CMS board votes to release parts of report on superintendent investigation

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted Tuesday night to publicly release legally permissible information from a nearly two-month investigation into Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill’s leadership and oversight.

The decision follows months of speculation regarding the superintendent’s oversight.

In a five-four vote, officials approved a motion to compile a summary report covering the investigation process, key findings and future governance plans.

Board members Lenora Shipp, Dr. Monty Witherspoon and Chairwoman Stephanie Sneed abstained from the vote.

District One Representative Dr. Charlitta Hatch brought the motion forward during the meeting, proposing that the board outline both the process and the next steps for district governance.

“I move that the board prepare a summary report regarding the recently completed investigation process,” Hatch said.

She emphasized that the report should outline structural improvements and demonstrate fiscal accountability.

“And then give an overview of what we found, but more importantly, how we’re going to move forward from a governing body perspective, what policy changes might need to come through, what lessons learned, so that as we continue to strengthen the district people understand that it was a good investment of public dollars,” Hatch said.

Board members who backed the motion emphasized the necessity of public accountability. Board Member Liz Monterrey-Duval spoke in favor of sharing the findings with the community.

“Because our constituents deserve to have as much information as possible,” Monterrey-Duval said.

Board Member Shamaiye Haynes also urged the board to move forward with the public disclosure without delay. “Without the razzle dazzle, let’s go ahead and release this information to the public,” Haynes said.

In contrast, board members who abstained raised concerns regarding board authority, prior delays and timing. Board Member Shipp expressed hesitation about exceeding official boundaries.

“I am still torn between making sure we don’t do or go outside of what we can as a board,” Shipp said.

Witherspoon criticized the timing of the board’s action, noting that public communication should have occurred earlier.

“We should have already made a statement to the public, and so for me to sit here, at this moment, for me, this is a performative action,” Witherspoon said.

Sneed also abstained from the vote, explaining her decision as necessary to maintain neutrality given her role during the inquiry.

“My role as chair, that I should pretty much act neutral in that. I’ve been the face; I’ve had to repeatedly speak about the investigation,” Sneed said.

The board will prepare a summary report detailing the investigation process, key findings, policy changes and lessons learned.

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