[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6116783,"mediaKeyId","2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839","parentId",2732249,"title","Board reports closed-session settlements on special-education claims and accepts HR report","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",14755000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839&start=14755&end=14755","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839/thumbnail_14755000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116783/North-Carolina/Board-reports-closed-session-settlements-on-special-education-claims-and-accepts-HR-report","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116783-f05fcff3b088cf7be87ed4e6f15a6114/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175564&Signature=bWhw4eH16tS7jyv93Jkpgh7An9jhrkv2fZa29pLOS3t7ooK684Jn534auVvzKqIfgLzprxQBZe7O8S5E2hxFOgseXAhPU6Q0zMFkHXtSMtNNBEt-IN-QMkg3gn3-dxHHIvS8NnMj-4HUf2m8Fo8y77iYn5-MK0PITasxIIdBQCJuKMXghLNCg8iDYi3gBjv9gzzPxKPlZLTIUkWp5toJ118p1Uwvj4SU1CuSY8ZQoaibzchRwvtxOGmxff6pDha9syD1bG9-GR~QMca0BGn82J3RWzu8QI7ULkkfrouaSH55dz8C1pHMF1M56UiO7o9qOHhWHXB9jpiMhy2Skejcgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Craven County Schools","date","2025-03-22T02:42:03.38Z","article","The Craven County Board of Education reported at the close of its March 20 meeting that it approved two settlements in closed session resolving claims under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and North Carolina special-education statutes.

According to the board’s public announcement after the closed session, petitioners agreed to release all claims that were or could have been brought under IDEA and North Carolina special-education statutes in exchange for non‑monetary terms and payment of $15,500 in one case and payment of up to $15,500 in the other case. The transcript identifies the matters by case captions (redacted in the public minutes) and cites the legal context of IDEA and state special-education law.

Board members also reviewed the human resources report during closed session and then, in open session, the board voted to accept that HR report. Roll-call votes recorded in the open session indicate unanimous support for accepting the report.

Why this matters: Settlements resolving IDEA and state special-education claims can include compensatory measures and financial payments; the board’s announcement confirms final resolution and associated payments but did not provide additional detail on the non‑monetary terms. The HR report acceptance indicates the board completed planned personnel business during closed session and ratified it in open session.

The board did not offer further particulars in public about the non‑monetary terms of the settlements or the HR report beyond the payment amounts and the fact of acceptance. The transcript shows the board voted unanimously on both the settlements report and the HR report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Craven County Board of Education Board Meeting 3/20","oneSentenceSummary","After a closed session, the Craven County Board of Education announced two settlements resolving IDEA and North Carolina special-education claims; each settlement includes payment of $15,500 (one described as up to $15,500) plus non‑monetary terms. The board also accepted a human resources report by unanimous vote.","taxTitle","Craven County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14187,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6116787,"Board directs superintendent to terminate ESS contract to avoid automatic renewal, invites new offer",135,4512000,4647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839&start=4512&end=4647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839/thumbnail_4512000.jpg","/articles/6116787/North-Carolina/Board-directs-superintendent-to-terminate-ESS-contract-to-avoid-automatic-renewal-invites-new-offer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116787-4b35bec8fb12825c0a65acfa9ee99428/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175564&Signature=K9iEKFC~Edt6VBoqhko1BdeAUl6NGjcfBlsg6ufa1U28ETsLAi~SAFznuls1LbyP1mKdk1yJm-CSCW7W2mfnLyEHbC59yXPFGD~eu2uoZ9S0EL8BPPOhG7hUcVxlH4zktg9SLM2AJ-hVA74lF-WU~Nf~S8ywJyXx6EFsEUk1l6jmU~eNZszPKi9iuB7zcOpxLaIRg4Fy5P4P6ie9DEllV16qT2Aiwj5kaSm4pW-vECqLP617ZgY4b55tf8LVdXYFqDzk4pvK7OPJraXUYntNyhpqxJDW4wqCFgN4-z6GgUAwnlc2rbix~wpVfRZuXy6Vofi0yWBZ0yGd4GQby2l2uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education on March 20 directed the superintendent to provide ESS Southeast LLC written notice terminating the July staffing contract to prevent any automatic renewals, while inviting the vendor to submit a contract proposal for the next fiscal year.

The motion was made after board members said they wanted to avoid being locked into an automatic, multi‑year renewal and to ensure the district remains a good fiscal steward. Board members described generally positive operational feedback about ESS’s substitute-staffing fill rate during the current year but said they wanted flexibility to negotiate terms for the coming year.

