CMS School Board Vote To Terminate Superintendent Earnest Winston’s Contract

April 19, 2022

Marvin Beach, Brittney Melton,

The Latest (4/19/22):

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School board voted to terminate Superintendent Earnest Winston’s contract for convenience on Tuesday. The vote was 7-2.

Ruby Jones and Thelma Byers-Bailey voted no.

The superintendent will receive a severance of more than $24,000 per month for 23 months.

Board members state the reason for termination relates to issues with student outcomes.

Board members pointing to issues with student outcomes as reason for the termination. Board member Ruby Jones spoke out disagreeing with the move. #WCCB @WCCBCharlotte

— Marvin Beach (@MBeach14) April 19, 2022

After the vote the board went into closed session. The board will return to vote on “releasing certain personnel files”, “appointment of acting superintendent”, and “interim superintendent contract.”

#MORE Board now goes into closed session, will return to vote on “releasing certain personnel files”, “appointment of Acting Superintendent”, and “Interim Superintendent Contract.” #WCCB @WCCBCharlotte

— Marvin Beach (@MBeach14) April 19, 2022

Original Story (4/18/22):

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Superintendent Earnest Winston’s future with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is in question.

The school board will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss his contract.

A source tells WCCB Charlotte the board has asked Winston to resign or face termination.

Board members installed Winston as Superintendent more than two and a half years ago.

Winston faced criticism over his handling of sexual assault cases in the district, achievement gaps among schools, an increasing number of guns found on campuses, and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on clear backpacks, which were never distributed.