The district has hired the HIL Group as CFO Kelly Kluttz prepares to retire at the end of the year. District leaders say the firm has decades of experience supporting North Carolina school districts, including assisting Gaston County Schools through a similar leadership transition.

How much CMS will pay for that help is not yet public. The district used a Request for Information process to solicit proposals, and rather than setting a price, CMS asked interested companies to submit their own proposed rates.

The RFI outlines an initial four-month contract period running from November 2026 through February 2027. CMS indicated it expects the work could continue through April, with a possible extension through July 2027. The district anticipates up to 220 hours of consulting services each month, covering support for financial operations, budgeting and the preparation of financial reports.

The arrangement comes amid broader leadership changes at CMS. Kluttz announced her retirement as former Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill raised concerns about questionable spending by the school board.

District leaders say someone within CMS will be designated in January to present financial information to the Board of Education, while the outside firm provides support behind the scenes. They have promised transparency throughout the transition.

Questions about the final contract amount and whether a price has been formally approved remain unanswered. For a district whose budget decisions directly affect classrooms, staffing and families across Mecklenburg County, the lack of a disclosed figure is likely to draw scrutiny from parents, advocates and board members alike.

This story will be updated as more information about the contract becomes available.