LCPS recognizes educators, reviews career programs, and approves school plans
The Lenoir County Board of Education met Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting, held at the district office on West Vernon Avenue. The board approved its meeting agenda and minutes from the previous session and moved through recognitions, program updates, and several action items.
District Recognitions
The board recognized Moss Hill Elementary teacher Kristina Jones, who was recently named the District 2 Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Science Teachers Association. The award highlights instructional excellence and student engagement in science education.
The board also honored Rochelle Middle School Principal Terri Wooten as the Lenoir County Public Schools 2025–2026 Principal of the Year. Wooten was recognized for improvements in academic growth, school culture, and staff retention at Rochelle, where the school has met or exceeded growth standards for multiple consecutive years.
Superintendent Brent Williams additionally reported that LCPS teachers secured 65 Bright Ideas classroom grants this year from Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, totaling $51,602.16 for instructional projects. Williams noted that LCPS educators accounted for half of all awarded grants across the cooperative’s region.
Career Development Month Overview
Career and Technical Education Director Dr. Amy Jones presented updates for Career Development Month, describing districtwide efforts to expand work-based learning, internships, and career exploration for students from elementary through high school.
Highlights included:
Continued partnership with UNC Lenoir Health Care for job shadowing opportunities.
A Careers on Wheels event scheduled for November 20, involving more than 40 local employers and all district 4th graders.
Ongoing paid internship and pre-apprenticeship placements, including with Crown Equipment Corporation, Lenoir County Council on Aging, and other local organizations.
A recently awarded $100,000 Workforce Innovation Grant to fund student internships within LCPS departments.
NCSBA Conference Participation
Associate Superintendent Frances Herring provided a preview of LCPS participation at the upcoming North Carolina School Boards Association annual conference. LCPS will present on its high-dosage tutoring and interventionist program, and the district has entries in statewide poster and video competitions.
2026–2027 Calendar Development
Herring also outlined the process for developing the 2026–2027 instructional calendar. Each school is represented on the calendar committee and staff across the district will vote on three proposed calendar options. The board is expected to receive the recommended calendar in December and vote in January.
E.B. Frink Middle School Construction Update
Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Harvey reported continued progress on construction of the new E.B. Frink Middle School. Foundations and utilities work have advanced, drone images show site layout taking shape, and a live construction camera link is expected to be provided to the board soon. A board site visit is planned prior to winter break.
Financial Report
Interim Finance Officer Helen Hooker presented the district’s October 2025 financial report, noting that revenues in some areas are running behind schedule due to timing of federal and state reimbursements and ongoing impacts from the federal budget delay. Expenditures remain generally in line with last year.
Action Items
The board approved:
School Improvement Plans for the 2025–2026 school year for all 17 schools.
Kloud 12 as the vendor for an all-inclusive classroom camera system for the new E.B. Frink Middle School.
Policy revisions recommended by the North Carolina School Boards Association following recent legislative changes.
An out-of-state field trip for E.B. Frink Middle School 8th graders to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, April 23–25, 2026.
The designation of surplus equipment from the Career and Technical Education department.
The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters.
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