Dr. Baldwin leaving Asheville to become superintendent of Chapel Hill

From Asheville City Schools:

Dr. Pamela Baldwin leaving Asheville to become Superintendent of Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools

Asheville, N.C. (December 21, 2016) Asheville City Schools Superintendent Pamela Baldwin has accepted the position of Superintendent of Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools. During a special called meeting earlier this evening, their Board approved Dr. Baldwin’s contract, which is set to begin in early April. Like Asheville City Schools, Chapel Hill – Carrboro is one of 15 North Carolina city districts. The system serves more than 12,000 students in 21 schools.

“I would not have pursued this unique opportunity had it not presented itself to me,” Baldwin told the Asheville City Board of Education on Monday. “I am invested in Asheville City Schools and believe that the work we are doing is critical to the success of all students. As I have often said, the district must continue to pursue equity with excellence – the work I have been so passionate about – because it’s quite simply the right thing to do for our children.”

The Asheville City Board of Education has again turned to veteran educator and leader, Dr. Bobbie Short, to serve as Interim Superintendent, effective April 1, 2017. Short was the district’s Interim Superintendent from August 1, 2013 until June 30, 2014. She was Superintendent of Watauga County Schools from 2003-2008 following service as assistant superintendent, principal and elementary supervisor for nearly a decade in Buncombe County Schools.

“Although we are happy for Dr. Baldwin as she accepts a leadership position that is a logical career move, the Asheville City Board of Education was surprised and saddened by her announcement,” Board Chair Peggy Dalman said. “We are truly grateful for her significant accomplishments in the relatively short span of less than three years. Dr. Baldwin spearheaded the creation of a focused district strategic plan, has helped oversee the construction and opening of two new schools, pushed our graduation rate to its highest level ever and has improved the way we deliver curriculum in classrooms across the district.”

The Asheville City Board of Education has established the goal of hiring a new superintendent prior to the start of the 2017- 18 school year. The Board plans to hire a search partner to facilitate a national quest for the next Superintendent of Asheville City Schools. Details of the process will be available after the New Year.

District families have just received a phone call announcing these changes and Dr. Baldwin released the following message to district teachers and staff a short time ago:

It has been a privilege to be a part of the Asheville City Schools family. Our school system is solid and we work day in and day out to ensure both academic and character growth in the lives of the children we serve. I am proud of your work and the progress we have made, despite a variety of challenges, to provide the best possible education for our students now and in the future. There are not words to fully express the gratitude I have for the opportunity to serve this community. Thank you for your commitment, your passion and the unique gifts all of you bring to our schools. You do noble work, and you do it well. I have been honored to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for that opportunity.

Asheville City Schools proudly serves nearly 4,500 students in nine schools spread across our city. Our mission statement: to create learning environments that ensure Excellence with Equity for all students. The district strategic plan that Dr. Baldwin helped create has three focal points: Early Childhood, Academic Achievement and Whole Child. That emphasis on serving every child and serving them well will continue throughout this transition period and beyond.