Dr. Jim Causby was unanimously named Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools interim superintendent in a meeting held Wednesday night.

Causby has 27 years of experience as a superintendent, retiring from Johnston County Schools.

“We’ve asked him to continue the great work the district has underway,” said Board of Education chairman James Barrett. “As well as coach our staff, and even the board, as we move ahead after the district’s loss of two key leaders.”

Causby will replace the retiring Tom Forcella, who was hired in 2011.

The school is also losing assistant superintendent Magda Parvey.

In what will be a turbulent time for the system, with an upcoming bond for schools on the November ballot and the implementation of Project Advance, board member Pat Heinrich said Causby’s previous experience as an interim superintendent in Hickory set him apart.

“I think we all got a warm and fuzzy about Dr. Causby’s experience,” he said. “He was able to share some of his experience and frankly, at least for myself, it’s pretty enlightening the difference between interim and permanent.”

Causby said one of his first tasks once he takes over will be to shake hands with every district employee in the first 30 days. He said he doesn’t foresee making any major changes to the district.

“It will not be my job to that,” he said. “My role will be to keep the things going the board thinks is important and make sure every child is getting the very best education they can while I’m here.”

Applications for Forcella’s permanent replacement will open September 1.

Causby will take over when Forcella retires July 31.

He will make Forcella’s $208,000 annual salary, along with a travel and living allowance.

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