Joal Broun Sworn In at December 19 Meeting

Joal Broun was sworn in at the Board of Education's December 19 meeting. Joal has been on the Board since March 2016, when she was appointed to fill a vacancy. Being re-elected in November, she will now serve a four-year term.

Joal has lived in Orange County for over twenty-four years. She has spent her career as an attorney, currently serving as the Lobbying Compliance Director for the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. She also served as a Carrboro Alderperson from 1999 to 2011, and is a Trustee at St. Paul AME Church.

Prior to her appointment to the Board of Education, Joal served on the School Improvement Team of Chapel Hill High School and as the parent representative for the junior varsity and varsity men’s soccer team.

Joal is a graduate of Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the Wake Forest University School of Law. Joal is married to Jonathan E. Broun, Senior Staff attorney at Prisoner Legal Services. They have two children, Harrison, a 2017 graduate of Chapel Hill High School, and Rachel, a rising junior at Chapel Hill High School.

read more "Joal Broun Sworn In at December 19 Meeting"

CHCCS Welcomes New Board Members, Chair, Vice Chair

New Board Members Sworn In

Chair and Vice Chair elected

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, at its December 7 meeting, welcomed Mary Ann Wolf and Amy Fowler as they were sworn in as our newest board members. James Barrett, re-elected, was also sworn in. Joal Broun, also re-elected, was unable to attend, but will be sworn in at a future meeting.

Mary Ann Wolf

Dr. Mary Ann Wolf currently directs the Digital Learning Programs at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State. Her impact on education locally, statewide and nationally has been extensive as a policy-maker, researcher and advocate. For the past 20 years, in her current position, as well as her previous role as executive director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association, Wolf has focused on boosting American students’ competitiveness in the global economy. She is an enthusiastic proponent of personalized learning. As Wolf’s CHCCS school board candidate website states, “Education is part of who I am and how I think.”

Wolf began her career in education as a fifth grade teacher and earned her Ph.D. in education leadership at the University of Virginia, after a Master’s in Elementary Education at George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Marketing at Georgetown University. She and her husband are CHCCS parents, with three children in high, middle and elementary schools.

Amy Fowler

Dr. Amy Fowler, a local pediatrician, has chaired the district’s Special Needs Advisory Council for years. She has also served as president of the Orange Chatham chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina. During her campaign, Fowler emphasized the need for continuing supports for students with disabilities, as well as increased focus on the mental health of students. “We must ensure that all students feel safe and ready to learn,” Fowler wrote in a September letter to the Daily Tar Heel.

After earning an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Duke University, Fowler received a medical degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Masters of Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill in Maternal and Child Health. She joined the pediatric team at Chapel Hill Children and Adolescents’ Clinic in October 2007. She and her husband have three children, two of whom are still attending CHCCS schools.

Wolf, Fowler and Broun will serve four-year terms, and Barrett is serving a two-year term that was created by the resignation of Annetta Streater in September.

Additionally, the board elected Rani Dasi as its new Chair, and Margaret Samuels as its new Vice Chair.

read more "CHCCS Welcomes New Board Members, Chair, Vice Chair"

Chapel Hill High - Top Construction Priority

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education met Thursday night at Smith Middle School to discuss next steps to addressing facility renovation and potential capacity needs in the district. 

Given the limited amount of available funding and the significant increase in construction inflation (driven by natural disasters around the country and rising construction demand in the region), the district’s concern is to balance elementary school capacity needs driven by the NC General Assembly mandate to reduce class sizes in grades K-3 with the current renovation needs of many of our facilities.

The General Assembly has mandated that class sizes in grades K-3 be reduced, but have provided no funding for this mandate. This presents significant challenges in capacity, recruiting teachers and staff, potential increases in class sizes for our fourth- and fifth-grades, redistricting and negative impact to world language, art and music. The investment in Lincoln Center was originally planned to provide elementary school capacity, which would allow phasing for renovations at elementary schools. This mandate increased our need for capacity to mitigate the above issues.

