Dr. Melissa Balknight will stay on as acting superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools through the district's search for a permanent leader, CMS confirmed Thursday, Oct. 8.

The decision matters immediately for families at north Mecklenburg schools, including William Amos Hough in Cornelius, North Mecklenburg and Hopewell in Huntersville. Those schools now have a known leader while the board works to fill the top job.

Balknight, the former deputy superintendent, had planned to retire Jan. 1. The announcement marks the first public confirmation that she agreed to remain past that date, the Charlotte Observer reported. As recently as last week, the district said it had no records showing whether Balknight would continue leading CMS afterward.

CMS Board Chair Dee Rankin said in a district statement that Balknight can keep the district on track for continued growth in student achievement and called her experience invaluable for maintaining stability during the search.

The board fired former Superintendent Crystal Hill on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in a 5-4 vote, terminating her contract "for convenience." Balknight was appointed acting superintendent that same night. An independent review by law firm Brooks Pierce had found no evidence of improper conduct by Hill. That investigation cost at least $379,000, according to Queen City News.

Since Hill was placed on paid leave in June, five of her 10 cabinet members have left or announced plans to leave, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Balknight does not want the permanent job. In a Sept. 29 interview with WBTV, she said she was caught off guard by the appointment. "No, that is not my interest, that is not the work that I want to do," she told the station.

She has spent more than three decades in public education, holding leadership roles in both CMS and Gaston County Schools.

The board voted 6-2 on Sept. 29 to form a Superintendent Search Ad Hoc Committee. Board members Charlitta Hatch and Monty Witherspoon voted against. Former board member Lisa Cline estimated the search could take four to five months, telling Queen City News on Sept. 28, "If you want to do a good job, you can't do it in 60 days."

CMS has not announced a search firm, an application deadline or a target hire date. The district said community engagement sessions will be held so residents can share what qualities they want in the next superintendent.