The week after Chatham County Schools announced his retirement in a press release, the Public School Forum of North Carolina announced it has hired Dr. Anthony Jackson to serve as its chief executive officer after a national search.
Jackson is known and respected for “leading from the front,” which means he actively models the expected behaviors, work ethic, and standards for excellence for those he works alongside and serves.
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On any given day in his role as superintendent, you could find him reading to students, talking to community members and parents, listening to local employers, promoting student and educator wellness, meeting with elected officials, or being featured on a podcast about something he is passionate about, like the Opportunity Culture® staffing model.
In 2014, Jackson was named the Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year.
In 2017, he was awarded the Friday Medal “for his innovative leadership in improving students’ learning and implementing digital-age approaches to teaching and learning in his district.”
In 2020, he was named the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year for his “culture of innovation and excellence.”
Then Jackson was hired in May 2021 to lead Chatham County Schools from a field of 45 candidates, and about five years later in February 2026 he was honored with the Duke Energy Annual Citizenship and Service Award for leadership that has reinforced “the district’s role as a cornerstone of Chatham County’s economic vitality.”
Jackson is the past president of the N.C. School Superintendents’ Association.
His commitment to excellence does not just lead to honors, it inspires others.
“Dr. Jackson exemplifies the courage, compassion, and care necessary to guide children through youth into adulthood,” said the Chatham Arts Council, “and his example sets a high standard for everyone who shares that mission.”
Jackson will begin serving as CEO of the Forum on July 1, 2026. Dr. Lauren Fox is currently serving as the interim director.
Jackson’s tenure in Chatham County
Under Jackson’s leadership, Chatham County Schools, which serves 9,000 students, achieved several historic milestones, according to this press release.
The district’s most notable accomplishments during his tenure include:
Development and Implementation of the ONE Chatham Five-Year Strategic Plan, providing a clear, community-informed roadmap focused on academic excellence, student well-being, operational effectiveness, and strong family and community partnerships.
Cognia Accreditation and designation as a 2023–2024 Cognia District of Distinction, one of only 53 districts nationwide to receive the honor this year, recognizing excellence in continuous improvement and high-quality instruction.
Ranked #1 in North Carolina for overall student growth, demonstrating exceptional academic progress across grade levels.
The highest graduation rate in district history, reflecting improved academic performance, student support systems, and postsecondary readiness.
Launch of the Yondr Pouch Program, creating distraction-free learning environments that strengthen student engagement and instructional focus across campuses.
Creation of the ONE Academy, an innovative alternative-model high school offering a flexible structure to better meet the diverse academic and personal needs of students.
Expansion of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), strengthening college and career readiness, academic rigor, and student achievement.
— Press release
Collectively, the district says, “these initiatives demonstrated a strategic, systems-level approach to improvement, one that aligned educational excellence with community growth.”
Maybe even more important have been his traditions, like riding the bus with a kindergartner on the first day of school each year.
Jackson, who has spent 39 years in education, previously served as superintendent of Vance County Schools, superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, and division superintendent of the Henry County Public School System located in Collinsville, Virginia.
The district’s announcement of his retirement includes more information about his career and service in Chatham.
On needs, hopes, and dreams
In April 2024, I spent the day with Jackson and his team in Chatham County. Jackson was serving on the board of EdNC, and the visit was part of our ongoing research on what we need to know when we visit schools and districts to understand how to do education journalism well.
We talked about developing strategic plans and operationalizing initiatives. We visited schools and drove all over the county together.
After welcoming me, Jackson said, “we are a school district that tries very, very hard to meet the needs of everything single child while helping their parents realize their hopes and dreams for them.”
I expect in this new role you will continue to see him to do just that.
Jackson is married to Dr. Tawannah Allen, also deeply respected for her education leadership, and they can often be found on FaceTime with their children and grandchildren.
He is a self-described “Peloton and treadmill warrior,” often running between 50 to 75 miles a week. After a fellow superintendent had a health scare several years ago, Jackson started posting on then-Twitter motivational videos at o’dark thirty in the morning calling on others to become “fit leaders.”
A favorite book of his is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho with its message to “follow your calling with courage.”
Jackson’s standard sign off on his letters is “honored to serve,” and he believes in what he calls “legacy leadership,” ensuring that “the work we do today sets the stage for transformational progress tomorrow.”
On leading the Forum
According to a press release, this leadership transition coincides with the Forum’s 40th anniversary.
Jackson views the transition as “an opportunity to both honor the organization’s legacy and lead a bold, forward-looking refresh.” He is committed to strengthening the Forum’s role as a trusted, nonpartisan voice for public education, advancing the connection between research, policy and practice to support strong public schools and thriving communities across North Carolina, says the release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackson to the Forum at a pivotal time for the organization and for public education in North Carolina,” said Dr. Bill Harrison, chair of the Forum’s Board of Directors. “He brings a wealth of experience, a strong reputation for exemplary leadership, and a deep commitment to and understanding of the critical importance and value of public education for our students, our communities, and our state overall. Dr. Jackson is exactly the right leader at the right time to guide the organization in its next chapter.”
Throughout his career, says the release, Jackson has championed educational equity and operated at the intersection of education, economic development, and public policy.
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