The board and administration, in consideration of input from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, parents and community members, voted unanimously to move forward with addressing health and safety needs by reconstructing Chapel Hill High School.

It is important to note that upon completion of Chapel Hill High, there is still a significant need for resources to rebuild other schools.

Assistant Superintendent Todd LoFrese asked audience members for help with the following three areas:

1. Class size legislation. The new state law that reduces K-3 class size needs to change. It can’t be implemented without taking drastic measures or spending tens of millions of dollars. We need state legislative level advocacy and a unified statewide approach to get the attention of those in charge at the General Assembly. An active letter writing campaign and outreach to other districts’ PTAs would help.

2. We are navigating the Chapel Hill High approval process with the Town of Chapel Hill. We are seeking Town Council assistance in meeting our project approval date, and their assistance financially with required road improvements. Parents and community members should stay engaged as that process unfolds.

3. As a community we need to figure out how to become much more nimble. We started this process in 2009-2010. I knew then that the high school needed a complete overhaul.  Yet the funding and approval process is still occurring and we don’t have a shovel in the ground. It’s eight years later. No wonder the costs have gone up. We still have seven remaining older schools that also need a lot of work: Estes, Phillips, Seawell, Ephesus, Carrboro Elementary, FPG, and Culbreth.  At the rate we are on those won’t be completed for 50 years and someone (it won’t be me) will have to be figuring out how to renovate Chapel Hill High again. A discussion with the commissioners about another bond and additional funding needs to start now and we have to figure out a more expeditious way. This will take significant community engagement and resolve.

The Board, superintendent and staff would like to thank everyone for the input that has been so graciously provided, and the entire school district looks forward to future support as we pursue access to the necessary funding.

The meeting can be seen in its entirety at the following links:

Board of Education - December 7, 2017 - Part 1

Board of Education - December 7, 2017 - Part 2

read more "Chapel Hill High - Top Construction Priority"

Bond Project Update and Capital Funding Needs

Rendering of the reconstructed Chapel Hill High

On Monday, November 27, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Todd LoFrese offered a community update on facility needs, specifically projects related to the 2016 bond referendum.

The event took place in the Chapel Hill High Auditorium. Approximately 120 people were in attendance. After a 30-minute presentation by Dr. LoFrese that featured the history, timeline and other information about the projects, the floor was open for a time of questions and feedback. The event was captured on video and can be seen in its entirety here.

The PowerPoint presentation used by Dr. LoFrese can be seen here.

During the time of questions/feedback from members of the audience, notes were taken on their comments. Those notes can be seen here.

The Board of Education is expected to address this issue at its December 7 meeting.

read more "Bond Project Update and Capital Funding Needs"

Overview of CHCCS Facility Needs

Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Todd LoFrese will provide an overview of the district's facility needs, financial challenges with our two bond funded projects (Lincoln Center and Chapel Hill High School), and long term capital needs on Monday, November 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Chapel Hill High in Hanes Auditorium (1709 High School Road).  Time will be provided for questions and answers. 

We expect to have a majority of our Board members in attendance. In accordance with open records law, this note will serve as public posting. 

read more "Overview of CHCCS Facility Needs"

Special Board Meeting - Wednesday, October 11

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education has called a special meeting to take place at Glenwood Elementary (2 Prestwick Road - Chapel Hill) on Wednesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for staff to present options for the reduction of enrollment levels at Glenwood Elementary, and to collect feedback from the Board regarding the criteria for evaluating the options. The Board will also entertain public comments.

Glenwood Elementary's enrollment currently exceeds capacity by 68 students. Each of the school’s 20 classrooms and five mobile classrooms are now in use. The school's enrollment is projected to increase again next year. This increase is anticipated due to the expansion of the Mandarin Immersion program along with growth from within Glenwood’s attendance zones. As a result of the Mandarin expansion, the projected number of classrooms for traditional students will decrease in 2018-19.

