December. We wish he could stay through the school year but we understand and accept his reasons for departure. Family must always come first.

“We are so very grateful for all that he has done in his time with us. Coming out of the pandemic, CMS has regained its footing. Hugh has brought a renewed sense of urgency to the district around the work of educating children. Under his leadership, the district has strengthened and streamlined critical processes and safeguards. We are therefore well positioned to continue the positive path he has charted for us, and we thank him for his skill and expertise in leading us forward.”

This is a developing story. Return to this story for updates.

VIDEO: Interim superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh officially takes over as CMS leader

Interim superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh officially takes over as CMS leader

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