Speaking of Schools Archives

Discussing Absenteeism During Attendance Awareness Month at CHCCS — Speaking of Schools (October 19, 2026)

Posted by Brighton McConnell | Oct 19, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

CHCCS’ Ally Scercy, Ashanti Keitt and Allison Crosetto speak with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Monday, October 19 about absenteeism.

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Speaking of Schools: Sandra Blefko of Orange County Schools and Marlyn Valeiko of Orange County Civil Rights

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Oct 12, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Sandra Blefko, OCS Family and Community Outreach Coordinator and Marlyn Valeiko, Language Access & Community Specialist for Orange County spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, October 12. They discussed “Empoderando: Conectando con Nuestra Cultura,” a community event coming up at Orange High School on Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. They discussed what people can expect at the event, how it came to be in the first place, and what future collaborations may happen between the school district and the Office of Civil Rights.

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Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Board Chair Riza Jenkins

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Sep 28, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Chair Riza Jenkins spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 28. She discussed the recent process of filling the vacant school board seat after Rani Dasi’s appointment to the Orange County Commissioners. She also discussed welcoming new board member Tongde Wu. She discussed upcoming feedback opportunities for the community as the board considers elementary school redistricting, updates the early school year transportation situation, and more.

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Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones — (September 21, 2026)

Posted by Brighton McConnell | Sep 21, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, September 21.

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Speaking of Schools: Rachel Rossi and Jennifer Tang from Glenwood PTA (September 14, 2026)

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Sep 14, 2026 | On Air Today (PM), Speaking of Schools

Glenwood Elementary School PTA President Rachel Rossi and Secretary Jennifer Tang spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 14. The discussed the school’s STEAMM Specialist class, which supports the Mandarin programs at the school. They talked about what makes the class unique, the highly qualified instructor, and the likelihood that the class will be gone after the closure of Glenwood next year. They also talked about the start of the school year for Glenwood families, and more.

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Speaking of Schools: Chief Communications Officer for CHCCS Andy Jenks

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Aug 17, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Chief Communications Officer for CHCCS Andy Jenks joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 17. He discussed the upcoming start of the school year, with the first day coming one week from today. They also discussed the impending decision on where students from Glenwood Elementary will go after the upcoming school year. He also mentioned upcoming redistricting conversations, and more.

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Speaking of Schools: National Principal of the Year Jason Johnson

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Aug 4, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Orange High School Principal and National Principal of the Year Jason Johnson joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey in studio on Monday, August 3. He discussed his recollection of receiving the National Principal of the Year award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. He also recounted the work that has earned him accolades, including his decision to return to Orange High School after a prior stint leading that building, and more.

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Speaking of Schools: Riza Jenkins and Rodney Trice on Glenwood Elementary School

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Jun 8, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Chapel Hill Carrboro City School Board Chair Riza Jenkins and Superintendent Rodney Trice spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 8. They discussed the board’s recent unanimous vote to close Glenwood Elementary School after the 2026-2027 school year. They discussed the reasoning for the arrival at that decision, including facilities, enrollment, and more. They also talked about what comes next for Glenwood families and the programs at the school, how other families in the district can support the Glenwood community, and more.

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Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks on Public Hearing, Graduation, and More

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | May 18, 2026 | Speaking of Schools

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, May 18. He discussed the upcoming public hearing on the decision surrounding possible closure of one of the district’s elementary schools. He shared that due to public interest, the meeting has been moved to Smith Middle School from the Lincoln Center. The meeting will still be on Thursday, May 21. He also talked about graduation and other important end-of-year events.