Photo Caption: Mr. Chris Blice, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Operations for Chatham County Schools
Photo credit: Chatham County Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2025
Chatham County Schools Conducts Districtwide Reunification Drill to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness
PITTSBORO, N.C. — On Thursday, October 2, Chatham County Schools (CCS), in collaboration with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency management partners, conducted a districtwide reunification drill designed to test and refine the district’s emergency response and student-family reunification procedures.
The exercise simulated a crisis situation at George Moses Horton Middle School that required the activation of reunification protocols and the safe relocation of students to a designated site at Seaforth High School. During the drill, CCS staff, law enforcement, and transportation teams worked together to practice communication, coordination, and safety procedures to ensure the effective reunification of students with their families.
“This type of training is essential for ensuring that our staff and partners are prepared to respond quickly, communicate clearly, and prioritize student safety in the event of an actual emergency,” said Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Superintendent of Chatham County Schools. “We’re grateful for the collaboration and professionalism shown by our district staff, law enforcement, and community partners throughout this process.”
Dr. Bradford J. Walston, Director of Operations for Chatham County Schools, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement through exercises like this one. “Today’s drill allowed us to see our reunification plan in action and identify ways to make our processes even stronger,” Walston said. “Our goal is to ensure that every student is safe and that every family can trust the systems we have in place should an emergency ever occur.”
The reunification drill is part of CCS’s ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness and school safety. The district regularly partners with law enforcement and first responders to evaluate and strengthen its safety plans, communication protocols, and crisis response procedures.
A short video, The Other Side of Safety - Reunification in Action, highlighting the drill and its objectives can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/3lfxqXrLw3Y?si=P1rEz2SXz1jaM7dL
Chatham County Schools extends sincere appreciation to all participating schools, agencies, and staff members who helped make the drill a success.
---
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 8,900 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.
###