In a recent school board meeting, members expressed gratitude and support for Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan, culminating in a unanimous decision to extend his contract for an additional year and grant him a $20,000 salary increase. Board members praised Dr. Swan for his dedication to the district's 12,000 students and staff, emphasizing his unwavering commitment and responsiveness to their needs. The motion for the contract extension and salary increase was met with unanimous approval from the board.

The meeting also featured a public comment section, where community members voiced concerns regarding the presence of what they termed \"pornographic books\" in school libraries. Carla Odom, one of the speakers, argued for the removal of these materials, asserting that they pose a danger to children's mental health and well-being. She emphasized the need for a safe and healthy learning environment, urging the board to continue its efforts in enforcing policies that protect students.

Dr. Kim Kariko echoed these sentiments, expressing opposition to sexually explicit materials in schools and criticizing new educational standards proposed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He raised concerns about a potential shift towards a Planned Parenthood-style sex education program, which he believes violates state law mandating abstinence-based education. Dr. Kariko urged the board to resist these changes, warning that they could undermine the educational environment and parental trust.

The discussions highlighted a growing tension within the community regarding educational content and the role of the school board in addressing these issues, reflecting broader national debates on education and parental rights. The board's commitment to supporting its superintendent while navigating these contentious topics will be closely watched by stakeholders in the coming months.