The Beaufort County School Board Academics Committee convened on November 20, 2024, to address several pressing issues affecting local students and families. The meeting began with a discussion on the challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness, highlighting the impact of frequent relocations on student absenteeism. Committee members acknowledged the difficulties these families encounter in securing stable transportation and housing.

Next, the committee addressed the "See Something, Say Something" initiative aimed at combating bullying in schools. Due to the absence of Dr. Graham, who was unable to attend due to an injury, a representative provided an overview of the program. It was noted that the data collected under this initiative included various incidents that required investigation, not all of which were bullying-related. To improve reporting accuracy, the committee introduced a new system called "Stop It," which is expected to provide more detailed insights into incidents and their resolutions.

The discussion then shifted to the McKinney-Vento numbers, which track students experiencing homelessness. The committee reported a significant increase in these numbers compared to the previous year, attributing the rise to several factors, including the conversion of rental properties into luxury apartments and an uptick in evictions. Additionally, the impact of recent hurricanes was mentioned as a contributing factor to the displacement of families.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing growth in student enrollment and the challenges it presents. The committee emphasized the need for continued monitoring and support for affected families as they navigate these difficulties. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of addressing homelessness and bullying within the school system to foster a supportive educational environment.