For more information, see the agenda abstract for this Board item.

read more "Special Board Meeting - Wednesday, October 11"

School Board Filing Period Re-Opens from Oct. 2-6

When long-time Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board member, Annetta Streater resigned her position in early September, a new opportunity to file for school board candidacy arose. Although the regular filing deadline ended on July 21, a re-opened period is required by the Orange County Board of Elections, in order to allow new candidates to file.

     

The top three vote-getters will be placed in the three vacant four-year terms, and the fourth highest vote-getter will serve the two years that remain of Streater’s four year term.

     

Any resident interested in running for the school board needs to submit a Notice of Candidacy to the county board of elections, either by mail or in person, between October 2 and October 6. The requirements to run for office in a county election are: Candidate is a registered voter, at least 21 years of age as of the date of the general election, and is not serving an active felony sentence, including any period of probation or parole. A Notice of Candidacy form is available to download from this link:

     

http://www.ncsbe.gov/Elections/Candidate-Filing

read more "School Board Filing Period Re-Opens from Oct. 2-6"

Streater Resigns from Board of Education

Annetta Stokes Streater, who has served on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education since 2006, has submitted her letter of resignation. Her last board meeting will be on Monday, September 18, 2017.

“I have had the honor and privilege of serving the children and staff of this district for the past 11 years – and what a rewarding commitment it has been,” said Streater. “At this juncture in my life, I find it necessary to be responsive to increasing family and work commitments. I’m confident the Board and administration will continue on this path of improving instruction and operations with a student-centered approach through an equity lens.”

During her time on the Board, three new schools were constructed and several others have been renovated. Her support of the district’s sustainability efforts resulted in two of the schools receiving Platinum and Silver LEED certifications. Both the dual language Spanish and Mandarin programs were expanded, including the district’s first magnet school, Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary. Specialty academies were created at the high schools, and the district’s alternative school received its designation as a high school.

Most recently she voted to add specific language to the Board’s bullying policy that specifically bans the display of the Confederate flag and other threatening symbols from our campuses.

“I hope our community has benefitted from their decision to elect me as a Board member,” said Streater. “I will certainly miss the work, including the passionate dialogue that goes into overseeing our public schools. But you’ll see me in other arenas continuing to advocate for high quality education.”

“Ms. Streater has been a tremendous asset to our school district and our community,” said Board Chair James Barrett. “She has worked tirelessly for the benefit of students and families. We are all grateful for the opportunity to have served with her in this important work.”

read more "Streater Resigns from Board of Education"

Board Candidate Information Session

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools understands the value of strong leadership. And for a school system, that leadership starts with the Board of Education.

With the candidate filing period underway, the school district is planning an information session for any community members who might be considering a run for the Board.

The session will take place on Tuesday, July 18 from 4-5 p.m. at Lincoln Center – the school district’s central office, located at 750 South Merritt Mill Road. All interested are welcome to attend.

“We wanted to offer an opportunity for potential candidates to learn more about the future direction of the school system and how Board members can move the district forward,” said Superintendent Pam Baldwin. “This is a non-committal meeting for the purpose of providing information and answering questions.”

Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP to Jeff Nash, Executive Director of Community Relations, at jnash@chccs.k12.nc.us.

read more "Board Candidate Information Session"

Good Luck, Dr. Causby!

After serving as the district's Interim Superintendent since August, Dr. Causby is returning to retirement. Throughout his time at CHCCS, Dr. C has been an amazing leader, helping guide the district until a new superintendent could be found.

At their last meeting, the CHCCS Board of Education presented Dr. C with a plaque, thanking him for all he's done (see picture of Dr. C and Board Chair James Barrett below).

Dr. C was always willing to meet with and help students, parents and staff, and he always put what was best for the students ahead of any decision, great or small.

