Interim Head of Chatham Co. Schools Named

Bryant served as the county's director of secondary education from 2001 to the spring 2005. Since, he continued to work in the education field, including directing the Leadership Program for Future Superintendents for the Prinicpals' Executive Program.

“I am very pleased to be here and look forward to working in Chatham County Schools again. This is a very good school system," Bryant said. "I thank you for the opportunity to work with you during this period of time and look forward to the work we will accomplish together for our students."

Board members praised Bryant's work with Chatham County schools, as well as his varied experience in education. Byrant served as a superintendent in Reidsville City Schools and Edgecombe County, in addition to working as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.

“We appreciate Dr. Bryant’s willingness to come and work with us during this transition period," Kathie Russell, the board chairwoman said. "His experience in our school system and in many areas of education will be an asset to our students, staff, parents, the community and the Board."

In November, then-Superintendent Ann Hart announced that she would be leaving at the end of 2007 after two and a half years with the county. She took a job in Atlanta with AVID, a program that targets middle-performing students and those who will be first-generation college students.

High schools in Chatham County started using that program two years earlier.

The North Carolina School Boards Association was coordinating the superintendent search for the Chatham County Board of Education. Officials said they expect the new superintendent to take office by July 1, 2008.