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CMS board faces calls to resign as parents challenge handling of superintendent’s firing

More than 50 people spoke at a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board meeting Tuesday, with several urging the five members who voted to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill to leave their posts. Board members said they intend to stay, while a working group begins reviewing conflict-of-interest and contracting policies after an investigation into Hill.

CMS board faces calls to resign as parents challenge handling of superintendent’s firing
CHARLOTTE — More than 50 people addressed the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, the first public-comment opportunity since the board fired Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. Several speakers called for the five members who voted for her dismissal to resign. The members named by parents were Chair Dee Rankin, Vice Chair Liz Monterrey Duval, former Chair Stephanie Sneed, Dr. Charllitta Hatch and Shamaiye Haynes. Parent Ann-Margret Gidley said conflicts, a lack of transparency and what she described as misuse of taxpayer funds had eroded community trust, arguing that public money should directly support students and classrooms. Rankin said Monday he had no plans to step down. Other members also signaled Tuesday that they would remain on the board. Sneed said she would continue showing up for students and urged the community to do the same. The meeting agenda included the public report of an investigation into Hill. Hatch was the only board member to comment on it, saying releasing the report served transparency. Rankin said a working group has been formed to consider how to carry out the report’s recommendations, with a focus on conflict-of-interest and contracting policies. The board has not yet specified what changes it may pursue, leaving parents and other community members awaiting details about how the findings will translate into action.

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