The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School system selected an interim superintendent at its virtual meeting Thursday night.

The CHCCS school board announced its selection of Dr. Jim Causby, who will temporarily replace current superintendent Dr. Pam Baldwin as she leaves after more than three years with the system.

This will be Causby’s second stint in the interim role, as he previously served from August 2016 through March 2017 before Baldwin was selected for the permanent job.

In a release, Chair of the CHCCS School Board Mary Ann Wolf said Causby was selected again in the hopes his prior experience with the district will provide stability during this transition from Baldwin and as the system navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is clear that Dr. Causby is genuinely dedicated to strengthening the relationships he established during his previous tenure, meaningfully engaging with all of our diverse stakeholders, and leading the district forward with a focus on equity, and the health and safety of all students and staff,” wrote Wolf.

Causby is known around the state as a superintendent. The McDowell County native spent 26 years leading the Swain County Schools, Polk County Schools, Johnston County Public Schools and also served as an interim superintendent for Hickory City Schools, Madison County Schools, Johnston County Public Schools and CHCCS.

Baldwin announced her resignation in April. The decision came after the school system came under criticism from the community about its transparency, policies and financial dealings. Emails between former Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Jennifer Bennett and an education consulting company revealed an agreement worth more than $700,000 was structured to prevent a public school board vote. The agreement with Education Elements violated board policies, leading to it being voided after nearly half was paid and Bennett’s resignation.

Causby will take office on July 1 and will serve until a new permanent superintendent is elected by the board, according to the school system.

“I am highly honored and excited to be asked to return to CHCCS as interim superintendent,” said Causby in Thursday’s release. “CHCCS is among the best school systems in the United States, and is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities for every student. I pledge to do my very best to maintain and meet these high levels of expectation during the board’s search for a new superintendent.”

Photo via Town of Chapel Hill.

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