FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Photo caption: Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson receives the 2026 Duke Energy Annual Citizenship and Service Award
Photo credit: Chatham County schools
Dr. Anthony D. Jackson Receives 2026 Duke Energy Annual Citizenship and Service Award
Chatham County, N.C. — On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson received the 2026 Duke Energy Annual Citizenship and Service Award during the Chatham County Chamber’s 79th Annual Meeting & Economic Outlook Brunch, recognizing his leadership, civic engagement, and measurable impact on the community.
Presented in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce, the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award honors individuals and organizations for outstanding volunteerism and service over a 12-month period. The recognition highlights leaders who use their time, talent, and compassion to strengthen their communities and improve quality of life.
Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Chatham County Schools (CCS) achieved several historic milestones that advanced student outcomes while reinforcing the district’s role as a cornerstone of Chatham County’s economic vitality.
Among the district’s most notable accomplishments during Dr. Jackson’s tenure include:
Development and Implementation of the ONE Chatham Five-Year Strategic Plan, providing a clear, community-informed roadmap focused on academic excellence, student well-being, operational effectiveness, and strong family and community partnerships.
Cognia Accreditation and designation as a 2023–2024 Cognia District of Distinction, one of only 53 districts nationwide to receive the honor this year, recognizing excellence in continuous improvement and high-quality instruction.
Ranked #1 in North Carolina for overall student growth, demonstrating exceptional academic progress across grade levels.
The highest graduation rate in district history, reflecting improved academic performance, student support systems, and postsecondary readiness.
Launch of the Yondr Pouch Program, creating distraction-free learning environments that strengthen student engagement and instructional focus across campuses.
Creation of the ONE Academy, an innovative alternative-model high school offering a flexible structure to better meet the diverse academic and personal needs of students.
Expansion of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), strengthening college and career readiness, academic rigor, and student achievement.
Collectively, these initiatives demonstrated a strategic, systems-level approach to improvement, one that aligned educational excellence with community growth.
A strong public school system is one of the most significant indicators of a county’s economic health. High-performing districts attract families, support workforce development, increase property values, and influence business recruitment and retention decisions. In Chatham County, the progress of CCS under Dr. Jackson’s leadership has strengthened the county’s competitive position as a place where businesses can invest confidently, knowing that the local workforce pipeline is supported by innovative and high-achieving schools.
By prioritizing focused learning environments, strategic planning, innovative school models, and expanded college and career readiness programs, Dr. Jackson has positioned CCS as both an educational leader and an essential economic partner within the community.
In accepting the award, Dr. Jackson emphasized the collective effort behind the district’s progress.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of the Board of Education, students, educators, staff, families, and community partners,” Dr. Jackson said. “Together, we have built momentum that not only benefits ALL students in Chatham County, but the entire Chatham County community.”
For more information about the Chatham CountyChamber of Commerce, visit https://www.chathamchambernc.org/. For more information about Chatham County Schools and its academic programs, please visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us or contact Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión.
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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 8,900 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, and engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.