In November 2013, the Chatham Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors unanimously approved a motion to adopt a resolution supporting the 7,100-acre Chatham Park project. The resolution was written and signed by Larry Hicks and Keith Hurand, board co-chairs at the time, on November 26, 2013. Since that time, the Chatham EDC has publicly promoted and supported the mixed-use development.
Month: February 2015
Former teacher union lobbyist comes out in support of school choice
Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC) President Darrell Allison announced today that the organization is teaming up with former North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) Chief Lobbyist Brian Lewis to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that works for them. “Darrell and I have participated in many public forums and media interviews in which we’ve stood on opposing sides of parental school choice,” Lewis said. “But we’ve also had – over the past many years –honest, candid conversations about how we can improve the quality of education our children receive. I have also had real personal experience around this as well, and all of this has led me to believe that if we continue to take a ‘public schools only’ approach to education, we will continue to fail our children.”
North Carolina school grades: Don’t get lost in the noise
On February 5, North Carolina released A-F grades for all traditional public and charter schools. News outlets have been all over the story and pundits are angling to put a spin on what is expected to be a tough day for many schools. For the past several days, public school officials have been bracing themselves for what they expect to be a torrent of bad publicity and questions. Officials at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction have been coaching local officials about how to explain results. If they didn’t see a need they wouldn’t do so.
Can a redistricting panel avoid politics?
Kudos to Senate leader Phil Berger for his incisive answer as to whether he would support an independent redistricting commission. According to Gary Robertson of the Associated Press, Berger said: “I have yet to see a so-called independent redistricting commission that is truly independent. … I’m still out there looking for that nonpartisan soul that really has no opinion about politics one way or the other that has an informational background in politics.” Common sense and the experience of other states show how difficult – or even quixotic – the quest for a nonpartisan commission is.
Free energy conservation workshop will save you money
Chatham homeowners can save a load of money in the coming months and years and help to create a more sustainable community for all. The Pittsboro Presbyterian Church Eco-Justice group is making it easy to get started by hosting a free Home Energy Conse…
Free energy conservation workshop will save you money
Chatham homeowners can save a load of money in the coming months and years and help to create a more sustainable community for all. The Pittsboro Presbyterian Church Eco-Justice group is making it easy to get started by hosting a free Home Energy Conse…
Chatham County Schools concerned about School Report Cards
On February 5, 2015, the State Board of Education released the annual School Report Cards. School Report Cards have been provided for parents and communities since 2002. Report Card data is available for each school, for each school district, and for the state’s education system as a whole. For the first time, schools will be assigned a letter grade A-F to reflect overall student academic achievement and growth in the school. The letter grades are based on student proficiency (80%) and academic growth (20%). Schools will send home Report Card Snapshot letters between February 5-27, 2015.
Golden LEAF commits $50 Million to entice automobile manufacturer to NC
The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors announced that it has reserved $50 million to provide support for the location of an automobile manufacturing facility within the borders of North Carolina. “The state is readying itself to win and host thi…
Chatham Chamber of Commerce confident about county schools
On February 5, 2015, the North Carolina State Board of Education released School Report Card information for the 2013-2014 school year. The Chatham Chamber of Commerce has submitted a letter of concern to the legislative delegation of Chatham County. The letter highlights the Chamber’s confidence in the Chatham County School District. Furthermore, the Chamber requests that the release of School Report Card letter grades be delayed until a formula is created that provides an accurate reflection of student growth and achievement
Chatham County Schools wants to hear from you
Heard about Chatham County Schools’ annual budget survey? Want to help shape the district’s funding priorities and the future of our schools? Now’s your chance to make a difference! We’re asking all our parents, employees and community members to share their views on our district and school-based programs and services in our Budget Priorities Survey. We expect we will once again be asked to do more with less, so your input is critical as we make tough decisions that will impact every student. All responses will be confidential.