07-02-2025
CHCCS superintendent says decision to leave district came down to her family, safety
Superintendent Nyah Hamlett held back tears Thursday as she talked about her 'unapologetic decision' to step down as leader of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
'Since January of 2021, I've taken the Michelle Obama 'when they go low, we go high' approach to the false narratives, misogynoir and personal attacks, the threats to the safety of my family and blatant attempts to undermine my leadership and my character,' Hamlett said.
'Through it all ... unwavering in my commitment to justice, truth and the well being of the students, staff and families that I have served.'
Hamlett announced Tuesday she is leaving the district three years before her contract expires. She will become the chief equity and development officer in the Division of Equity and Organizational Development for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Her last day is June 27.
Her statement Tuesday said leaving was 'an incredibly difficult decision,' and she elaborated Thursday about the emotions behind that decision.
'Most superintendents of color hold in and suffer in silence because the work is so important,' she said.
Hamlett thanked the school board Thursday for the opportunity to lead the district and work with them to provide students with a 'high quality, safe, welcoming, affirming public education.'
As a school leader and mother, she said, 'I must model the values I advocate, recognizing that unflinching leadership sometimes manifests as the relentless pursuit of truth, rest, solitude and sacrifice.'
School board Chair George Griffin thanked Hamlett on behalf of the board in Tuesday's statement for her 'unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership.'
'Her commitment to our students, staff and entire school community has left a lasting, positive impact,' Griffin said. 'In particular, we note that her steadfastness, attention to detail and fearlessness for taking action have truly been a benefit to all students here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.'
Hamlett was hired in January 2021 at a salary of $226,000, tasked with leading the district's more than 11,000 students through COVID-19 and back into in-person classes. She currently earns $269,700 a year.
District spokesman Andy Jenks told The N&O in an email Tuesday that the separation was Hamlet's decision, and as such, she will not receive separation payments or benefits from the district.
A school system statement noted that, under Hamlett, 94.8% of students graduated on time in 2023 — a record — and that the district has led the state in passing rates on exams and increased the number of schools earning 'A' or 'B' grades on state report cards.
In December, she was named a 2024-25 'Superintendent to Watch' by the National School Public Relations Association.
Hamlett also has faced criticism, including plagiarism allegations and for her administration's handling in particular of exceptional children's programs, bullying and antisemitic intimidation.
In 2023, she filed a no-contact order against a former student and his father, Hunter and Kevin Klosty, after nearly a year of critical and sometimes hostile comments about Hamlett and her administration in public forums and emails, court documents showed.
At East Chapel Hill High School's graduation, Hunter Klosty was denied his diploma after swearing at district officials and Hamlett as he walked across the stage. In her remarks to graduates, Hamlett shared a message to one classmate and their family.
'When you struggle with treating people with dignity and respect, trust and believe, it says a lot more about you than it ever will about the people you're attempting to tear down,' she said, according to a graduation video.
Hunter Klosty's father, Kevin, jogged over to Hamlett after the ceremony and pointed his finger at her, saying, 'The investigation is going to begin,' before leaving the arena, UNC Police reported.
Hamlett said in her request for an order that she was afraid for her and her family's safety. Three days before a scheduled hearing at the Orange County Courthouse, she dropped the request without prejudice, meaning she could have tried again in the future.
Kevin Klosty has continued to harass Hamlett and other district officials online and in emails, most recently on Tuesday after Hamlett announced her decision to leave.
'I bet you get fired too,' Klosty told Jenks in an email obtained by The News & Observer. 'I have a $1 bet that you do. They should make this The (sic) national holiday.'
In another, he tells Jenks, 'What a fantastic day.'
Hunter Klosty is now a UNC-Chapel Hill student and editor-in-chief of the conservative journal, Carolina Review, which has posted stories critical of Hamlett and her administration over the last year.
Hamlett did not mention the Klostys during her remarks Thursday.
