During the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 16, 2025, a significant presentation was delivered by Rob Schooley, the Instructional Program Facilitator for Health, Physical Education, and Wellness at Chatham County Schools. The focus of the presentation was the end-of-year report for the 2024 school year, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Chatham County Public Health Department and local schools to enhance student wellness.

Schooley outlined the strategic approach taken by the district, which serves over 9,000 students across 20 schools, including traditional, early college, and alternative learning programs. The emphasis was on providing teachers with essential resources, professional development, and fostering community partnerships to improve health education outcomes. Notably, the presentation detailed the implementation of a logic model that guides the district's health initiatives, ensuring that activities are intentional and data-driven.

Key achievements from the past year included the rollout of a new substance use prevention curriculum, the establishment of a district mental health team that responded to over 40 referrals, and collaboration with Piedmont Health Services to provide mobile dental care to students. Additionally, participation in national surveys, such as the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, was highlighted as a means to assess and improve health education across the district.

Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, Schooley expressed intentions to expand dental access, update health curriculum standards, and enhance substance use prevention education. The collaboration with Research Triangle Institute International aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives, particularly in adapting to changing societal influences, such as the impact of social media on student behavior.

Board members engaged with Schooley, inquiring about the flexibility of the health education model and its adaptability to the unique challenges faced by rural students in Chatham County. Schooley affirmed that the model is designed to evolve with emerging issues, ensuring that the district remains responsive to the needs of its students.

The meeting underscored the importance of continued investment in student health and wellness, with Schooley emphasizing that the support from the Board of Commissioners is crucial in fostering a healthier, more resilient generation in Chatham County. As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, the focus remains on leveraging community partnerships and data-driven strategies to enhance the overall well-being of students.