x
Breaking News
More () »

'We've gotten off course' | CMS board members look to new term

On Flashpoint, new board members say superintendent selection will be the board's top priority.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board members will be sworn in this week. They'll face a long list of issues to tackle.

'We've gotten off course," Lisa Kline, incoming district five board member, said. 

Chief among their priorities, selecting a new superintendent.   

"I don't know if you can find that perfect person. It's going to be hard," Kline said.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

Interim superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh is leaving at the end of the month.  CMS has gone through six superintendents in ten years.

Kline said she wants a candidate who will be dedicated to the job.

"They are committed to CMS for a minimum of three years, hopefully, five years," Kline said.

A former teacher, Kline said she worked with several committed superintendents earlier in her career.  She cited Peter Gorman, who served CMS between 2006 to 2011, as one she respected.

MORE NEWS: NCDHHS to provide eligible North Carolina public schools with free mental and behavioral health training and support

The candidate will face a rapidly changing district with achievement gaps and explosive growth.

"We really have to have someone who is going to be able to connect with our diverse population," Stephanie Sneed, incoming district four board member, said.

SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. ON FLASHPOINT, ONLY ON WCNC CHARLOTTE.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Before You Leave, Check This Out