FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2025
Chatham County Board of Education Declares September 14–20 as Arts in Education Week
PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Chatham County Board of Education has officially adopted a resolution proclaiming September 14–20, 2025, as Arts in Education Week across Chatham County Schools (CCS), reaffirming the district’s longstanding commitment to nurturing creativity, academic excellence, and emotional well-being through robust arts education.
Adopted at the Board’s September 8 meeting, the resolution aligns with the national observance of National Arts in Education Week, as established by Congress in 2010. The initiative invites schools and communities across the nation to advocate for, educate about, and celebrate the transformative impact of the arts in education.
“Arts education is not just a program, it’s a pillar of our commitment to developing the whole child,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson. “This resolution supports our district-wide theme for the year, ‘Elevate Chatham: Rising Together for a Stronger Future,’ by recognizing the arts as essential to academic achievement, personal development, and a vibrant school culture.”
A Legacy of Excellence in the Arts
Chatham County Schools is proud to be named one of North Carolina’s “Best Communities for Music Education,” one of only two districts in the state to earn this national honor. Across CCS, students thrive in music, visual arts, theatre, dance, and media arts programs, consistently competing and excelling at regional and state levels.
Highlights of CCS’s growing arts programming include:
Artist residencies in partnership with the Chatham Arts Council, delivering high-quality instruction directly into schools.
ArtistYear AmeriCorps Teaching Artists, introduced in 2023, now serving alongside arts educators to provide student-centered, community-focused arts learning.
Two visiting artists this school year to further expand creative opportunities.
The Impact is Clear
Research from Americans for the Arts underscores the measurable benefits of arts education:
Students engaged in the arts show higher academic achievement, especially in literacy and math.
Participation in the arts enhances focus, originality, and self-efficacy.
Arts education reduces chronic absenteeism and disciplinary infractions, while boosting students’ sense of belonging and empathy.
Employers value the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills cultivated through arts learning.
“Arts education isn’t just about performance or product, it’s about unlocking potential,” said Bryan DeCristofaro, Instructional Program Facilitator for the Arts. “Through music, movement, visual storytelling, and creative expression, our students build the skills and confidence to thrive in school, in their communities, and in life.”
Get Involved: Celebrate, Advocate, Educate
CCS invites students, families, and community members to join in Arts in Education Week:
Share your arts education stories using #CCSArts and #ArtsEdWeek.
Attend student performances or art exhibits throughout the week.
Advocate for continued investment in arts programming.
Post your personal #BecauseOfArtsEd reflections and experiences on social media.
For more details, visit https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/page/arts-education or follow Chatham County Schools on social media.
For more information about Chatham County Schools, please contact CCS’s Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión, at (919) 542-3626 or visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us.
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Media Contact:
Jessica Pasión
jpasion@chatham.k12.nc.us
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 9,000 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, anπd engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.
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