Speaking of Schools (News On The Hill)

Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Riza Jenkins spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 20. She discussed latest meeting of the board, which outlined the process for closing a school within a district, and a presentation on the enrollment and budget data that led to that discussion. She also discussed a couple of recent policy changes that have feedback coming in: the cellphone policy and the change to a block schedule at the secondary level. Andy Jenks also joined to talk about inclement weather procedures and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Chair Riza Jenkins appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange County School's Superintendent Danielle Jones and Board Member Will Atherton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, January 5. They discussed takeaways from the first half of the school year, what they are looking forward to in 2026, and more. They also discussed highlights from the district's 2025 state accountability results and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Orange County School’s Superintendent Danielle Jones and Board Chair Will Atherton appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

CHCCS Director of Technology Debby Atwater and Director of Digital Learning Al McArthur spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, October 15. They discussed the CoSN Aware, a recent distinction awarded to the district for protecting student data privacy. They also discussed the district's Digital Learning Plan, the technology roll out for the start of the year, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Director of Technology Debby Atwater and Director of Digital Learning Al McArthur appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chatham County School Public Information Officer Jessica Pasion spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 29, discussing district news and events. She talked about how the school year has gone in the first month, highlighted a recent accountability recognition the district received, and more. She also discussed the district's composite programs, which allow for marching band and soccer teams to form from several schools that might not have enough people to do that activity independently. She also previewed upcoming events and more.  The post Speaking of Schools: Chatham County Schools PIO Jessica Pasion appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Ashauna Harris spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 15. She discussed the district starting the year a 98 percent staffing, with the bulk of the open positions being Teaching Assistant positions. She talked about which community members qualify for those roles and who might be a good fit. She discussed teacher recruitment and retention practices, and what the next portion of the school year looks like for district Human Resources. Find more on open positions at CHCCS here. The post Speaking of Schools: Chief Human Resource Officer Ashauna Harris appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chatham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 25, discussing district news and events. He talked about the lead up to the first day school, and the district's theme for the year. He also talked about staffing, which is at its highest level since the pandemic, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Chatham County Schools Superintendent Anthony Jackson appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Rodney Trice joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 19. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Superintendent Rodney Trice on the New School Year appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, August 6. The post Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Andy Jenks, the chief communications officer for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 14. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 27, discussing district news and events. She talked about highlights from the school year that just concluded, what she's learned about Orange County Schools in her first year and a half as superintendent. She also talked about the budget,  and summer capital projects for the district. She discussed summer activities, including an upcoming back to school event and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 16.  He discussed the recently concluded school year, sharing highlights and surprises. He also talked about recently being named North Carolina's Principal of the Year, and what that means to him. He talked about the responsibilities the role includes, and how he expects it to impact the coming school year. He also talked about leading a school through leadership changes, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: North Carolina Principal of the Year and Orange High Principal Jason Johnson appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 10. She discussed her Middle School Art classroom and how she approaches teaching art to that grade level. She discussed highlights from the year and some of what she loves about teaching. She also discussed her appointment to Governor Stein's Teacher Advisory Committee, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

New Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 9. He discussed his first day on the job, as well as the journey to becoming the district's superintendent. He talked about what he wants his priorities to be as he begins in the role, including making listening to classroom teachers a focal point. He discussed this weekend's high school graduation ceremonies, and more. The post Speaking of School: New CHCCS Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Orange County Schools Mental Health Coordinator Daniel Kearns-Pickett spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 30. He discussed the upcoming Second Annual Orange County Schools Health and Wellness Fair at Orange High School on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. He talked about what would be at the Health and Wellness Fair, what motivated its creation initially, and who it is aiming to serve. He also discussed his journey in education, the importance of student mental health, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Daniel Kearns-Pickett on the OCS Health and Wellness Fair appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Vice Chair Riza Jenkins spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, April 21. She discussed the latest in the process of identifying the district's next superintendent. She also discussed the district's current budget discussions, the next steps on the capital improvement plan, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Vice Chair Riza Jenkins appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Director of Pre-K Programming Sophia Mapp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, March 3. She discussed the opportunities and challenges facing families with pre-K ages children, an upcoming registration event for pre-K, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Director of Pre-K Programming Sophia Mapp appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education George Griffin stopped by the studio with Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks to chat with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 28. They discussed snow days, makeup days, and what to expect through the rest of the winter season. Board Chair Griffin discussed the reasoning behind the 4x4 block schedule, and Andy talked about upcoming events to help families understand what will be different and how to register for courses. They also discussed other district news and events, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Chair George Griffin appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

