Manjiree and Sham Nikam are doting grandparents to six grandchildren, ranging in age from six weeks to nine years. They treasure storytime with them and believe all children should have access to books that transport them to different places and broaden their understanding of the world. That belief is what

At the April 13, 2026 meeting of the Chatham County Board of Education, the Board passed two resolutions related to school funding and legislative advocacy. These items reflect ongoing concerns about the stability of school funding, the importance of local decision-making, and the need to support students and educators across our

Every year during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8), teachers are showered with sweet treats, gift cards, and handwritten thank-you notes. It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate those who shape our children’s lives every day. These gestures matter, and they are deeply appreciated. But if we want to make

Every winter students across Chatham County can be found crafting secret plots, fictional heroes, and imagined worlds. Not to cause mischief, but to hone their writing skills as they work on their masterpieces for Chatham County Schools’ Young Authors program. Between January and March, all students in grades K-8 are

The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors. Diana Hales, John Holdsclaw IV, Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Susan Lee, Rev. Brent Levy, and Manjiree Nikam bring a wide range of expertise in education, community development, business, and advocacy, helping

We want to thank every donor and volunteer who supported our students this year. Our public schools in Chatham are resilient and thriving because of you. Please enjoy this look back at a year of empowering learners, uplifting teachers, and turning pages toward brighter futures. — Brittany Sandefur, Executive Director

When Jennifer Tuite, a 3rd grade teacher at Perry Harrison Elementary, graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2003 with a degree in elementary education, she looked far and wide for a teaching position. To get her foot in the door, she was willing to take an assistant teaching position, even

Caroline Murrell (in red), our amazing SECU Public Fellows intern, spent her summer supporting Chatham students and teachers through CEF projects like Books on Break, CEF Teaching Grants, and book donation boxes. As a Chatham County native, this work was especially meaningful to her—and to us! Following is her reflection

Even if you’ve never bought a lottery ticket in North Carolina, you’ve certainly seen the ads on television and at every single gas station for the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL). It’s impossible to miss!  But what may be easier to overlook is just how little the lottery actually contributes

As most parents know, coming up with nutritious meals that your kids actually eat can be a difficult task. Imagine, then, planning breakfast and lunch for the roughly 9,000 students who get their meals from Chatham County Schools’ (CCS) cafeterias each school day. This herculean effort falls under the guidance