As nearly 140,000 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students walked into classrooms Tuesday, Aug. 25, the school board prepared to vote that evening on whether to release findings from its three-month investigation into Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill.

Board member Dr. Charlitta Hatch plans to introduce the motion, which would direct attorneys to determine what information can legally be shared in a public report. The report could include recommendations and lessons learned from the probe that kept Hill on paid leave for nearly two months starting in June.

At least two of the nine board members have publicly committed to supporting the motion. Board member Shamaiye Haynes told WCNC Charlotte on Monday, Aug. 24, that she backs the effort: "The public has a right to know what transpired."

Five votes are needed to pass. If approved, a public report could come as soon as September, according to board members.

What the investigation covered

The board placed Hill on paid leave June 17, citing "matters involving administrative and operational oversight." Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight served as acting superintendent during Hill's absence.

The district has not confirmed what specifically triggered the probe. The Charlotte Observer reported that contracts with some of Hill's former colleagues totaled more than $1.7 million over three years, citing previous WSOC-TV reporting. CMS has not confirmed or denied those reports.

The board voted Aug. 11 to reinstate Hill, stating her return was "the best path forward" for "continuity and stability." The board also acknowledged the review "identified issues that will require ongoing attention as it relates to leadership and operational practices."

Hill deflects on first day back

At a back-to-school press briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Hill did not address the investigation directly. She offered no details.

"We will be providing more information at a later time, but today our focus is on the first day of school," Hill said.

Hatch, who told WBTV on Monday she believes the board has a responsibility to share results now that the investigation is complete, put it plainly: "Now that the investigation is over, I think we have a responsibility to report out to the public."

Which Ballantyne schools are affected

The vote affects families at Ardrey Kell and Ballantyne Ridge high schools, Community House and J.M. Robinson middle schools, and Ballantyne-area elementary schools, all part of the CMS system under Hill's leadership.

There is legal precedent for disclosure: the board previously released personnel records for former Superintendent Ernest Winston, including a poor performance review, after dismissing him in 2022.

Tuesday's board meeting is also expected to include votes on removing references to minority-owned and women-owned businesses from the district's contracting policy to comply with the 2026 state Senate Appropriations Act, and a new attendance policy allowing excused absences for off-campus religious instruction.