by Cate House, Marketing Manager, Chatham Education Foundation
When I arrived at the Chatham County Schools Central Office to interview Dr. Kelly Batten, I was pleasantly surprised to find him walking into the lobby—before I’d even had a chance to tell the receptionist my business. He quickly pointed out a group of preschoolers arriving with their families for evaluations, then mentioned the upcoming student art exhibit that would soon fill the building’s halls.
As he prepares to step into the role of superintendent on July 1, Batten is clearly energized by the day-to-day life of schools—students, families, and the learning experiences that bring them together.
I sat down with Batten to talk about his path to a career in education and his vision for Chatham County Schools.
What drew you to a career in education?
Batten’s path in education started early, as his mother was a teacher. “In fact,” he said, “she was one of my high school teachers, so that was an immediate connection.”
But it was his early classroom experiences that made the biggest impression. After attending UNC Chapel Hill as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Batten’s first teaching position was in Wake County where he taught a 9th grade civics and government class. “I learned more about government and politics that year than I had previously because of the curriculum,” he laughed.
In all seriousness, Batten shared that it was the connection with students—helping them grasp difficult concepts and working alongside their families—that cemented his commitment to education. “There’s a strong alignment with my own values,” he said. “Access and opportunity for students and families.”
You’ve spent more than a decade in Chatham County Schools. What makes this community special?
For Batten, it comes down to pride and a sense of community.
“There’s a tremendous amount of pride in our schools—from students, families, and especially alumni,” he said. “And when you combine that with the support for education across the community, the results are extraordinary.”
He also notes that each school has its own identity which contributes to each school’s culture. “When you have students and parents who really care about what goes on in the building, you’ve got a recipe for success,” he said.
What is your vision for Chatham County Schools—and how will you begin bringing it to life?
Batten’s vision is both ambitious and grounded in responsibility.
“From Harpers Crossroads to Hamlets Chapel Road, people in this county go to work, pay taxes, and trust us to educate their children,” he said. “We have an immense responsibility—not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them.”
That means expanding access and opportunities for students, supporting educators in terms of compensation and benefits, and staying accountable to the community. “If we can commit to that level of responsibility,” Batten said, “then our strategic vision of One Chatham will really mean that each student has the chance to reach their full potential.
During the summer transition, Batten will revisit each school. While he’s been a part of many programs within the schools–dual language, AVID, Career and Technical Education–he wants to sit down with the principals with a different ear. “I’m not a stranger to Chatham,” he said, “But I’m not going in with any preconceived notions. It’s important to listen attentively in this role and then act courageously with that information.”
How do you define student success?
“Our ultimate measure of success is that every student graduates with options,” Batten said.
He’s quick to note that those options won’t look the same for every student—and that’s the point.
“An education shouldn’t be a cookie-cutter experience,” he said. “Our job is to make sure we’re listening to the hopes and dreams of all students and then evaluating what actions we can take using that information.”
What should families—especially those new to the area—know about Chatham County Schools?
As Chatham County grows, Batten sees an opportunity to share a clearer picture of what local schools offer.
“Over the past decade, the education of children has become a marketplace with big ideas and promises and big price tags,” he said. “Through all of that, Chatham County Schools remains an open and accessible option with a full range of opportunities—from academics and arts to athletics, skilled apprenticeships, and college credit.”
“This is not a school system of yesteryear,” he said. “This is a school system moving forward.”
How can the community support Chatham County Schools?
“Ask questions. Be curious,” Batten said. “Engage with a program, a school, or a partner—and then share what you learn. Informed storytelling helps strengthen public understanding and support for schools across the county.”
For businesses and individuals alike, there are opportunities to plug into something going on in the schools. Batten points to businesses that are host sites for apprenticeships, guest speakers, community judges for the science fair, and substitute teachers as examples.
And outside of work?
Batten and his wife have four children—the youngest being twins, now seniors in high school—and family time is a priority.
As far as hobbies, he said, “When I’m not working, there’s never a bad day for fishing or grilling. And I do enjoy a good SRK Bollywood film—if you know, you know.”
Dr. Kelly Batten holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC Chapel Hill, along with advanced degrees in school administration and teaching. Most recently, Batten served as Chatham County Schools’ Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Prior to his tenure at Chatham County Schools, Batten served as principal of Carrboro High School.