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Since 2001, the Hunt Institute has been a venerated education nonprofit in the state, led for many years by its namesake former governor with a mission “to promote action on improving schools.”
In the eight years since Javaid Siddiqi became CEO, the institute has seen rapid growth. But former employees say it’s come at the price of high staff turnover and low morale.
Between July 2023 and September 2024, at least 44 employees left the organization, representing a 100 percent turnover rate in just 14 months.
Earlier this year, nine former employees wrote to the institute’s board of directors to ask for changes that would lead to a “healthier, more respectful, and effective organizational culture.”
“The Hunt Institute is being run by an autocratic leader where power is used to demand obedience,” wrote the former director of early learning in one of the missives from former staff that The Assembly obtained.
Former Hunt Institute Employees Describe a ‘Culture of Fear’
Ex-staffers say an autocratic leader has created a toxic environment that imperils the venerated education nonprofit’s future—and former Gov. Jim Hunt’s legacy.
The nonprofit’s board—which includes notables like Republican state Sen. Mike Lee, Lt. Gov.-elect Rachel Hunt, and former Obama administration Secretary of Education Arne Duncan—has declined to oust Siddiqi.
“The Board is satisfied that the historical complaints of former employees do not accurately reflect the culture of the current, thriving, and collaborative workforce,” read a statement of support attributed to board chair Duncan.
Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.
A Supremely Close Race
Democratic Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs has overtaken Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin in a vote count that’s now in its third week. She was up 625 votes as of Tuesday afternoon.
Because the difference is less than 10,000 votes, Griffin has the right to request a recount—which he did yesterday.
The race also looks to be heading to court. Griffin, his campaign, and the state Republican Party have filed a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order in Wake County alleging that state elections officials violated public-records law by not providing data that could have helped Griffin’s campaign file protests over votes they believe were ineligible.
Check out Michael Hewlett’s reporting on the crazy close, never-ending state Supreme Court race.
Narrator: He Could Not
Last Friday, our lead story posed the question of whether Biff Poggi could turn around UNC Charlotte’s football program with the kind of charismatic tough-love that drew him national attention as a high school coach.
Well, now we have an answer. On Monday night, UNC Charlotte announced that Poggi had been fired. The 49ers have two regular-season games remaining.
“No one can question Biff’s passion for helping young people succeed in life, both personally and professionally, but our on-field results have unfortunately fallen short of everyone’s expectations,” said athletics director Mike Hill in a statement, per WFAE. “As we move forward into the next chapter of Charlotte 49er Football, we will be looking for a leader to take our program to the next level as a consistent bowl and championship contender.”
What We’re Reading
Not a Relief: House Republicans passed legislation on Tuesday that would strip power from Gov.-elect Josh Stein and other newly elected Democratic officials, WUNC reports. The measures were included in a 130-page bill that was supposed to be focused on Hurricane Helene relief.
White Listed: Private schools established specifically for white children during desegregation are getting millions in taxpayer funds, a new ProPublica analysis finds—including 39 in North Carolina.
Florida Manatee: An 855-pound manatee rescued from the Tar River in Pitt County earlier this week has been taken to SeaWorld Orlando, WRAL reports.
Take It or Leaf It: NPR talked to Lee Berry, the reigning champion and current defender of the title “North Carolina’s Sexiest Collard Farmer.”
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