Board Meeting Notes - April 1st

Opening of the Meeting

• Meeting started with a motion to amend the agenda.
• National Junior Roc students led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Invocation was delivered by Mr. Way, focusing on hope, guidance, and strength for the community and students.

Proclamation for Month of the Military Child

• April was proclaimed as the month of the military child.
• Recognition of the unique challenges faced by military children.
• 24% of Carteret County public school students are military dependents.
• Purple Up Day on April 11th to show support.

Amendment and Approval of Meeting Agenda

• Motion to amend agenda for a closed session regarding student and attorney-client matters.
• Amended agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comment Section

• Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person.
• Speakers included special education teachers advocating for increased pay supplements and changes in payment frequency.
  • Proposal for increasing supplements to 13% and paying them monthly instead of twice a year.
  • Concerns over supplemental pay affecting tax brackets.

Policy Discussions

• Secondary policy regarding parent request for excused absences due to educational opportunities was presented.
• Proposal for two new policies:
  • Adding language to policy 3200 for appropriateness of materials similar to R-rated videos.
  • Policy requiring labeling of food products containing peanuts at school events.

Bond Projects Update

• Updates on projects at East Carteret High School and West Carteret High School.
  • Culinary labs and new science wing developments.

Recognition of Important Observances in April

• National Month of the Military Child
• World Autism Month
• National School Library Month
• Occupational Therapist Month
• Recognition of Assistant Principals next week.

Federal Audit

• Clean federal audit with no findings, schools involved: Atlantic Elementary, Harker's Island, Morehead Primary, and Newport.

Closing Remarks

• Emphasis on the importance of teacher input.
• Disappointment at lack of support for proposed policy changes.
• Next meeting scheduled for May 6th.
• Motion to go into closed session was approved.

Key Takeaways

• The board is actively working on supporting military children and tackling public education issues such as teacher pay and policy updates.
• New policies are being considered to enhance educational and nutritional safety standards.
• Successful completion of a federal audit reflects well on the district's compliance with regulations.