Lenoir County school board questions financial comments during meeting
The Lenoir County Board of Education meeting Monday included pointed questions about the district’s financial condition after board members raised concerns about comments reportedly made to county officials during budget discussions.
The issue first surfaced when board member Jonathan Britt moved to amend the agenda to add a discussion item about statements he said Board Chair W.D. Anderson made to a county official regarding Lenoir County Public Schools’ budget needs and financial condition.
Britt said the item was intended to determine whether the comments reflected an official board position, a budget committee position or Anderson’s personal view. Board member Michelle Davis seconded the motion, but it failed. The board then approved the agenda as presented.
The issue came up again during the May financial report from Interim Finance Officer Helen Hooker.
Davis asked why Anderson could speak on behalf of the board on financial matters with the county. Britt then asked Hooker whether there was reason to be concerned about the district’s financial health.
Hooker said rising costs remain a concern, including utilities and fuel, but said the district remains financially stable.
“I feel we’re solid,” Hooker said. “We’re in good shape financially.”
Britt asked whether there was a financial emergency.
“No sir, not at this point,” Hooker said.
Davis then asked whether Hooker would consider the district “broke in any way.”
“No ma’am, I wouldn’t consider us broke,” Hooker said.
The May financial report listed total budgeted revenues at $166.6 million, with $124.2 million in year-to-date revenue activity as of May 28. The local current expense fund balance was listed at about $1.98 million.
Anderson noted the district has had two consecutive years with a perfect audit.
Outside of the financial exchange, the board recognized Angela Jarman of Banks Elementary School as the 2026-27 Lenoir County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The district also recognized middle school students who participated in North Carolina’s first Regional Civics Bee, including Madilyn Carroll of Woodington Middle School, who placed third in the regional competition.
The board also heard updates on summer learning programs, Workforce Ignite Lenoir and the new E.B. Frink Middle School construction project. The construction project remains on schedule and on budget, according to the district, with 434 safety observations and no lost-time incidents reported.
Board members approved the Beginning Teacher Support Program Plan, the 2026-28 Career and Technical Education local application, exceptional children contracts, an application for federal funding, policy revisions and surplus property.
The board also approved a one-year Apptegy contract for a mass communication platform totaling $42,870. District officials said the platform will centralize websites, emergency alerts, the district mobile app and social media management.
The board entered closed session after completing its open-session business.
