Crystal Hill is making history as the first Black woman superintendent of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement, Hill is focused on bringing stability to a school district that has seen much change over the years.
A New Era of Leadership
Hill took on the role of superintendent in May 2023 after serving as interim superintendent since January. She has dedicated over 27 years to education, holding various roles from teacher to principal. Under her leadership, CMS, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., employs around 19,000 people and serves over 141,000 students.
As the superintendent of a $2.1 billion organization, Hill acknowledges the complexity of her responsibilities. “Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is a $2.1 billion business, and it’s really difficult for people to wrap their brains around that,” she shared. Navigating the needs of such a large district presents unique challenges, especially when leading through times of transition.
With five leaders before her in just over a decade, Hill aims to stabilize the district. She recognizes that constant leadership changes, alongside the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to increased turnover among staff and ongoing challenges. “The impact that COVID had on students and adults… we’re still seeing the impact of that,” she remarked.
Emphasizing Community Connections
One of Hill’s priorities is to strengthen connections within the community. She introduced the Parent and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to give parents a stronger voice in school matters. Originally starting with 27 members, the council has now expanded to include around 370 representatives from each of the district’s schools. Hill believes this initiative helps parents advocate for their children effectively.
Looking back, she recalls a successful start to the current school year, noting the smooth opening of three new school buildings. “The first week of school was probably the smoothest that I’ve ever seen in 27 years,” Hill stated. This positive experience demonstrates her commitment to enhancing the educational environment for both students and staff.
By increasing opportunities for parent involvement, Hill hopes to create a more inclusive atmosphere within CMS. The PFAC meets regularly, allowing parents to share their ideas and concerns directly with district leadership. The next meeting is scheduled for November, highlighting her dedication to ongoing communication with families.
Fostering Alignment for Stability
To achieve long-term stability, Hill emphasizes the importance of alignment within the district. She has worked to align the goals of the school board with departmental and school improvement plans. This clear alignment ensures that everyone in the district understands their role in achieving academic success.
“Alignment and organization, making sure that there are strong systems and processes… If you have processes and procedures in place, it doesn’t matter who or what comes, you can work through things,” Hill explained. This structured approach helps maintain focus during times of change.
Hill is optimistic about the progress CMS is making. She credits her success to the strong teamwork among her colleagues. “We have amazing team members,” she noted, emphasizing the vital role of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education and the community in achieving their goals.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Hill is focused on stabilizing CMS over the next five to ten years. Her vision includes meeting all parts of the strategic plan and exceeding the goals set for 2024. “My highest hope is that whoever comes in next, we’re able to leave a strong legacy for the next leader to build upon,” she said.
With her passion for education and commitment to community engagement, Hill is poised to lead CMS into a new era. As she continues to navigate the complexities of the role, her focus remains on creating a positive environment for students, staff, and families alike.
