PITTSBORO — Board of Education member Melissa Hlavac announced her resignation on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, citing a need to devote more time to personal and professional endeavors.

“I feel honored and privileged to have served on the Chatham County Schools Board of Education for nearly eight years,” Hlavac said. “We’ve worked hard, navigated challenging decisions, and treated each other with respect, all while not betraying our deepest values. I’m proud of our board for its collective accomplishments on behalf of CCS as well as its steadfast support for our students, teachers, staff and administrators. … I have profound appreciation for my board colleagues with whom I have served, in particular Chairman Gary Leonard who leads with compassion and unwavering character, and has a keen ability to bridge the county’s history and future.”

Leonard praised Hlavac’s contributions during her time on the board. “Ms. Hlavac always brought thoughtful perspective to issues that came before the board,” he said. “She has tremendous intellect and we benefited from her ideas and thoroughness in examining challenges and opportunities. I want to thank her for her years of service with Chatham County Schools. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with her.”

Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson echoed Leonard’s comments, saying it has been a pleasure to work with Hlavac during the past year. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with Ms. Hlavac,” Jackson said. “I appreciate her openness to new and innovative ideas, her thoughtfulness and her devotion to ensuring that we always are doing what’s best for students in Chatham County. Her presence on the board will be missed.”

Pursuant to school board policy 2115 and North Carolina General Statute 115C-37(f), the board will begin the process of replacing Hlavac soon. Information on the process will be communicated in the near future. The person selected to serve will be on the board until 2024, and then the seat will be up for election.

Anyone with questions should contact Kristin Guthrie, clerk to the Board of Education, at kguthrie@chatham.k12.nc.us.