
A pair of Chatham County Schools administrators will be taking on new roles for the upcoming school year, the district announced Tuesday.
Michelle Burton, currently the Executive Director of Secondary Education & Career and Technical Education, has been named the Deputy Chief of Student Support & Innovative Programs. Meanwhile, Carla Murray, currently the district’s Executive Director of Elementary Instruction, has been named the Deputy Chief of Academic Services & School Leadership. Both Burton and Murray assumed their new jobs Wednesday.
In a release shared by the school district, it said Burton “will support districtwide efforts related to student services, innovative programming and expanded opportunities for students,” and that Murray “will help lead the district’s academic services and provide support for school leadership across Chatham County Schools.”
Burton called the new role “a privilege” and expressed her excitement at helping students access the opportunities they need to thrive.
“I look forward to working with our teams to continue building programs that meet the needs of our students and prepare them for their futures,” she said.
Said Murray, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Chatham County Schools and to support the incredible work happening in our classrooms and schools each day.”
Burton and Murray’s new jobs are not the only changes in the Chatham County Schools administration. Kelly Batten also began his new job as the district’s Superintendent Wednesday, replacing the retiring Anthony Jackson. In the release, Batten said the district’s changes reflect a commitment to reorganization and financial stability.
“Chatham County Schools is fortunate to have experienced, thoughtful leaders who understand our schools, our students, and our community,” Batten said. “Mrs. Murray and Dr. Burton have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, academic growth, and supporting the educators who make that work possible. I am excited to work alongside them as we reorganize our Central Services in support of student learning and continue moving Chatham County Schools forward.”
Featured image via Chatham County Schools
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹

Local Government Meetings: September 14-18, 2026This week in local government: a greenway network in Chapel Hill, and busing concerns and elementary school redistricting for CHCCS.

Orange and Chatham County School Districts Celebrate Performance Milestones for 2025-26 YearThe Orange County, Chatham County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school districts are celebrating positive performance trends demonstrated in the latest accountability report from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. All 13 Orange County Schools earned a performance grade of “C” or higher for the 2025-26 school year, marking the first time since 2017 that […]

Longtime Chatham County Educator Wins $10 Million Lottery PrizeThe North Carolina Education Lottery office revealed that Jean Johnson, who teaches in Chatham County, is the winner of a $10 million prize.

Chatham County Schools Names 2026 Educators of the YearChatham County Schools recognized its 2026 Educators of the Year Thursday during its annual Educator Recognition Reception. Each honoree was nominated by colleagues and selected after a districtwide review. Walter Johnson of Chatham Early College in Siler City was named the district’s Teacher of the Year. Several Pittsboro educators were honored: at Pittsboro Elementary, Emily […]

Chatham County Schools Superintendent Anthony Jackson Announces RetirementChatham County Schools superintendent Anthony Jackson will retire July 1, the school district announced Wednesday. Jackson has served as superintendent since 2021. In a statement, Jackson called his tenure as superintendent “one of the greatest honors of my professional life.” “I am deeply grateful to the partnership of the Board of Education, the dedication of […]

Chatham County Schools Superintendent Details 'Elevate' Theme for 2025-26 School YearChatham County Schools students returned to classrooms on Tuesday and Superintendent Anthony Jackson joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss.

Chatham County Holds Simulated Active Shooter Drill Ahead of Back to SchoolAs Chatham County’s schools are preparing for the start of classes, the local sheriff’s office is working to make schools safer.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen HowardChatham County Commissioner Karen Howard joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 6.

Chatham County Commissioner Shares Latest on Bynum Contamination, Wolfspeed DevelopmentChair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill about major stories happening in Siler City and Bynum.

George Moses Horton Middle School Students Rank 4th in Capitol Hill ChallengeGeorge Moses Horton Middle School in Pittsboro ranked first among middle schools nationwide and fourth overall in the 2023 Capitol Hill Challenge, a national financial education program. Each of the top 10 schools will attend a reception in the U.S. Capitol on June 14 and have the opportunity to meet their members of Congress. As […]
›