City schools endure transition in leaders

New faces soon will grace the offices of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district.

Stephanie Knott, originally from Fairmont, W. Va., was hired recently as the new assistant superintendent for community relations.

“This job was an opportunity to return to something earlier in my career: journalism,” Knott said.

 “I look forward to continuing service in the area of education while working on community relations ideas.”

Knott formerly held the position of director of planning and data services for Gaston County Schools.

During her work there she managed the district’s professional development for administrators and worked on data-driven, school-improvement plans.

“In recent years she has provided strong leadership to Gaston County Schools — one of the largest districts in the state — in planning community events as well as coordinating the district’s strategic plan,” said Chapel Hill-Carrboro Superintendent Neil Pederson.

School system officials say Knott — with a background in journalism and English — will be a strong addition to the school district.

“I think that this combination of journalism, teaching and administrative experience will serve us well,” Pederson said.

 “In addition, Ms. Knott has excellent communication and analytical skills that will help us to keep our various publics informed.”

Knott received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Marshall University and a master’s degree in English education from UNC-Charlotte.

Scheduled to begin Aug. 1, Knott expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work with Pederson.

“I think that he has a great vision for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system, and I will look forward to helping him realize it in whatever capacity that I can,” Knott said.

In addition, Knott said, she looks forward to working with her future colleagues in the school system.

“They are very warm and welcoming and very competent and professional.”

Knott is replacing Kim Hoke, who retired in June after working with the district for more than 20 years.

Under the umbrella of community relations, Knott’s major responsibilities will include public relations, coordination of after-school programs and parental involvement.

Other changes will be seen around the district’s central office and in the schools during the coming school year as the district recently has filled two other administrative vacancies.

Heidi Von Dohlen, a Spanish and English as a Second Language teacher, will be the new coordinator of ESL/Dual Language for the district.

The position has been vacant since 2004.

Emily Bivins, the district’s former director of elementary education and staff development, is the new assistant principal of Carrboro Elementary School.

Bivins has worked as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher for the school system as well.

The three new additions are not the only changes to the school system’s administrative staff.

Nettie Collins-Hart, the assistant superintendent for instructional services, will be leaving Friday.

She has worked for the district for five years.

Collins-Hart is taking the position of superintendent for Bertie County Schools.

Pederson praised Collins-Hart for the vast improvements that she has made to the school system.

“She has provided strong leadership in the areas of curriculum alignment and minority achievement,” he said.

Pederson said that during Collins-Hart’s tenure, the district has developed a much more defined curriculum and also has furthered the district’s commitment to close the achievement gap.

“Dr. Collins-Hart promoted frank discussions about race and racism that opened up communication among staff members and with the community. Her leadership in these areas will be missed.”

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.