Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten stopped by Chatham Early College to welcome staff back as they prepare for students to return later this week. We are grateful for the educators and staff who help every student thrive and can't wait to see what this year brings.
Go Octopi! 💜 #OneChatham #ForwardTogether
Join us tonight for the Board of Education Regular Session at 5:30pm at Central Services (468 Renaissance Drive; Pittsboro, NC 27312).
Can't make it in person? Watch live on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ChathamCountySchools.


Chatham County Schools is proud to announce that the district's Public Relations Department has been recognized nationally by the National School Public Relations Association's (NSPRA) 2026 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards!
This prestigious national recognition honors excellence in education communications, and entries are evaluated by experienced, award-winning communication professionals.
Chatham County Schools earned an honor for their video package, Teaching Truth: A Rural School’s Study of the Camps America Built. The video features Ms. Amy King’s class at Chatham Central and their partnership with National Geographic Explorer, Ms. Haruka Sakaguchi, studying her project "The Camps America Built", showing the effects of generational trauma from Japanese internment camps during WWII.
To view the video, click the link here: https://youtu.be/N7jqpkVPIH4?si=w1PjaLOsjmdnfle4
To view more about the 2026 NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, click the link here: https://www.nspra.org/Awards/Award-Winners/Publications-and-Digital-Media-Excellence-Winners-2026
#OneChatham















A big thank you to UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School for giving our students the opportunity to strengthen their critical thinking and leadership skills and a chance to present strategy ideas to the Chatham Park YMCA. This Academy also allowed our students to explore goal-setting strategies, helping them prepare for the college application process and future success.
We’re proud of these students for investing in their futures!
#OneChatham

At the same time, staff proudly welcomed their new principal, Dr. Mallory Heffelfinger, with open arms and excited hearts.
Thank you, Dr. Neal, and welcome to the Panther family, Dr. Heffelfinger! #OneChatham






🖍️ Pre-K enrollment is still OPEN to families for Chatham County Schools! ✏️
Families can apply online for the 2026–2027 school year and secure a spot for your student in our 5-star Pre-K programs. Pre-K classes follow the school calendar, with financial assistance options available for qualifying families.
Pre-K is available at the following school sites:
Bennett (also available for 3-year olds)
Chatham Grove
North Chatham
Perry Harrison
Pittsboro
Siler City
Virginia Cross
Our Pre-K classrooms require a minimum enrollment of 16 children to remain open. Enrollment is considered complete once all application materials have been submitted.
If a classroom does not reach the required enrollment and must close, we are committed to supporting families through this transition. When possible, we will offer placement at another school site with available space. For families enrolled in NC Pre-K, we will also work closely with the Partnership for Children to help identify placement at another licensed child care center. Families are encouraged to complete the enrollment process as early as possible.
Learn more and apply today: chatham.k12.nc.us/page/pre-kindergarten
#OneChatham #PreKEnrollment #ElevateChatham




🎉 Please join us in welcoming Dr. Mallory Heffelfinger as the new principal of Bennett School!
Dr. Heffelfinger has served Chatham County Schools since 2023 at North Chatham Elementary School and will officially begin her new role at Bennett on Monday, July 27.
We’re excited to welcome her to the Bennett School community! Details about an upcoming opportunity for students and families to meet Dr. Heffelfinger will be shared soon. Stay tuned!
🔗 Read the press release : https://aptg.co/VPKCLx
#ONEChatham

✨ The Power of Connection, Communication, and Community ✨
Our June 2026 district highlights video is here! Take a few minutes to celebrate the moments, milestones, and stories that brought our schools together across the district.
🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/3fZttQGrkS4
#ONEChatham
Join us tonight for the Board of Education Regular Session at 5:30pm at Central Services (468 Renaissance Drive; Pittsboro, NC 27312).
Can't make it in person? Watch live on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ChathamCountySchools.
#ONEChatham


This week, school leaders spent time in Raleigh for Opportunity Culture training, focused on strengthening instructional leadership, supporting teachers, and expanding student access to excellent teaching across Chatham County Schools.
Summer may be here, but our leaders are still learning, growing, and preparing for a strong year ahead. 💪✨
#ONEChatham


