MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools named Crystal Hill the new interim superintendent for the district on Tuesday after a unanimous vote.
"She's been working really side by side with Dr. Hattabaugh to take the board's goals and guardrails and really operationalize them throughout the district," CMS Board Chair Elyse Dashew said.
Tuesday's special called meeting came after current interim superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh announced he would be stepping down at the end of this month. His last official day on the job is Dec. 31.
Hill said, like Hattabaugh, her job is to make the time between now and hiring a superintendent smoother.
"There is so much work that needs to be done," Hill said. "We'll be recommending our budget, there's a bond referendum, the comprehensive student assignment."
CMS hired Hill as the new chief of staff in May of 2022.
Hill came to the district from Cabarrus County Schools, where she became the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Cabarrus County after the resignation of her predecessor.
"When you look at her academic background, and her resume she brings a really strong skill set," Dashew said. "But most importantly, what she's shown us in her work."
When Hill was hired as the district's chief of staff in May, Hattabaugh said her focus was on the district's Title IX office.
Hattabaugh was initially supposed to stay until June to allow the school board time to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent replacement but will leave his contract early to care for his elderly father. Hattabaugh has already left North Carolina.
CMS' contract with Hattabaugh paid him $22,000 a month up until his resignation.
Hattabaugh was brought on as interim superintendent after the previous superintendent, Earnest Winston, was fired in April and granted a $24,000-a-month severance.
Five new CMS board members had a new opportunity to shape the decision of the next interim.
Contract information for Hill as interim superintendent is through the end of the school year and will be paid around $21,000 a month in her new contract.
"I've always been laser-focused on doing my very best in whatever role I was in and that's what I plan to do," Hill said. "Today, as I was named interim superintendent, there was a lot of work that needs to be done."
Hill said her next career move is not in mind; she is focused on being interim superintendent.
Contact Shamarria Morrison at smorrison@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.