FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026
Chatham County Schools Receives National Recognition for Championing Music Education for the Eighth Year in a Row
PITTSBORO, N.C. – Chatham County Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education for the eighth year in a row. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
“Arts education is a vital part of how we support the whole child in Chatham County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson. “By investing in the arts, we nurture creativity, strengthen academic growth, and ensure every student is supported socially and emotionally as well as intellectually.”
Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
For more information about Chatham County Schools, visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us, or contact Chatham County Schools Public Information Officer Jessica Pasión.
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Media Contact:
Jessica Pasión
Public Information Officer
Chatham County Schools
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
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, and 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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