Charles Blanchard, who has led Chapel Hill High School as its principal since 2018, announced Thursday he is stepping down from the role.

In an announcement shared to families by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district, Blanchard said he is retiring from the district “with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation.”

“I first told our staff after school today,” he wrote, “and said this has been a difficult decision, but also the right decision after almost 30 years in public education.”

Blanchard began his career in public education at 22 years-old in the Wilson County school system. His prior experience before arriving to CHCCS included time at Guilford County Schools and Wake County Schools. Blanchard’s final day will be Saturday, April 1.

“I’m almost 50 now, and I’m eager to embrace the next chapter in life,” wrote Blanchard, “which will include making up for lost time with my wife and children. I am so thankful for your support as we worked together through our major campus renovation, the pandemic, and return to in-person school. I am truly blessed to have been a part of such a special place.”

Chapel Hill High School will not have to wait to learn its interim leadership plan, as Blanchard revealed Valerie Akins will step in as interim principal. Most recently, she served as an interim assistant principal for Phillips Middle School last school year and is a retired principal and supervisor. Blanchard described Akins’ assumption of the role as Chapel Hill High being “in good hands for the rest of this school year.”

CHCCS district leadership will have additional details about the transition for Chapel Hill High families in coming days. You can read Blanchard’s full message

 

Photo via Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

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