By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – At a recent 79West Breakfast event, Chatham County School Superintendent Anthony Jackson delivered a presentation that outlined the district’s commitment to fostering a nurturing educational environment focused on student success and community engagement. Emphasizing the importance of preparing students for an ever-evolving future, Jackson highlighted key initiatives, strategic planning, and innovative programs aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of students and staff alike.
A Passion for Education
Superintendent Anthony Jackson opened his speech with an enthusiasm for his role as an educator, expressing his love for working with children and the dedicated adults in the Chatham County Schools system. Jackson outlined his commitment to fostering a vibrant educational environment that prioritizes the needs of students and the community.
“I love what I do. I love being an educator,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for both students and staff. Jackson’s passion was evident as he shared his personal health journey, urging others to prioritize their well-being. “Life should come first,” he stated, advocating for a “life work balance” that encourages individuals to take care of themselves before they can effectively contribute to their roles in education. As he embarks on his fifth year in this role, Jackson reflected on the progress made and the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
The Importance of Community Support
One of the key themes of Jackson’s speech was the significance of community support in the educational process. He expressed gratitude for the stable School Board that has been instrumental in guiding the district’s efforts. “We are very fortunate to have a board that makes good decisions and they support their leader,” Jackson stated, reflecting on the collaborative atmosphere that has allowed the district to thrive. He sees this partnership with the community is essential for creating a nurturing environment where students can excel.
Strategic Planning for Success
Jackson discussed the strategic direction of Chatham County Schools, which has undergone significant development since he began his tenure nearly five years ago. The district’s strategic plan, known as the “One Chatham” initiative, aims to prepare students for future opportunities rather than merely reflecting on past educational practices. This vision is driven by the understanding that students today are on a different journey than those of previous generations.
The strategic plan identifies several key areas of focus: curriculum and innovation, student health and safety, faculty and staff recruitment, facilities and infrastructure, and effective communication with the community. Jackson emphasized the importance of transparency in the district’s operations, stating that progress is regularly reported to the community, allowing parents and stakeholders to stay informed about the district’s achievements and challenges.
Preparing Students for Tomorrow
Jackson’s address also touched on the need to prepare students for a future that is vastly different from the past. He noted that students today have aspirations that reflect the changing job landscape, citing answers like “TikTok influencer” when asked about future careers. “We want to prepare our kids for what’s on the horizon tomorrow,” he said, stressing the importance of adapting educational practices to meet the evolving needs of students.
Fostering Student Growth
One of the most notable aspects of Jackson’s address was his commitment to nurturing student growth through a well-rounded educational experience. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for students to excel in three primary areas: the arts, academics, and athletics.
In the arts, Jackson celebrated recent accomplishments, such as the recognition of the jazz band director of the year and successful performances of school musicals like “Frozen” and the upcoming “Matilda.” He noted that students are thriving in fine arts programs, with many receiving accolades for their performances.
In terms of athletics, Jackson acknowledged the valuable life lessons that students gain from participating in sports, regardless of whether they achieve fame or recognition. He pointed out that athletic participation fosters teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that will serve students well beyond their school years.
Academically, Jackson reported on the district’s success in various competitions, including quiz bowls and statewide programs that encourage innovation and problem-solving. He also mentioned the dual language program, which enhances students’ language skills and cultural awareness.
Role of Chatham County Schools in the Community
Superintendent Jackson emphasized the significant role that Chatham County Schools play within the community, noting that the district is the largest employer in the area. With an enrollment of approximately 9,000 students, the school system operates on a budget of around $150 million annually. This extensive operation includes serving over one million meals each year and providing transportation for nearly 3,000 students daily, covering over a million miles.
Enhancing Student Safety and Well-Being
Recognizing the challenges faced by students and families, Jackson introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting mental health and wellness. One such program is “Daybreak,” which offers teletherapy services for families in need. Jackson highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health of both students and staff, stating, “If a kid is not healthy and whole, they cannot learn.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety and well-being of students has become a top priority for Chatham County Schools. Jackson outlined various measures implemented to enhance school safety, including the use of technology to monitor online interactions and support mental health initiatives.
The district has introduced programs such as “Gaggle” to monitor student activity online and “GoGuardian” to help teachers manage student devices during class. Additionally, the “Yonder Pouch” initiative encourages students to store their phones during school hours, minimizing distractions and fostering engagement in the classroom. Jackson reported positive outcomes from this pilot program, including reduced disciplinary issues and increased student interaction.
Community Engagement
As Jackson concluded his address, he reiterated the importance of community involvement in the success of Chatham County Schools. He encouraged parents, community members, and stakeholders to stay engaged and support the district’s initiatives. “We want to partner with you,” he said, emphasizing that the success of students ultimately depends on collaboration between schools and the community.
Q&A with Chatham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jackson
Watch on YouTube – Part 1 – Chatham County School superintendent Anthony Jackson speaks at 79West Breakfast – 3.4.25
Chatham County Schools Superintendent Anthony Jackson discusses education, wellness, and preparing students for future challenges.
00:17 Superintendent Jackson emphasizes community support and personal wellness in education.
- Jackson expresses his enthusiasm for working with children and dedicated staff in a supportive community.
- He speaks on the importance of prioritizing personal wellness and life-work balance for educators.
02:28 Chatham County Schools aim to prepare students for future opportunities.
- The educational focus is shifting to align with the aspirations and realities of today’s students, such as careers in digital content creation.
- A stable school board supports clear strategic goals, fostering a positive environment for both accountability and growth in the school system.
04:30 Chatham County Schools’ strategic plan emphasizes safety, innovation, and community engagement.
- The plan prioritizes student health and safety, ensuring schools provide a supportive environment for growth.
- Community engagement shapes the plan, with regular updates on progress and transparency about achievements and challenges.
06:34 Chatham County Schools emphasize community and student success through arts, academics, and athletics.
- The school district focuses on providing opportunities in the arts, celebrating achievements like a top jazz band and successful theatrical productions.
- Students excel academically and athletically, participating in statewide competitions, learning valuable life lessons, and developing skills for future success.
08:40 Chatham County Schools is a vital community operation with significant impact.
- The district serves about 9,000 students and is the largest employer in Chatham County, managing a $150 million operation.
- Annually, the schools provide over a million meals free of charge and transport nearly 3,000 students across a vast geographical area.
11:22 Chatham County prioritizes student safety and mental health support.
- The school system values its bus drivers, ensuring good work conditions and recognizing their role in student safety.
- Post-pandemic, initiatives like Daybreak offer teletherapy to families, addressing mental health for students and adults for better learning outcomes.
13:24 Innovative measures are introduced to enhance student safety and focus in Chatham County Schools.
- Teletherapy provides convenient mental health support, addressing insurance needs for students with limited access.
- The Yonder pouch limits phone distractions in classrooms, allowing teachers to focus on effective learning without policing students.
15:38 Chatham County Schools report improved student engagement and discipline through phone management.
- The pilot program at five schools led to reduced discipline issues and increased academic achievement.
- Teachers noticed heightened student interaction and engagement, with students conversing more in school settings.