CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill broke her silence following a nine-week paid leave during a school board investigation, calling the inquiry a distraction for the district.
Speaking in an interview on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks” with host Mike Collins, Hill maintained that she did nothing wrong during the board’s probe.
The school board reinstated Hill to the top district post on Aug. 11 after an outside investigation costing nearly $400,000 cleared her of wrongdoing.
The inquiry examined allegations involving the misuse of federal funds, creation of a hostile work environment, and conflicts of interest related to vendor contracts.
Hill said board leadership first approached her on June 9, when the board chair and vice chair stated they had received serious allegations and gave her until that Friday to decide her future with the district.
Hill maintained her innocence throughout the process. “I knew that I had not done anything illegal, immoral, unethical,” Hill said.
One element of the investigation focused on district contracts issued to Hill’s former colleagues.
Hill confirmed those reports were correct but noted that no board policy or law prohibits hiring former associates, comparing the approach to a new head coach building a staff.
“It was accurate. It was very accurate,” Hill said. “I hire people because they get results, not because they’re my friends. I don’t socialize with people outside of work. I barely have time for my family.”
Inquiry findings revealed that the investigation began a month before Hill was placed on paid leave on June 17. Hill sat for a six-hour interview with investigators on Aug. 11, after which she was informed she would return as superintendent. Hill noted that she has not been provided a copy of the final investigative report.
Hill returned to work 13 days before students started the new school year on Aug. 25, concluding a challenging stretch in her 28-year education career.
She reflected on her perspective during the review and her outlook moving forward.
“I did everything to support the board and to support our district. I just had to realize that I wasn’t in control,” Hill said. “I feel like I’m a new person. A crisis, a traumatic experience, whatever you want to call it, will definitely bring things full circle. And so for me, I would just say, I am much stronger in my faith, and I’m ready to rock and roll.”
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