The Chatham County Board of Education announced Kelly Batten as the district’s new superintendent Monday evening.

Batten is a 14-year veteran of Chatham County Schools, having most recently worked as Superintendent for Human Resources. He will begin the new role on July 1, 2026.

“Dr. Batten is a proven leader who understands our schools, our community, and our commitment to excellence,” said Chatham County Board of Education Chair Gary Leonard in a release. “His depth of experience, steady leadership, and unwavering focus on students make him the right choice to lead Chatham County Schools into the future.”

Batten graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a masters degree in school administration and later a doctorate in education. His first educational role as a teacher was at at Sanderson High School in Wake County, where he taught social studies. He then worked as assistant principal at Wake County’s Leesville Road High School, before accepting a role as principal of Carrboro High School from 2008 until 2012.

The district’s release credits Batten with playing a “pivotal role in advancing instructional quality and expanding student opportunities.” Among his listed achievements at Chatham County Schools are early college programming, expanding access to advanced coursework, and professional learning systems for faculty.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of Chatham County Schools,” Batten said. “This district has been my professional home for many years, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education and the support they need to thrive.”

Batten will replace Anthony Jackson, who announced in March he would retire after seeing through the rest of the 2025-26 school year. Jackson has served as superintendent since 2021 and will be making the transition to leading the Public School Forum of North Carolina as its president and CEO. 

Additional details regarding Batten’s appointment will be released in the coming weeks, according to Chatham County Schools.

 

Featured image via Chatham County Schools

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