ange County Schools Executive Director of Elementary Education Ambra Wilson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 21. She discussed an upcoming event called "Ready, Set, Kindergarten" that will be at the Orange County Sportsplex on Thursday, January 23. She discussed the motivation for the event, the logistics, what people can expect when they go, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Executive Director of Elementary Education Ambra Wilson appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carroboro City Schools Board Member and Orange County Bond Education Committee Member Rani Dasi spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 22. She discussed the upcoming school infrastructure bond on the ballot for Orange County voters this fall. She talked about the importance of the bond, what it would pay for, and the repercussions of the districts not being able to upgrade facilities.  The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS School Board Member Rani Dasi Talks School Bond and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Executive Director of Chatham Arts Cheryl Chamblee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 9. She discussed the 10th anniversary of Chatham Arts Artists in Schools Initiative, which puts local artists in residence at schools in Chatham County. She discussed the program expanding to 14 schools in Chatham, with the eventual goal of serving every school in the Chatham County School District. The Arts Council announced this year's roster of artists this week as part of Arts in Education Week. She shared specific stories of the program's impact, what comes next for the program, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Artists-In-Schools with Chatham Arts Executive Director Cheryl Chamblee appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 26. He discussed the first day of school reviewing highlights and looking ahead to the regular schedule of the school year, and more The post Speaking of Schools: Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Nyah Hamlett, the superintendent for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, drops by to speak with 97.9 The Hill on Monday, August 19. The post Speaking of Schools: Nyah Hamlett on CHCCS’ New School Year, Bond Plan, and Position Cuts appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Chair George Griffin, Vice Chair Riza Jenkins, and Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks all joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, July 15. They discussed the latest on the long-term facilities plan, the agenda for Thursday's board meeting, the rational behind reinstating student admission charges for school athletic events, and more. Andy Jenks talked about some upcoming district events and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Chair George Griffin and Vice Chair Riza Jenkins appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board of Education George Griffin spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 10. He discussed the upcoming high school graduation ceremonies for seniors in the district. He also talked about the district's proposed facilities plan and the bond referendum on November's ballot. He talked about the different possibilities in the plan, and how the community can engage with the board on this topic. He discussed the school board's decision vote in favor of block scheduling at the high school level, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Chair of the CHCCS School Board George Griffin Talks Facilities Plan, Bond, and More appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Deputy Superintendent Al Ciarochi and Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 22. They discussed the upcoming schools bond referendum coming to the ballot in November. They also shared further details on a proposal on the district's facility needs, including the plan for Estes Hills Elementary School, and expected outcomes for students, families, and staff. They also shared more details of the proposed bond. The post Speaking of Schools: School Bond, What’s Next for Estes Hills Elementary, New Middle Schools appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Pittsboro Elementary School Principal and Chatham County Schools Principal of the Year Lemondre Watson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 21. He discussed learning that he had been named Principal of the Year, some of his proudest accomplishments, some of his challenges, and more. He also confirmed that he does plan to return to Pittsboro Elementary School next year, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Chatham County Schools Principal of the Year Lemondre Watson of Pittsboro Elementary School appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Phillips Middle School Principal Tiffany Cheshire spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, April 29th. She talked about being named Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Principal of the Year. She recounted the story of learning that she had won the award during a large celebration at the school. She also talked about her journey at Phillips Middle School, and why the last couple of years have been so special. She also discussed upcoming events at the school and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Principal of the Year Tiffany Cheshire from Phillips Middle School appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Vice Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Riza Jenkins spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, February 26. They discussed some recent student protest walk-outs over the war in Gaza, and the districts position on student protests of this nature. She also talked about the district budget, a possible upcoming bond referendum, the biggest needs for the school district at this time, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Vice Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Riza Jenkins appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education Chair George Griffin spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, December 11. He discussed becoming the chair of the school board, welcoming new board members, and what is up next for the board. He also reviewed school safety protocols, talked about what families should keep in mind as winter break approaches, and what families new to the district should know. The post CHCCS Board of Education Chair George Griffin appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Al Ciarochi spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, October 16. He discussed the start of the school year from a facilities, operations, and transportation viewpoint. In addition to discussing safety and bussing at the start of the year, he also talked about the long-term capital needs of the districts, what buildings may be seeing upgrades in the near future, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Deputy Superintendent of Operations Al Ciarochi appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Rani Dasi spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 18th. She discussed the start of the school year, including the need to go into "Secure Mode' twice during the first three weeks of the school year. She also discussed other aspects of the school year beginning, and the recent state testing data made available from the state department of education. She also discussed the challenges of implementing some of the new state laws regarding public education.  The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Chair Rani Dasi appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Madeline Blobe and Associate Director For Support Sarita Allen joined 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com News Director Brighton McConnel.  They discussed the ongoing summer food and book drive, getting more supplies to teachers, and more. The post Teacher Feature: Madeline Blobe and Sarita Allen from the Public Schools Foundation appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Communications Director Andy Jenks joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 10. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS’ Andy Jenks on Summer Programs, School Board Elections appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Head of Athletics Scarlett Steinert, Culbreth Middle School Athletic Director, and legendary Culbreth Middle School teacher Johnny "Coach J" Miller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 12th.  The post Speaking of Schools: Culbreth AD Jon Evans, Johnny “Coach J” Miller and Director of Athletics Scarlet Steinert appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

