Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) superintendent Nyah Hamlett announced earlier this month that she is resigning effective at the end of this school year.
In her message to district families on February 4, she reflected on her tenure and acknowledged her gratitude for the team at CHCCS.
“Over the past four years, we’ve worked together to cultivate a safe, affirming and joyful learning environment that values the unique backgrounds and cultures that make our community so beautifully diverse,” Hamlett stated.
Hamlett’s tenure was marked by a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and she has accepted a position as a chief equity and development officer at Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.
Hamlett, who has three school-aged children, grew up in Montgomery County and shared that the move was “an incredibly difficult decision, one that was ultimately driven by my unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being and success of my children and family.”
French teacher Christen Campbell noted that the move felt catered towards Hamlett’s personal goals. “It makes sense as family is an important part of her life and I wonder if she can have a better work-life balance,” Campbell said. “I know she’s passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, and this position will be more catered to that.”
Junior Esteban Lopez said that he appreciated Hamlett’s approach to decision making, as she was aware and inclusive of minorities in the community. “I like how Dr Hamlet had more diversity,” Lopez said. “I think she definitely took that into account whenever she was making decisions, and I respect that.”
Hamlett joined the district as superintendent in January of 2021 and started by leading the district through remote learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, she saw an increase in graduation rates and closure of the achievement gap at many CHCCS schools.
In December of 2024, she was named one of the 2024-2025 superintendents to watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for her work with equity in the district. Each year the NSPRA honors up to 25 superintendents in the country who, according to its website, “demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.”
Concerns have been raised about Hamlett leaving before the new 4×4 block schedule is implemented at the start of next school year, but Board of Education Chair and Vice Chair George Griffin and Riza Jenkins stated they will “continue to work in partnership with Dr. Hamlett and her leadership team” to implement the new schedule.
Senior Lillian Middendorf commented on the timing of Hamlett’s resignation. “I think it is interesting that she is leaving at the time that she enacted the block schedule, but I wish her the best,” Middendorf said.
In the coming weeks, the district’s Board of Education will conduct a search for a new superintendent to start next school year.
Sophomore Diego Jose Storch de Gracia said that listening to student voices is an important quality for a superintendent. “I hope that we look for someone that prioritizes the kids’ well-being over ways to save money,” Storch de Gracia said. “I want my superintendent to listen and try to fix problems that students have.”
Lark Margolies contributed to the reporting for this article.
