Chatham County Schools

🐙💜 The Octopi are back!

Chatham Early College students and staff are diving into a new school year with excitement, determination, and plenty of school spirit. We can't wait to see all they'll accomplish this year.

Have an amazing first day, Octapi!

🎉 Congratulations to Mr. Chris Blice, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and our July Power of One Award recipient!

During this month's board meeting, Mr. Blice was recognized for nearly two decades of dedicated service to Chatham County Schools and an incredible 45-year career in education as he prepares for his retirement.

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and impact on Chatham County Schools. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, and best wishes in retirement!

🐙🌊 The Octopi are ready to dive into a new school year!

Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten stopped by Chatham Early College to welcome staff back as they prepare for students to return later this week. We are grateful for the educators and staff who help every student thrive and can't wait to see what this year brings.

Go Octopi! 💜

BOARD NOTES: August 3, 2026

BOARD NOTES: August 3, 2026 2026_08_03 CCS Board Notes

Join us tonight for the Board of Education Regular Session at 5:30pm at Central Services (468 Renaissance Drive; Pittsboro, NC 27312).

Can't make it in person? Watch live on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/.

Chatham County Schools is proud to announce that the district's Public Relations Department has been recognized nationally by the National School Public Relations Association's (NSPRA) 2026 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards!

This prestigious national recognition honors excellence in education communications, and entries are evaluated by experienced, award-winning communication professionals.

Chatham County Schools earned an honor for their video package, Teaching Truth: A Rural School’s Study of the Camps America Built. The video features Ms. Amy King’s class at Chatham Central High School and their partnership with National Geographic Explorer, Ms. Haruka Sakaguchi, studying her project "The Camps America Built", showing the effects of generational trauma from Japanese internment camps during WWII.

To view the video, click the link here: https://youtu.be/N7jqpkVPIH4?si=w1PjaLOsjmdnfle4

To view more about the 2026 NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, click the link here: https://www.nspra.org/Awards/Award-Winners/Publications-and-Digital-Media-Excellence-Winners-2026

What an incredible two days at our Summer Leadership Institute!
This year's theme, Forward Together, brought together our principals, assistant principals, and central services administrators to connect, collaborate, and align our vision for the upcoming school year.

As we prepare to welcome a new school year, we're reminded that our greatest progress happens when we move with a shared purpose and an unwavering focus on student success!

Congratulations to our Chatham County Schools students who participated in the Tar Heel Business Academy last week!

A big thank you to UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School for giving our students the opportunity to strengthen their critical thinking and leadership skills and a chance to present strategy ideas to the Chatham Park YMCA. This Academy also allowed our students to explore goal-setting strategies, helping them prepare for the college application process and future success.

We’re proud of these students for investing in their futures!

💛🖤 The Bennett School Panthers staff came together to celebrate their incredible principal, Dr. Carla Neal, and to thank her for her unwavering leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact she has had on Bennett students, staff, and community.

At the same time, staff proudly welcomed their new principal, Dr. Mallory Heffelfinger, with open arms and excited hearts.

Thank you, Dr. Neal, and welcome to the Panther family, Dr. Heffelfinger!