For the May Teacher Feature, we check in with support staff in CHCCS who help provide mental health service to students and educators! Charlos Banks (the Chief of School Support and Wellness), Kelly Hotchkiss (the mental health specialist for Estes Hills Elementary and Culbreth Middle schools), and Ann Levin (the mental health specialist for Phoenix […] The post Speaking of Schools: Charlos Banks, Kelly Hotchkiss and Ann Levin appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Principal of the Year Minnie Goins from Seawell Elementary School and Assistant Principal of the year Jaime West from McDougle Middle School both joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, May 15th. They discussed highlights from this school year at their school's, what they think earned them their recognition this year, and some of the challenges facing their schools. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Administrators Minnie Goins and Jaimi West appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

D. Kelly Batten and Norma Boone from Chatham County Schools spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, April 24th.  They discussed the challenges facing schools in staying fully staffed, how Chatham County Schools has been able to beat that trend, and the advantages of working for Chatham County Schools.  They also discussed their new teacher mentor program, and an upcoming Job Fair for the district.  The post Speaking of Schools: Kelly Batten and Norma Boone from Chatham County Schools appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Rani Dasi spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, April 17th.  They discussed the naming of Chapel Hill High School teacher Kimberly Jones as the North Carolina Teacher of the Year.  They also discussed many of the challenges facing the district going forward, including upcoming budget decisions and how the state budget affects schools locally.  The post Speaking of Schools: Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Chair Rani Dasi appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell visited with three area teachers on Monday, March 27th for this month's Teacher Feature.  Veteran PE Teacher at Rashkis Elementary Michell Wood, Gifted Education Specialist at McDougle Elementary School Megan Thacker McDonnell, and Gifted Education Specialist at Culbreth Middle School Seema Anand all shared their experiences. The post Speaking of Schools Teacher Feature: Michelle Wood, Megan Thacker McDonnel and Seema Anand appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Senior Executive Director of Employee Recruitment, Learning, and Retention at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Ashauna Harris spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 21st.  She discussed the challenges around recruiting and maintaining school staff, and what CHCCS does differently. The post Speaking of Schools: Director of Employee Recruitment for CHCCS, Ashauna Harris appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

As pre-K programs are enrolling for Chatham County Schools, Pre-K Instructional Facilitator Cindy King and Executive Director of Federal Programs Carrie Little join 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to talk about early childhood education. The post Speaking of Schools: Cindy King and Carrie Little of Chatham County Schools appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

February’s Teacher Feature is focused on the efforts of some Carrboro High School students! Myles Jackson and Nevaeh’ Hodge of the Black and Brown Student Coalition join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Carrboro High’s Anna O’Connell to share what the student group has done to highlight Black History Month. The post Speaking of Schools: Myles Jackson, Nevaeh’ Hodge and Anna O’Connell appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Vice Chair of the CHCCS School Board George Griffin joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, February 20th.  He discussed the district's ongoing issues with bus routs, priorities for the upcoming budget, and more. The post Speaking of Schools: Vice Chair of CHCCS School Board George Griffin appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

East Chapel Hill High School Teacher Christine Sudzina Schut spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell.  Also joining the conversation was Sarita Allen and Christine Cotten from the Public Schools Foundation. The post Speaking of Schools: ECHHS Teacher Christine Sudzina Schut appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, January 23rd.  She discussed the N&O article that questioned her doctoral dissertation, gave a school health update, and discussed the idea of eliminating class rank. The post Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

Chapel Hill High School Director of Choirs John Benton, and 11th grade choir students Analise Ambrozic and Peyton Battle spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, December 12th. They discussed a recent trip to New York City. The post Speaking of Schools: Chapel Hill High School Concert Choir appeared first on Chapelboro.com.

97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell visited with three educators from CHCCS AVID Program--Lead Gifted Ed. Specialist and Lead High School AVID Coordinator Nicholas Winstead, veteran AVID teacher Joanne McClelland, and AVID Alum Jodeci Farrington from Sewell Elementary School.  They discussed the AVID program. The post Speaking of Schools: Nicholas Winstead, Joanne McClelland and Jodeci Farrington appeared first on Chapelboro.com.