The crisis inside Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools just escalated again — this time with the FBI.
Federal officials confirmed Monday that the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office are investigating a matter related to CMS. They have not disclosed the specific focus.
The federal probe adds to several other investigations already surrounding the district.
The State Bureau of Investigation is examining alleged financial irregularities after a request from Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather.
The North Carolina State Auditor is also reviewing financial records, contracts and district spending.
State education officials have joined the scrutiny as well, calling the allegations serious.
The investigations follow weeks of intense turmoil between former Superintendent Crystal Hill and the school board.
Before her firing, Hill sent board members a memo raising questions about contracts, consultant payments and purchasing practices.
She also questioned a reported consultant arrangement worth about $30,000 per month.
Days later, the school board fired Hill in a narrow 5-4 vote.
That came after CMS spent roughly $380,000 investigating Hill during a two-month suspension. The investigation reportedly found no evidence of misconduct by Hill.
Board Chair Stephanie Sneed also stepped down from her leadership role during the same period.
Meanwhile, several senior CMS executives have announced departures or retirements, including top finance and operations officials.
CMS is now searching for another permanent superintendent while multiple investigations continue.
