Dr. Melissa Balknight Continues as Acting Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has officially confirmed that Dr. Melissa Balknight will retain her position as acting superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) while the board initiates its search for a permanent superintendent. This decision comes as the district serves around 138,000 students and over 18,000 staff members.

Dr. Balknight, who has spent more than 30 years in public education, is set to retire on January 1, 2027, but will stay on to provide stability during this transitional phase. She has emphasized the importance of partnering with families and communities to enhance student success, noting that constructive engagement is vital for fostering better schooling environments. The Board of Education is launching a search committee to determine the qualities desired in the new superintendent, which will include community engagement sessions for input.