In a recent meeting of the Carteret County Board of Education, members expressed concerns over a lawsuit challenging the school calendar, which they argue impacts students' educational opportunities. The case, known as Spencer versus Carteret County Board of Education, was initiated by three local businesses that claimed the adopted calendar would adversely affect their operations.

During the discussion, board members highlighted the importance of aligning the school calendar with community college schedules to facilitate students' access to college courses. One board member voiced frustration, stating, \"For the first time in 4 years on the board, I truly feel we're about to make a decision that's not in the best interest of our students.\" The member emphasized the need for flexibility in the school calendar to better serve students, particularly those preparing for college.

The board ultimately voted to dismiss the appeal of the lawsuit, which had previously seen a superior court judge reject the board's constitutional arguments while allowing the business owners to proceed individually. The judge ruled that the businesses lacked standing to bring the suit, but the board remains committed to exploring options for addressing their constitutional concerns in the future.

The board's decision to adopt a compliant school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was made reluctantly, with members acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by the lawsuit. They expressed a desire to engage with parents and the community to discuss potential calendar adjustments that would align with educational goals while adhering to legal requirements. The board plans to continue advocating for the best interests of students as they navigate the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding school scheduling.