Dr. Pam Baldwin Named New Superintendent

At its special called meeting earlier this evening, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education voted to approve Dr. Pamela Baldwin as the district’s new Superintendent. Her targeted start date is early April.

During the search process, which was administered by the North Carolina School Boards Association, the Board of Education carefully reviewed applications and supporting documentation from a diverse field of candidates. Although many qualified candidates applied, the board felt that Dr. Baldwin’s leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve the CHCCS students, staff, and community for years to come. The board is confident that Dr. Baldwin will lead the district to even higher achievement.

“This search process was tedious and, at times, a bit overwhelming – but also very refreshing. We met many amazing educators along the journey,” said Board Chair James Barrett. “We started with 44 applicants from 17 different states, and eventually reduced our search to three excellent finalists. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have found a leader like Dr. Baldwin. Her vision, her experience, and her skillset align perfectly with the plans we have for moving this district forward in the coming years to provide excellent education to all students.”

Dr. Baldwin has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 17 years in North Carolina. Since 2014, she has served as the superintendent of the Asheville City Schools in Asheville, North Carolina. Prior to her current position, Dr. Baldwin served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Scotland County Schools (2012-2014), and the director of teaching and learning for Currituck County Schools (2010-2011). Dr. Baldwin also previously served as a high school principal for New Hanover County Schools (2011-2012), and a middle school and high school assistant principal and principal for Onslow County Schools (2003-2010). She began her career in public education as a high school science teacher in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
 
Dr. Baldwin has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in biology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.  She went on to obtain a master’s degree in school administration from East Carolina University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Dr. Baldwin greatly looks forward to the opportunity to lead the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and to become part of the community.

“It is an honor to be appointed superintendent in such a wonderful community. I am excited to get started and to work with a board that values equity, integrity, and heart,” said Baldwin. “I look forward to building on the great work of the caring and committed educators, board members, and community members who have come before me, and to serving the students and staff of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.”


Please join the board in welcoming Dr. Pam Baldwin as the new superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

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Transportation Office Reaching Out

Members of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Transportation Department are a tight-knit group who enjoy working together and have a passion for helping others. To that end, they decided this year to begin a new holiday tradition.

Bus drivers and other members of the department collected food to share with elderly members of our community. Over 75 employees pitched in, and food was delivered to Manley Estates and the Crescent Green Assisted Living Community on Tuesday, December 20.

"We spend most of our time taking care of children, but we thought it was important to spend a moment taking care of our elders," said Terrina Edwards.

After the food was delivered, the group spent time singing Christmas carols and spreading good cheer.

Thank you to our Transportation Department for your daily work with our children, and for making the holidays brighter for everyone.

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Board Passes Resolution Honoring Rev. Manley

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and the broader community lost a valued member and leader on December 11, 2016, with the passing of Reverend Dr. John Ruffin “J.R.” Manley. Reverend Manley was a tireless advocate for all children and their families, as well as the entire staff entrusted to his care. Reverend Manley courageously served as the first African-American school board member, from the years 1959-1965, overseeing the construction and opening of Frank Porter Graham Elementary School and Phillips Middle School.


Reverend Manley and his fellow board member Henry Brandis began the move to integration when they alone in 1959 voted to let Stanley B. Vickers, an African-American student from Carrboro, transfer to an all-white CHCCS school. He also worked tirelessly so that the CHCCS could secure the land where Seawell Elementary School, Smith Middle School, and Chapel Hill High School are now located.

Reverend Manley set an example of love, compassion, peace and conviction as Pastor of First Baptist Church for 65 years, which, under his care, saw its congregation more than triple in membership. His kindness, integrity and sense of humor enriched those fortunate enough to know and work with him.

Reverend Manley’s true legacy lies in the immeasurable impact he had on the lives of all who locked arms with him in his life journey.

At its December 15 meeting, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the historic accomplishments and continued influence on our community of Reverend Dr. J.R. Manley, and gratefully acknowledged his many contributions to our students and our community.

On behalf of the entire school community, the Board of Education extends its sincerest condolences to his loved ones.

Reverend Dr. John Ruffin "J.R." Manley
picture from First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill's Facebook Page

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Winter Break Dec. 23-Jan.2 / Vacaciones de Invierno 23 de dic. al 2 ero de enero

Schools and Offices Closed for Winter Break
District schools and offices will be closed on Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2 for Winter Break.  School will resume as usual and district offices will be open on Tuesday, January 3.  Please note that Thursday, December 22 is a full school day.

Escuelas y oficinas estarán cerradas durante las vacaciones de invierno
Escuelas y oficinas del distrito estarán cerradas desde el viernes 23 de diciembre hasta el lunes 2 de enero, con motivo de las vacaciones de invierno.  Escuelas y oficinas del distrito abrirán sus puertas como de costumbre el martes 3 de enero. Tenga en cuenta que el jueves 22 de diciembre será un día de jornada escolar completa.

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Northside Elementary Media Specialist, Kathryn Cole, Wins National American Library Association Award

The American Library Association (ALA) presented Northside Elementary School’s Media Specialist, Kathryn Cole, with its prestigious 2016 “I Love My Librarian Award” at a ceremony in New York City on November 30.  The award recognizes “the public service of exceptional public, school, college, community college or university librarians who have transformed lives and communities through educational opportunities and lifelong learning.” Kat Cole was nominated by Nancy Zeman, program services manager at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation.

The ALA selected nine librarians nationwide, from the almost 1,100 nominations, to receive the award in 2016.  Only three recipients represented elementary school libraries – including Ms. Cole.  Each honoree received a $5,000 cash award, a plaque and a travel stipend to attend the “I Love My Librarian Award” ceremony and reception in NYC, hosted by the award sponsor, Carnegie Corporation of New York.

“Kat Cole is a shining example of an extraordinary school librarian,” said Nancy Zeman in her nomination for the award. “She helps all students in this diversely populated school build literate lives by creating opportunities to identify as readers by encouraging curiosity and exploration through literature.  I have been particularly impressed with her work with underserved students within the school community and with her dedication to encouraging those children to build a positive literacy identity. One of the things that sets her apart is that her reach goes beyond her school as she advocates for best practices in library services at not only her school but also at the school district level to ensure all students have equal access to resources and services.”

Principal of Northside Elementary, Coretta Sharpless said, “Ms. Cole’s overall mission is to keep literacy and the library a focal point in the school.  In order to do this, she ensures that staff members know and understand the critical role the library plays to equalize the playing field in education and how important it is that all children across the school have access to the library and its resources at point of need.  She shares school-wide circulation and library usage data with staff to illustrate the importance of library use and academic growth. In addition, she helps cultivate a love of literacy across the school.”

CHCCS congratulates Kat Cole on this prestigious award and thanks the Public School Foundation for nominating this outstanding media specialist.

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