The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted Tuesday, Aug. 11, to reinstate Superintendent Crystal Hill, ending a nearly two-month investigation that left Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville families uncertain about district leadership two weeks before school begins.

Hill is scheduled to return to work Wednesday, Aug. 12. Students at Hough, North Mecklenburg and Hopewell high schools start classes Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Board Chair Stephanie Sneed announced the decision Tuesday night, according to WFAE. The board said it identified issues that will be discussed with Hill but did not publicly disclose the investigation's specific findings.

In a written statement reported by Spectrum News, the board said the reinstatement provides the best path forward for continuity and stability, adding that it did not take the action lightly. The statement said district leaders, principals and teachers worked through the summer to prepare schools for Aug. 25.

Hill had been on paid administrative leave since June 17 while the Brooks Pierce Law Firm conducted a review the board described only as involving "administrative and operational oversight." The Charlotte Observer has reported the probe centered on more than $1.7 million in contracts awarded over three years to some of Hill's former colleagues. Hill continued to receive her compensation package of more than $405,000 during the leave.

Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight led back-to-school preparations as acting superintendent during Hill's absence.

The board met in closed session at least six times since June 17, including four-hour meetings on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, before reaching its decision. District 1 board member Dr. Charlitta Hatch, who represents Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, wrote Tuesday that North Carolina law requires personnel investigations to occur in closed session, limiting what members can share publicly.

As we reported Aug. 7, Sneed told reporters July 24: "We are nearing an end but the more important thing the more confidence that I have is that we are going to be prepared and that leadership will be in place."

CMS has cycled through five superintendents in the past decade. The district serves more than 138,000 students across 186 schools.

The board has not announced its next meeting date. The specific issues the board plans to discuss with Hill remain undisclosed.