Superintendent Dr. Miller told the board that he had received a recommended addendum from ESS earlier in the day that included a pricing offer for the next year and a proposed 60‑day termination window effective the 20th. He said he would follow the board’s direction to terminate under the current terms while continuing negotiations. “They have made an offer regarding pricing for next year at a better rate and they have also made an offer, effective the twentieth for a 60 day, termination rather than the current [term],” the superintendent said.

The maker of the motion was recorded as board member Patty Mason; the motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote of all seven board members: Jennifer Dacey, Amy Davis, Darlene Gibbs, Lee Kirkman, Lauren Kitsinger, Patty Mason and Lori Spies.

Why this matters: ESS provides substitute and staffing services that the district uses to fill vacancies. The board’s action prevents an automatic multi‑year renewal and leaves open the option for a one‑year contract or further competitive procurement if the district later chooses to solicit other proposals.

What the board directed: Superintendent to send ESS written notice of termination to prevent automatic renewal, to invite ESS to submit a new contract offer for the next school year, and to continue negotiation efforts.","The board voted unanimously to direct the superintendent to give written notice of termination to ESS Southeast LLC to prevent automatic renewal of the multi-year substitute-staffing contract and to invite the firm to submit a one-year proposal for the next school year; district staff said ESS had made a pricing offer earlier the same day.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6116792,"Board approves upset-bid sale process for Bridgerton property, accepts $200,000 offer",334,6960000,7294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839&start=6960&end=7294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839/thumbnail_6960000.jpg","/articles/6116792/North-Carolina/Board-approves-upset-bid-sale-process-for-Bridgerton-property-accepts-200000-offer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116792-70ecce546e6f92ff36dc4fb5cad84ceb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175564&Signature=DJ9OOBvBeD-S6os01bWyaiIkEodXN~fnoE-W3Z4wT9XeMq5pkLwv~uGxJDI-8DSqdRs8QoaPFel4B-4OgK7PDhxWRW7T~uLWFYBjpUbT6a6kMJYyrtOudGSWeV6EekAXfUU~B8A0fxGq29ruNzqNr3rcjHSV2PI~q8665TcjG3aarOiCtcSXHnPQ2J~L3vVXqFvxxf7jRf6OeQwxmye9tZBVsngNspHOFz7XnxI06aE3AN5BItrQBnEPPpbvKpkjxeshL2szY5E0Sbk7AEJlB~QWPES2smSOTrHa2miJmyaXntW-EoeBfZ3DIlGG26IGp3iTwdOnBTKys65w8kuDUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education voted unanimously on March 20 to authorize an upset-bid sale procedure for two parcels in Bridgeton that the board previously declared surplus.

Board members adopted a resolution that accepts an initial $200,000 cash offer from a buyer identified in the resolution as Dave Vincent and directs the superintendent to publish notice and accept upset bids under the applicable North Carolina statute. The resolution sets a 60-day closing once a final high bid is accepted and requires a 5% deposit from the initial offer and from any qualifying upset bid.

The resolution, read into the record by board staff, describes the upset-bid mechanics: interested bidders have 10 days after publication of notice to submit sealed competitive offers; a qualifying higher bid must increase the existing offer by at least 10% of the first $1,000 of the offer and 5% of the remainder, and must be accompanied by a 5% deposit. The board also reserved the right to withdraw the property from sale or reject bids before final acceptance.

Board member Stacy presented the resolution and the board entertained a motion “to accept the resolution as presented by Ms. Stacy.” A motion and second were recorded and the roll-call vote was unanimous: Jennifer Dacey, Amy Davis, Darlene Gibbs, Lee Kirkman, Lauren Kitsinger, Patty Mason and Lori Spies all voted yes.

Why this matters: the upset-bid process preserves the board’s ability to obtain the highest lawful offer for district-owned surplus property while complying with North Carolina statute. The resolution specifies procedural requirements — deposit, upset-bid thresholds, public notice and a 60‑day closing for the final accepted offer.

What the resolution specifies:
- Initial offer: $200,000 cash (buyer: Dave Vincent).
- Initial deposit: 5% of the offer due within five business days of the offer being received by the superintendent.
- Upset-bid period: 10 days after the public notice.
- Qualifying-bid increment: at least 10% of the first $1,000 and 5% of the remainder of the prior offer.
- Closing: the board must approve the final high offer and the buyer pays cash at closing within 60 days of board approval.

