Pittsboro, NC – On April 3, 2023, the Chatham County Board of Education approved three new district
employees.
Mr. John V. Wood was named the new Public Information Officer. Wood currently serves as the Assistant
Principal of Clayton High School. He has served as educator and coach for Durham and Johnston County
schools for the past 15 years. Wood also has several years of broadcast journalism experience, serving as
assignment editor and news producer for several stations across the country. Wood is currently in the
process of getting his Doctorate in education for K-12 Public Administration from NC State University.
“Chatham County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, and I am grateful for and
humbled by the opportunity to join this amazing school district.” Wood said. “I bring 30 years of
journalism and educational leadership experience to this position, and I hope to continue highlighting the
incredible things our students, staff, and community stakeholders are already doing. Being visible and
available to our stakeholders is a goal of mine, and I look forward to seeing every CCS campus.”
Mrs. Diane Sloan was named the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk. Sloan has
served Chatham County Schools in various capacities over the past decade, most recently as
Licensure/Benefits Specialist. Sloan has over 30 years of experience serving in bookkeeping and office
management roles for accounting and business firms, managing finances and client tax files.
“As a parent of two Northwood graduates and a Pittsboro resident, I have always felt a deep sense of
loyalty and dedication to this community,” said Sloan. “I feel confident that I can contribute to what
makes Chatham County Schools a special place to work, live and raise children. I hope that my efforts
will help facilitate the processes, practices and policies that help make Chatham County Schools a critical
part of the larger community.”
Ms. Melody Dark was named the Program Coordinator for One Academy. In this new role, Dark will lead
the district’s non-traditional programs that provide support to students who need an alternative pathway to their high school diploma. Dark has 18 years of service as an educator, all with Chatham County Schools.
She currently serves as Assistant Principal at George Moses Horton Middle School. Previously she served
as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and Healthful Living
Teacher during her 15-year tenure at Jordan-Matthews High School.
“This is home – so to serve the community that ultimately shaped me as a student, a person and a
professional is humbling and rewarding,” said Dark. “ It only seems natural for me to give back. I am
grateful for the opportunity to continue my mission to positively impact and uplift the students of
Chatham County.”
“We are extremely fortunate to have the internal capacity to fill these key vacancies from within and the
attractiveness to recruit and secure highly qualified external talent,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony
Jackson. “I look forward to working with all three of these individuals in their new roles.”