CCS is excited to welcome our newest learners!
Kindergarten registration is open for the upcoming school year.
We look forward to partnering with your family as your child begins their school journey in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
📌 Learn more and register today: https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/student-enrollment
#ONEChatham
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¡CCS está feliz de dar la bienvenida a nuestros nuevos estudiantes!
La inscripción para kindergarten ya está abierta para el próximo año escolar.
Estamos emocionados de trabajar junto con su familia mientras su hijo/a comienza su camino escolar en un lugar seguro, de apoyo y divertido para aprender.
📌 Aprenda más e inscriba a su hijo/a hoy: https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/student-enrollment

After serving our district as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, today's ceremony marked the official beginning of Dr. Batten's tenure as superintendent. Surrounded by colleagues and Board of Education members, Dr. Batten took the oath of office and stepped into this new leadership role with a continued commitment to serving the students, staff, families, and communities of Chatham County.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Batten on this exciting milestone and wishing him continued success as he leads #OneChatham into the future. 👏
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¡Felicitamos al Dr. Kelly Batten, quien esta mañana tomó oficialmente posesión de su cargo como Superintendente de las Escuelas del Condado Chatham!
Tras haber servido a nuestro distrito como Superintendente Auxiliar de Recursos Humanos, la ceremonia de hoy marcó el inicio oficial del mandato del Dr. Batten como superintendente. Acompañado por colegas y miembros de la Junta de Educación, el Dr. Batten prestó juramento y asumió este nuevo cargo de liderazgo con el firme compromiso de continuar sirviendo a los estudiantes, al personal, a las familias y a las comunidades del Condado Chatham.
Acompáñenos a felicitar al Dr. Batten por este importante logro y a desearle mucho éxito mientras lidera el futuro de #OneChatham. 👏




Carla Murray, previously the Executive Director of Elementary Instruction, has been named Deputy Chief of Academic Services & School Leadership.
Dr. Michelle Burton, former Executive Director of Secondary Education & Career and Technical Education, has been named Deputy Chief of Student Support & Innovative Programs.
Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten shared that both leaders bring experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to supporting students, staff, and schools across Chatham County.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Burton and Ms. Murray on their new roles!
#OneChatham #ElevateChatham

We're recruiting Multi-Classroom Leaders (MCLs) to support teachers, lead instructional excellence, and accelerate student learning across Chatham County Schools. If you're ready to make an impact beyond your own classroom, we'd love to hear from you. #OneChatham
Visit the Chatham County Schools website to apply today: https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/employment
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📣 ¿Está buscando su próxima oportunidad de liderazgo en educación?
Estamos buscando Líderes de Múltiples Aulas (Multi-Classroom Leaders, MCL) para apoyar a los maestros, liderar la excelencia educativa y acelerar el aprendizaje estudiantil en Las Escuelas del Condado Chatham. Si está listo(a) para ampliar su impacto más allá de su propia aula, ¡nos encantaría conocerle! #OneChatham
Visite el sitio web de Chatham County Schools para presentar su solicitud hoy mismo: https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/employment


June 11 – August 24, with multiple mobile routes available Monday–Friday
Check out the flyers for locations, times, and additional details!
#OneChatham #ElevateChatham


Our Summer Sendoff brings together important information for Chatham County Schools families in one easy-to-use resource document. Whether you're looking for fun literacy programs, summer meals, enrollment information, technology tips, or family resources, we've got you covered. Links are below.
🔗 English: https://aptg.co/PkJs5q
🔗 Español: https://aptg.co/C8-64T
Have a great summer break! #OneChatham
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☀️ ¡El verano ya está aquí, y también nuestra Guía de Recursos para el Verano para ayudar a su familia a aprovecharlo al máximo!
Nuestra Guía de Recursos para el Verano reúne en un solo lugar información importante para las familias de las Escuelas del Condado de Chatham. Ya sea que esté buscando programas de lectura, comidas para el verano, información sobre inscripciones, consejos sobre tecnología o recursos para las familias, ¡aquí encontrará todo lo que necesita! Los enlaces están a continuación.
🔗 English: https://aptg.co/PkJs5q
🔗 Español: https://aptg.co/C8-64T
¡Les deseamos unas excelentes vacaciones de verano! #OneChatham

By putting books directly into students’ hands, Books on Break helps foster a lifelong love of reading, while reducing summer learning loss and supporting continued academic growth! #OneChatham










We’re proud of their commitment to making a difference in the Chatham County Schools community! To read more about this impact project, click the link: https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/article/2988601
#OneChatham #ElevateChatham





