CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A culture of fear, mismanaged funds and a conflict of interest were the main allegations behind the school board’s suspension of former CMS superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. WBTV got its hands on the letter the school board sent to Dr. Hill. It gives perspective to the suspension. She was later terminated.
Culture of fear allegations
The board wrote that under Hill’s leadership, employees were experiencing a culture of fear and retaliation and that it pervaded the district. The board wrote Hill was responsible for creating it. There were also reports that the culture of fear would prevent employees from speaking up.
Mismanaged funds allegations
The board wrote that two whistleblowers alleged funds in the Exceptional Children’s program were being mismanaged. This includes a $20 million unexplained deficit in the 2025-26 school year and an unexplained $2.4 million deficit in the pre-kindergarten program in the 2024-25 school year.
The letter states the board was also concerned that it would not receive accurate financial information. The board cited difficulties receiving information and communication over the last several months.
Conflict of interest allegations
The board identified questionable contracts to determine if there was a violation of board policy.
Investigation findings
After reviewing the letter, the district’s nearly $400,000 superintendent investigation was examined as it relates to the letter the school board sent to Hill.
The parameters of the probe stated that at a high level, the investigation looked at concerns involving workplace culture, personnel decisions, vacant positions, and district contracting. The parameters did not mention mismanaged funds…