Lenoir County School Board highlights student, staff achievements and approves construction budget
The Lenoir County Public School Board convened for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, recognizing numerous student and staff achievements and approving a revised budget for the new EB Frank Middle School construction project.
Superintendent Brent Williams began by highlighting the numerous recognitions of students and staff for regional, state, and national accomplishments.
Following the recognitions, the board heard several presentations. Banks Elementary presented a Digital Learning Showcase, featuring projects from students. Dr. Amy Jones provided an overview of the Fine Arts events in Arts in Our Schools Month, including the All County Chorus, All County Arts Show, and All County Band performances. Associate Superintendent Francis Herring presented information on summer learning opportunities themed "Take the First Flight into Summer," detailing the program aimed at providing required reading instruction.
Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Harvey gave a final update on the North Carolina High School Athletic Association realignment process, outlining the new conference placements for North Lenoir, South Lenoir, and Kinston High Schools and noting that existing athletic relationships between schools would continue in some sports.
In terms of business, Mrs. Herron presented proposed changes to the elementary grade span grading scale, suggesting a shift to a 10-point scale to align with middle and high schools. This was presented as an information item for future consideration. The board reviewed the March 2025 financial report.
The board took action on several items, including approving the Lenoir County Learning Academy (LC LA) to continue with Option B of the alternative accountability model for the 2025-2026 school year. They also approved the 2025-2026 payroll calendar and due dates. A new CM at Risk policy (Policy 9115) for the pre-qualification of bidders for construction projects was approved.
Superintendent Williams and Mr. Harvey provided an update on the EB Frank Middle School construction project and presented the revised budget, reflecting a 5% local match. The board approved the budget for the project. A more detailed budget presentation from METCON is expected at the May board meeting.
The board discussed the policy subcommittee's process for approving board meeting minutes. A motion to approve video recordings as the official minutes and discontinue written notes failed. However, a subsequent motion to approve written minutes at regular meetings, aligning with legal counsel's recommendation, carried with a vote of 5-2.
The board also approved the declaration of several items from the maintenance department as surplus property.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session for reasons including personnel matters, attorney consultation, initial employment considerations, and real property acquisition negotiations.
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