Thank you, Dr. C and we wish you luck as you return to Asheville and retirement.

For those who want to hear Dr. C's convocation speech again, click here and be inspired by a true educator with over 40 years of dedication to the students and districts across North Carolina.

Board Chair James Barrett presents plaque to Dr. Jim Causby

Dr. Causby reads to students at Northside Elementary

read more "Good Luck, Dr. Causby!"

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.

read more "Dr. Pam Baldwin Named New Superintendent"

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

read more "Board Passes Resolution Honoring Rev. Manley"

Bond Passes! Message from Board Chair

James Barrett

I want to personally thank all who contributed to the passing of the school bond. This bond is about much more than securing funds for needed projects. It is also a vote of confidence for our values, and for our staff, affirming their amazing work. 

Moreso, it is a vote of encouragement for our students. This vote sends a loud and clear message that our community is here for them, invested in their success, and, ultimately, dependent upon the realization of their unlimited potential.

Now, it is time to roll up the sleeves and begin the hard part of our work. We will be meeting regularly with our architects and the town to secure a variety of permits, with hopes of beginning construction on the Pre-Kindergarten center in August/September. Chapel Hill High will take a little longer to prepare, but we expect to begin that reconstruction in 2018.

While these projects get underway, we must simultaneously collaborate with our County Commissioners in an effort to prepare for the funding of the next phase of our facilities plan. Schools included in Phase II include Seawell Elementary, Estes Hills Elementary, Ephesus Elementary and Phillips Middle. 

There is much to be done. Passing this bond was a great start. We will work diligently, and as good stewards. 

On behalf of our entire Board of Education, thank you for your continued support.
 

James Barrett

Chair, Board of Education

read more "Bond Passes! Message from Board Chair"

CHCCS Appoints Interim Principal and New Administrators

The CHCCS Board of Education approved an interim principal and two new administrators at their July 21 meeting.

Stephon Goode was named the Interim Principal at Smith Middle School.  Goode has served as the school's assistant principal since May 2014, where he also served as the school's administrative internship for a year.  Goode was also 5th grade teacher at Estes Hills Elementary for seven years, where he was its Teacher of the Year in 2011-12.  He has also taught in Warren County Schools.  Goode holds both a bachelor of arts degree in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science and a master of School Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Goode replaces Principal Philip Holmes.

Stephon Goode, Interim Principal, Smith Middle School

Philip Holmes was named as the Interim Executive Director of Professional Learning and Project ADVANCE.  Holmes was the principal at Smith Middle School since 2010.  Previously, Holmes was the principal and assistant principal at Ephesus Elementary, and was an assistant principal intern at Estes Hills Elementary.  Holmes also was a principal at Burton IB Magnet Elementary in Durham Public Schools.  Holmes holds a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education from Hobart College in Geneva, New York and a master of education degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Holmes replaces Rydell Harrison, who was named the district's Interim Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services earlier this month.

Philip Holmes, Interim Executive Director of Professional Learning and Project ADVANCE

Scott Fearrington was named the Director of Community Schools.  Fearrington had been the program supervisor for Community Schools for six years.  He has also served the district as director of transportation, an after-school site director and a bus driver.  Fearrington has a bachelor of arts degree in History from North Carolina Central University.

Fearrington replaces Mary Roberts who retired in June 2016.

Scott Fearrington, Director of Community Schools

"All three of these educators have built long-standing relationships with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, its students and its staff," said Superintendent Tom Forcella.  "When it came time to select administrators for these positions, we were able to hire these leaders from within, making for a smooth transition for everyone.  I know the excellent level of service expected at Smith Middle, Instructional Services and Community Schools will continue in their capable hands."

Fearrington starts his position effective immediately and Holmes and Good will start their new positions on August 2.

read more "CHCCS Appoints Interim Principal and New Administrators"

Seeking Community Input

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education is in the process of searching for a new superintendent. The members of the board are seeking your input in this process. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below. All survey responses must be submitted by September 1, 2016. Results and comments are anonymous, but not confidential. In other words, no one will know who submitted a particular comment, but the results will eventually be released to the public, with any references to specific individuals redacted.

