Lenoir school board celebrates student achievements, reviews data and projects
The Lenoir County Board of Education opened its September meeting with a heavy dose of celebration, recognizing dozens of students and staff for academic, journalism and agricultural accomplishments before turning to construction updates, school improvement plans and a review of state testing data.
Superintendent Brent Williams highlighted a smooth start to the 2025-26 school year, noting strong growth and proficiency results from the previous year and a graduation rate above the state average for the second straight year.
Three schools — Northwest Elementary, Contentnea-Savannah K-8 and E.B. Frink Middle — were honored as North Carolina STEM Schools of Distinction, making LCPS the only district in the state with three schools recognized this year. Northwest received the top-tier “model” designation.
Other recognitions included:
Kinston High School’s Viking Press earned statewide honors at the N.C. Scholastic Media Association institute, with students Lamonie Taylor, Nina Gibson and Avanni Holt receiving individual awards. Adviser Sabrina Fourre was installed as board president.
North Lenoir graduate Brooklyn Payne was introduced as the district’s first Lancer Educator Apprenticeship Promise (LEAP) Scholar, a partnership with ECU and Lenoir Community College to grow local teachers.
FFA students across the county received high-level awards, including South Lenoir’s $5,000 national grant, multiple Old North State and American FFA degrees, and Rachel Noble’s election as state vice president.
Board members also heard:
A construction update showing progress on the new E.B. Frink Middle School, with foundation work underway and a live camera feed expected soon.
An operations report noting 63,000 miles driven by buses in the first nine days of school, nearly 75,000 meals served, and 339 maintenance work orders completed in August.
An instructional update showing proficiency gains across most grades in math, reading and science, with no LCPS schools labeled as “F.” Southeast Elementary and Southwood Elementary each rose a letter grade, while Rochelle Middle exceeded growth targets.
In action items, the board:
Approved a $533,468 contract with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office to provide school resource officers.
Adopted North Carolina School Boards Association policy revisions after committee review.
Approved an out-of-state trip for South Lenoir FFA students to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Oct. 28–Nov. 1.
Board Chair W.D. Anderson praised students and staff for their achievements, but also criticized the state’s A-to-F school grading formula, saying several LCPS schools narrowly missed higher grades despite exceeding growth targets.
The board ended in closed session to discuss personnel matters.
Upcoming meetings
Regular Board Meeting — Oct. 6, 2025
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