NC State Board of Education could take action against CMS over financial concerns

North Carolina education officials said Thursday they could take action against Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools if an ongoing review finds financial irregularities in the district. 

The joint statement from Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis is the board’s first public response to the turmoil at CMS, which has included the firing of Superintendent Crystal Hill and the resignation of board Chair Stephanie Sneed.  

The State Auditor’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are already looking into the allegations. 

“If the facts establish violations of state fiscal requirements, the State Board will take whatever actions are authorized and necessary to protect public funds and uphold public confidence in North Carolina’s public schools,” Green said.

Before her firing, Hill raised concerns about district contracts and alleged that former board Chair Stephanie Sneed bypassed district contracting rules in directing work to certain vendors. She also raised concerns about contracts tied to At-Home in CMS, the district’s teacher housing initiative.

The allegations also prompted the city of Charlotte to pause a planned $1 million contribution to the teacher housing project.  

NC Board of Education orders new audit of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools amid $46M deficit

State Auditor Dave Boliek is reviewing district contracts, while Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather has asked the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the allegations. 

The State Board did not specify what actions it could take if violations are found. DPI said it had no further details beyond the joint statement.  State law requires the board to take control of a local school board’s finances and appoint an administrator if violations continue after a warning. 

Green and Davis said the board and the Department of Public Instruction will cooperate with agencies conducting reviews or investigations related to the matter. 

They also said they will engage with CMS leadership to discuss “appropriate next steps” and provide technical assistance and guidance as the district works through its leadership changes. 

“Our shared goal is to ensure that any concerns are addressed thoroughly and transparently, that public confidence is maintained, and that students, educators, and families continue to be served effectively throughout this challenging period,” Green said.  

CMS said Friday in a statement that it welcomes the review and will continue to cooperate with DPI, the State Auditor’s Office and the SBI.