Citizens may also sign up to address the board during the public comment period at any of the upcoming regular board meetings, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on July 21, August 18, and September 1. All meetings will be held at the Lincoln Center board room, located at 750 South Merritt Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC. Citizens must sign up to speak before the meeting begins and must otherwise comply with Board Policy 2310, Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Staff and community members are also invited to comment publicly on desired characteristics for the next leader of schools during one of two scheduled public forums. The first forum will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30 at Chapel Hill High School. The second forum will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 at Northside Elementary School.

In addition to input received from the surveys, forums, and public comment, written statements from any local groups or organizations may be submitted to Allison Schafer via mail at NCSBA, P.O. Box 97877, Raleigh, NC 27624, via email at aschafer@ncsba.org, or via fax at 919-841-4020. These statements should be received no later than Thursday, September 1, 2016.

English Survey

Spanish Survey

read more "Seeking Community Input"

Welcome Dr. Jim Causby - Interim Superintendent

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Dr. Jim Causby as the Interim Superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). Dr. Causby will take office on August 1, 2016 and will serve until the board selects a permanent superintendent.

After speaking with several potential candidates, the board determined that Dr. Causby’s extensive leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve the CHCCS students, staff, and community as the board continues its search for a permanent superintendent. The board is confident that Dr. Causby will continue the district’s efforts and will enable a smooth transition of leadership.

"In considering several people for an interim superintendent, we were pleased to hear how Dr. Causby’s deep understanding of the interim superintendent role and emphasis on working with all staff fit with CHCCS and this board,” said Board of Education Chair James Barrett. “That will allow us to keep what is working in this overall high-performing district while continuing our focus on areas we need to improve.  Having Dr. Causby in place will allow the board to focus more of our time on listening to the school community about what we require in a new superintendent and ensuring that we find the best candidate possible for this district."

A native of McDowell County, Dr. Causby has enjoyed a long and successful career in North Carolina’s public education system, including 27 years as a superintendent in four districts. He is currently semi-retired and works as an education and marketing consultant. Dr. Causby has a wide range of experience from the classroom to the central office, starting out as a teacher and coach before moving up to principal and ultimately superintendent positions. He has had success as a superintendent leading Swain County Schools for 11 years, Polk County Schools for five years, and Johnston County Schools for 10 years. He also served as interim superintendent of Hickory City Schools in 2011. From 2004 to 2013, Dr. Causby led two statewide organizations, serving as Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA) and the North Carolina School Superintendents Association (NCSSA). His exemplary service and leadership have often been recognized; he was named NC Superintendent of the Year three times and was named to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine – North Carolina’s highest civilian award.

Dr. Causby has an impressive academic background as well. He completed his undergraduate degree and master’s in elementary education at Western Carolina University. He obtained his education specialists degree from Appalachian State University in 1975, and his doctorate in education administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1988.

Dr. Causby looks forward to the opportunity to lead CHCCS through this transitional period. He has issued the following statement: “I am extremely honored and excited that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education has chosen me to serve as Interim Superintendent while they seek a permanent superintendent.  The reputation and success of the school system is widely recognized, and the culture of high expectations and excellence found there is one that I look forward to being a part of.  It is my belief that every student can achieve at very high levels, and I want to help ensure that all 12,000+ students in the school system do that.”

Please join the board in welcoming Dr. Causby as the new Interim Superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

read more "Welcome Dr. Jim Causby - Interim Superintendent"

Board Passes Resolution Urging Repeal of House Bill 2

Regarding the recently passed House Bill 2, it is important to know that Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is in compliance (with the law) by moving forward with providing gender-neutral restrooms for anyone who needs access. HB 2 does not state that these bathrooms are unlawful. Our policies protect, and will continue to protect, all staff from any type of discrimination regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, and gender. The district's Director of Equity Leadership will be monitoring continues to monitor the progression of this law and will be partnering with our Senior Executive Director of HR, our Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendents, to make sure our district remains inclusive and accepting of all.

