Big Wins for Students, Key Approvals for 2026–2027 at Latest Board of Education Meeting
The Lenoir County Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on May 4, 2026, recognizing outstanding student and staff achievements while taking action on several items in preparation for the 2026–2027 school year.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Superintendent Brent Williams shared a series of recognitions highlighting student excellence and staff impact across Lenoir County Public Schools. Board member John Wiggins reflected on the district’s Legislative Breakfast held April 27, noting the importance of strong partnerships in advancing public education.
Students from across the district earned prestigious honors and scholarships. North Lenoir High School senior Rose Zayyad was selected for the UNC Scholars Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and named a finalist for the Gates Scholarship, recognizing her academic achievement, leadership, and perseverance.
Taryn Barnett of Lenoir County Early College High School received the J.A. Campbell Scholarship at Campbell University, a highly competitive award valued at more than $140,000. Kinston High School seniors Davion Koonce and Melondia Crouell were named Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a full four-year scholarship that includes tuition, housing, and enrichment opportunities.
North Lenoir High School FCCLA students earned top honors at the North Carolina FCCLA State Leadership Conference, with several advancing to national competition following strong performances in STAR Events. Ahleeya Bryant earned a Gold rating and third place in Career Investigation, Myrka Rojas Baten earned a Gold rating and second place in Leadership, Adwin Momaca Lopez earned a Bronze rating and second place in Say Yes to FCS Education, and Juan Castro-Ortiz earned a Silver rating and third place in Sustainability Challenge.
Additional honors included Kate Denton and Haley Hemby being named North Carolina Teaching Fellows, both planning to attend East Carolina University to pursue degrees in elementary education. Myrka Rojas Baten was also selected as a recipient of the FCCLA National Technical Honor Society Scholarship, recognizing her leadership, academic success, and service.
At E.B. Frink Middle School, eighth grade students earned top placements in a competitive academic event, with several advancing to state competition in Greensboro. Ashlyn Jacobs earned first place in the Paper category, while Caroline Foss, Conner Byrant, Bryce Harrison, Savannah Jernigan, and Kenize Carson earned third place in the Group Documentary category.
The board also recognized Tracy Rayner as a national Read 180 Award recipient, honoring her commitment to student growth and literacy.
Board members received several updates, including progress on the E.B. Frink Middle School construction project and preparations for end-of-year state assessments. District leaders also presented the Beginning Teacher Support Program Plan, aimed at strengthening support for early-career educators.
An overview of the Career and Technical Education local funding application was shared, with the district anticipating approximately $3.4 million in state and federal funding to support CTE programs. Policy updates from the North Carolina School Boards Association were presented
for review ahead of future action, and the board reviewed the April financial report outlining current budget activity and fund balances.
The Board of Education approved the 2026–2027 planning budget, which has been submitted to the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners in accordance with state requirements. Board members also approved the 2026–2027 schedule of fees, fines, and charges for students across all grade levels, as well as an out-of-state field trip request for North Lenoir High School FCCLA students to attend the national conference in Washington, D.C., this July.
The meeting concluded with board comments and adjournment following a closed session to address personnel matters.
