By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County Schools have made significant strides in academic performance, achieving notable growth and ranking improvements over the past few years. At the 79°West breakfast club superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson presented a comprehensive overview of the district’s achievements, challenges, and future plans, highlighting how the community can support ongoing success.
Exceeding State Standards
In his presentation, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson shared encouraging news about the district’s academic performance. For the first time in several years, Chatham County Schools exceeded growth expectations, ranking 15th in the state for third through eighth-grade reading—a significant leap from 48th place just seven years ago. The district also saw improvements in high school performance, with English II scores ranking 13th statewide.
Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of distinguishing between growth and achievement, noting that while some schools did not meet growth targets, the overall performance across the district was commendable. “We want every student healthy, whole, and productive,” he stated, underscoring the district’s commitment to support for all learners.
Consistent Improvement Across Schools
The data highlighted that 100% of schools in the district met or exceeded growth expectations, showcasing a collective effort towards academic excellence. Schools like Virginia Cross have been recognized as outliers, consistently exceeding growth for nine consecutive years despite challenges, such as 95% of students entering kindergarten unprepared.
Dr. Jackson pointed out that the growth index for schools is crucial for understanding performance. Anything above a 2.0 is considered exceeding growth, while scores below -2.0 indicate a need for improvement. He noted that the district’s schools have been actively working to address these disparities and ensure that all students are given the opportunity to succeed.
Graduation Rates on the Rise
The district’s graduation rates reflect this upward trend, with a reported rate of 89.7% for the current year, rounded up to 90% by the state. The five-year cohort graduation rate also stands at 90%, indicating that the district is committed to supporting all students, regardless of their timeline for graduation. Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of tracking these rates, stating, “We don’t throw anyone away; every single person has the ability to be successful.”
Anticipating Population Increases
As the community continues to grow, so too does the demand for educational resources. Dr. Jackson shared projections indicating an expected increase of approximately 5,300 students over the next decade, contingent upon resolving ongoing water issues in the area. With demographers labeling these growth projections as “extremely conservative,” the district is preparing for a significant influx of students.
Plans are already in motion to accommodate this growth, including the construction of a new elementary school in North Village and the addition of modular classrooms at Pollard School.
Addressing Infrastructure Needs
The district’s facilities are also undergoing improvements to meet the demands of a growing student population. Gymnasiums at Bennett, Bonlee, and Silk Hope schools are in the process of being upgraded, ensuring that students have access to modern facilities that enhance their educational experience. Dr. Jackson acknowledged the nostalgia associated with older buildings but emphasized the need for progress, stating, “We can do better.”
Supporting Community and Workforce Development
With nearly 60% of educators living outside Chatham County, Dr. Jackson highlighted the challenges of competitive compensation, affordable housing, and child care as barriers to attracting and retaining quality teachers. He stressed the importance of community support in addressing these issues, urging residents to consider the long-term implications of a strong local education system.
“We have to decide if that’s the kind of community we want for our kids, because right now they’re their teachers are going to the grocery store in Durham and Raleigh and Ashboro,” he said, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to create solutions that benefit both educators and families.
Fostering Communication Among Schools
Dr. Jackson expressed a desire to open lines of communication with other educational entities in the area, emphasizing that all schools serve the same students. He believes that collaboration can lead to better outcomes for children and families, stating that he wants to have that conversation about what choices we are offering our families.
His experience in both traditional public schools and charter schools has shaped his approach, as he aims to promote high-quality education regardless of the school type. “I am anti-bad school; I want good schools for our kids,” he declared.
Preparing Students for the Future
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, Dr. Jackson emphasized the necessity of preparing students for a world that includes artificial intelligence and digital literacy. “We can’t prepare our kids for the school systems that we had; we have to prepare them for the world that is changing,” he stated.
This commitment to innovation extends to curriculum development, with a focus on equipping students with the skills needed to navigate and succeed in a digital landscape.
As Chatham County Schools continue to navigate growth and challenges, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the opportunities for improvement and success far outweigh the obstacles. “Our school system is stable, it’s strong, and it’s getting better every day,” he affirmed.
Watch on YouTube – Part 2 – Chatham County School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson – 3.4.25
Chatham County Schools’ Academic Growth and Performance Updates by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson – March 2025.
00:16 Chatham County schools show significant academic growth and progress this year.
- Most schools exceeded growth expectations, with 100% meeting student proficiency standards.
- Chatham County improved from 48th to 15th in state reading rankings over the past seven years.
02:20 Virginia Cross School excels despite demographic challenges.
- 95% of incoming kindergartners are not ready, highlighting the school’s commitment to improving student readiness.
- Virginia Cross consistently ranks among the top three schools in the region, outperforming state averages in multiple subjects.
04:23 Projected school enrollment growth indicates positive community changes.
- Chatham County is expected to see an increase of approximately 5,300 students over the next decade, driven by improvements in local infrastructure.
- Demographic predictions suggest that current growth estimates are conservative, indicating even greater future enrollment increases.
06:34 Chatham County School plans new developments to address growth needs.
- The district acknowledges the need for new projects due to rising student numbers and business growth.
- Plans include a new elementary school in North Village and temporary modular classrooms at Pollard to meet immediate capacity needs.
08:29 Chatham County prepares for anticipated school growth and infrastructure needs.
- Plans for a new school in Southern Village address potential growth and unanticipated needs.
- Enhanced monitoring of growth patterns occurs twice a year to inform necessary school constructions.
10:33 Chatham County faces challenges in education, safety, and teacher recruitment.
- The district struggles with competitive compensation and aims to close the achievement gap for student success.
- There is a need for better communication among local schools, with a focus on improving safety and affordable housing for educators.
12:35 Preparing students for a changing world requires innovation and addressing workforce challenges.
- The education system needs to adapt to technological advancements like AI, teaching students to navigate a digital world.
- Current workforce challenges include teacher compensation, child care, housing, and elder care, affecting recruitment and retention of educators.
14:45 Chatham County School System is improving and needs community support.
- The school system is stable and enhancing daily, focused on better opportunities for students.
- Community involvement is essential to support programs like dual language, athletics, and academics, celebrating successes and addressing challenges.