At its April 7 meeting, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education unanimously passed the following resolution.
__________     

CHAPEL HILL - CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTION OPPOSING HB 2

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2016, North Carolina General Assembly in special session ratified, and Governor Pat McCrory signed, House Bill 2 (Session Law 2016-3), the “Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act”; that omits sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other categories from the statewide list of categories protected from discrimination and may diminish the legislative authority of local governments, particularly in the case of counties and municipalities; and

WHEREAS, compliance with HB 2 creates serious legal and fiscal risks for public schools because it conflicts with federal and state laws including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education prohibits discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on any of the following: race, color, religion, atheism, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, immigration status, or any other classification that is protected by law, regulation or this policy.  The Board further prohibits discrimination against a person perceived to have any of the above characteristics or against a person for associating with someone protected by this policy (see CHCCS Board Policy Code: 1710/4021/7230 Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying); and

WHEREAS, schools are first and foremost places where all students and staff must feel safe, included and protected.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education urges the repeal of House Bill 2 and reaffirms its support for protecting and advancing the rights and equitable treatment of all students and staff.

This the 7th day of April, 2016.
____________________________
James Barrett, School Board Chair

read more "Board Passes Resolution Urging Repeal of House Bill 2"

Meet Joal Broun...Newest CHCCS Board Member

Joal Broun was sworn in as the newest member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education on Thursday, March 3. She was appointed to fill the remainder of a seat vacated by the resignation of former board member Michelle Brownstein.

Ms. Broun, a resident of this school district for 23 years, has two children attending Chapel Hill High School. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Wake Forest School of Law. By day, she is the Lobbying Compliance Director for the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.

A former member of the Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen, Ms. Broun has also served as a board member for the Orange County Dispute Settlement Center, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, and Friends of the Carrboro Library. She is also the parent co-chair of the Chapel Hill High School Improvement Team.

Ms. Broun is a member of the St. Paul AME Church, where she serves on the usher board, the Board of Trustees and sings in the choir.

Please join us in welcoming Joal Broun, and let her know how much we appreciate her service to our students and schools.

read more "Meet Joal Broun...Newest CHCCS Board Member"

Joal Broun Appointed to Board of Education

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Joal Broun as its newest member during its meeting on Thursday, February 18.

Ms. Broun will be sworn in on March 3 to serve the remainder of a term vacated by the resignation of Michelle Brownstein. The term expires December 7, 2017.

read more "Joal Broun Appointed to Board of Education"

CHCCS Hires New Administrators for Human Resources and Transportation

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education approved two new administrators at recent Board of Education meetings.

CHCCS has hired Erika Newkirk as the district’s Coordinator of Teacher Recruitment, Staffing and Retention.  Newkirk is currently working as the regional education facilitator for the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI).  She has also been an elementary teacher, with experience as a dual language teacher, in Durham Public Schools (DPS), Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and Pender County Schools.  Newkirk was also a teacher mentor for DPS.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University, where she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University.  She also earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.  Newkirk also has an Academically and Intellectually Gifted certification from North Carolina Central University.

CHCCS has also hired Thomas “Bradley” Johnson as the district’s new Director of Transportation.  Johnson is the van pool manager for the City of Charlotte.  Previously, Johnson was the director of transportation for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District (CMS).  He also worked as the CMS transportation recruitment, safety and training specialist.  Johnson has also worked at Charlotte’s North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as a driver education specialist and as a driver license examiner.  Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Newkirk is set to join the district on February 15.  A start date for Johnson has not been finalized.

read more "CHCCS Hires New Administrators for Human Resources and Transportation"