Chatham County Schools superintendent previews school year as state and federal cuts tighten budget

Dr. Jackson, superintendent of Chatham County Schools, told the Chatham County Board of Education on Aug. 11 the district is prepared for the 2025–26 school year but expects financial and operational challenges following state and federal funding changes.

He said the district set clear academic goals after a leadership retreat, including moving all schools to at least a C this year and aiming for all schools to be B or above the following year. “This is the last year that C will be on there,” Dr. Jackson said, adding a 92 percent graduation-rate target and plans to reduce district turnover by 15 percent while increasing parent and community engagement by 25 percent.

The superintendent listed several operational and budgetary realities. He reported 23 teacher vacancies districtwide and steady overall enrollment while the district transitions from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus for student records. He warned that legislative and funding uncertainty has left some items unresolved and said staff are continuing recruitment and data-cleaning efforts.

Dr. Jackson described a change affecting advanced placement students: the state no longer will cover AP exam fees except for students designated as in need. He said the fee is approximately $98 per exam and that families who qualify for existing waivers may reduce but not eliminate the cost. Doctor Burton, who later briefed the board on AP funding, put last year’s AP exam volume at 1,485 tests, valued at about $145,000 in previously covered costs.

He also told the board the district lost 51 NC pre-K slots because of state program cuts and that a recently passed stopgap state budget provides limited increases: “There are no raises and no step increases for anyone. I mean, there are only step increases,” he said, explaining the net effect is a negative fiscal impact when combined with rising retirement and health costs.

On technology and student devices, the board has authorized holding families financially responsible for full repair or replacement costs for school-issued devices and chargers. Dr. Jackson said this is intended to ensure stewardship of district resources after significant repair costs.

The board evaluated Dr. Jackson’s performance in the board’s yearly review and indicated he was eligible for a 5 percent performance bonus under his contract. Dr. Jackson asked the board to waive the bonus this year because of the financial pressures on schools; the board also agreed to add a year to his contract, extending it to June 2029, and made that known publicly at the meeting.

Despite budget pressures, Dr. Jackson expressed confidence about the coming year and highlighted administrative changes: six internal promotions to principal posts (Early College, Jordan Matthews, Chatham [Bridal in transcript], Bonley, North Chatham and Moncure), the return of staff for convocation and the district’s ongoing efforts to support students and teachers.

The superintendent closed by urging community support and transparency as the district handles the coming year’s challenges.

Ending: The board moved on to information and action items after the superintendent’s report; the meeting record captured multiple subsequent agenda votes and updates on specific programs and contracts.