The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education on Tuesday night rejected Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill’s proposed $2.1 billion budget, in a surprise vote that left the superintendent asking for more direction and saying she didn’t know what changes the board wants.
The vote was 8-1 against, with only board member Monty Witherspoon supporting Hill’s budget. Board members directed Hill to come back with a revised budget on May 12.
Board members praised Hill, crediting her with raising school performance and improving the district. The members who voted against her budget proposal all said they thought CMS was doing well and that the vote didn’t reflect dissatisfaction. Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin said he would support his colleagues to give them more time to think about the budget. Board member Cynthia Stone said she wanted more time to understand the budget. Board Chair Stephanie Sneed said the vote should not be cause for alarm, but reflected normal governance…