Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools hires outside financial firm as CFO prepares to retire

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is bringing in an outside firm to help manage the district’s finances, but how much the arrangement will cost taxpayers remains unclear.

The district has hired HIL Group as Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz prepares to retire at the end of the year.

District leaders say the firm has decades of experience supporting North Carolina school districts, including helping Gaston County Schools through similar transitions.

But how much is CMS paying for the help?

WBTV obtained the Request for Information (RFI) the district used to find a financial consulting firm.

Instead of setting a price, CMS asked interested companies to submit their own proposed rates.

The document outlines an initial four-month contract period from November 2026 through February 2027. However, CMS indicated it expects the work could continue through April, with a possible extension through July 2027.

The district anticipates up to 220 hours of consulting services each month, including support for financial operations, budgeting and preparing financial reports.

The move comes amid leadership changes at CMS.

Kluttz announced her retirement as former Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill raised concerns about questionable spending by the school board.

District leaders say someone within CMS will be designated in January to present financial information to the Board of Education while the outside firm provides support behind the scenes.

WBTV reached out to CMS to find out how much the district will pay HIL Group and whether a final contract amount has been approved.

District leaders have promised transparency throughout the transition.

WBTV is continuing to seek answers about how much taxpayer money will be spent on the arrangement.