FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2025
Chatham County Schools and Chatham County Sheriff's Office Lead Countywide School Safety Collaboration
PITTSBORO, N.C. — This week, Chatham County Schools, in close partnership with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, convened a vital School Security and Reunification Collaboration meeting, bringing together leaders from local public, charter, and Montessori schools. The meeting focused on strengthening reunification protocols and enhancing emergency preparedness across all educational institutions in the county.
Held as part of an ongoing commitment to student safety, the session emphasized inter-school collaboration and transparent planning. Participants shared best practices, asked critical questions, and worked collectively toward a unified goal: ensuring that every school community in Chatham County is well-prepared to respond to emergency situations and reunify students with their families safely and efficiently.
“Our shared goal is to build safer, more resilient learning environments for all Chatham County students,” said Dr. Bradford Walston, Director of Operations for Chatham County Schools. “True safety planning requires collaboration, and we’re proud to engage not just our district schools, but all educational partners across the county. Every student deserves the highest level of preparedness, regardless of where they attend school.”
The initiative was met with appreciation and enthusiasm from school leaders across the county. Mr. Cotton Bryan, Principal of Woods Charter School, expressed gratitude for the district’s inclusive leadership:
"It means a lot that you all reached out to us, especially when you don't have to," Mr. Bryan said. "I came away from the meeting with a heart full of gratitude for your thoughtfulness and leadership. It's clear you hold yourselves to a standard of excellence, and that is always inspiring."
The meeting reflects a growing trend in Chatham County toward cooperative, countywide solutions for school safety challenges, an approach that not only strengthens individual school plans but also bolsters community trust and resilience.
Chatham County Schools and the Sheriff's Office plan to continue these conversations through additional workshops and joint planning sessions in the coming months.
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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Contact:
Jessica Pasión
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.