The board passed the resolution by roll-call vote and authorized district officials to execute instruments necessary to convey the property if no qualifying upset bids are received.","The Craven County Board of Education authorized an upset-bid sale process for surplus property in Bridgeton after receiving an initial $200,000 offer; the board voted unanimously to accept the resolution initiating the statutory upset-bid procedure under North Carolina law.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6116797,"Residents, educators urge Craven County Board to preserve instructional coaches, counselors and special-education services",530,854000,1384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839&start=854&end=1384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732249-deb5644bcc9edb89753d351a67529839/thumbnail_854000.jpg","/articles/6116797/North-Carolina/Residents-educators-urge-Craven-County-Board-to-preserve-instructional-coaches-counselors-and-special-education-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116797-9793e7c551c23e900cf977d09d65ff2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175564&Signature=XvBwiVYUHXmeKoGXKOOeLY2R~dEg8t2KoMiFr3HI1jjlfc3iE71YNX-5C~12ST2YvTJxNL4mQJKTz-wo16gKGIu82p3QbFeZBvsFelOXDwMWWOKx7gkSn7iIBRJYKbQyyOFEvWdEgipcK9JwW2eiQwDAKS4-uRzePBo-NCx3p7fASf9Be65Lp-POTTG3wPidJAh-DwWNkEWzf4n7~O7lDgURSRpRmeY9MjutWyd0lTdZvMFAEcbVxraKIe-Egt-ox0PFgSt~1fMqduHa8XkBSL7c1JZY8SJhfLz~jdNQjcyuKyvAvR05TZtRqy4zSuAvakh2sI1kxFG8fCN4zIw5zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seventeen community members, principals and classroom teachers told the Craven County Board of Education on March 20 that planned budget reductions risked undermining student supports that they called essential to classroom learning.

Speakers at the New Bern meeting pressed the board to prioritize instructional coaches, assistant principals, counselors, nurses, social workers and exceptional-children (EC) staff when it finalizes next year’s budget. Several asked the board to seek additional funding from Craven County commissioners and state lawmakers instead of cutting positions.

Instructional coaches were a repeated focus. Molly Strawbridge, a fourth-grade teacher at Bangor Elementary School, said coaches provide “hands-on support” and model lessons for beginning teachers. “Instructional coaches are not an extra expense. They are an investment in the success of our students and in our schools,” she said. Sarah Weems, also a Bangor fourth-grade teacher, told the board coaches provide “targeted in-the-moment support” and help teachers analyze student data.

School principals described the range of work that would be affected if positions were cut. Dr. Ronita Wallace, principal of JT Barber Elementary School and president of the Craven County Schools Principals and Assistant Principals Association, urged the board to “prioritize funding to retain the essential staff members who support our most vulnerable stakeholders, our students.” Rachel Yourr, principal of Bridgeton Elementary School, said coaches helped create a districtwide alignment in early literacy and phonics; Caitlin Watson, principal of Grover Seafields Middle School, warned that cuts would shift responsibilities onto already overstretched teachers and administrators and could reduce student supports.

Parents and community members amplified those concerns. Joseph Twilley, whose son receives EC services, told the board cutting EC positions would harm children with autism and other disabilities. “Please do not write off these kids,” he said. Denise Magwood recounted an incident at a playoff football game in which the district athletic trainer reassured her while medics tended to her son, and urged the board not to cut athletic trainers. Jamiesha Harris and other speakers urged the board to demand larger state and local investments, noting the recent expansion of state voucher funding.

Board members acknowledged the comments and described next steps. Board member Darlene Gibbs thanked speakers and said she had been asking constituents how she could help, adding, “I haven’t talked to anyone looking for dirt. I was asking anyone for help.” Board member Lauren Kitsinger said the public input and job descriptions gave the board a clearer human view of the positions under consideration and said she is willing to ask county leaders “for what we need.” Board member Amy Davis said the county commissioners had not yet rejected any budget request and noted there are federal and state constraints on EC staffing.

Why this matters: speakers said the positions under consideration are not discretionary extras but daily supports that affect instruction, attendance, behavioral health and safety. Several warned that losing those roles could degrade student outcomes and staff retention.

The board did not take an immediate vote to cut specific positions during the meeting. Instead, board members asked for additional information on job descriptions and budget options and emphasized advocacy to county commissioners and state officials before final decisions are made.

Several speakers also criticized conduct at the board’s recent work session and raised concerns about personnel and communications; board members responded briefly during the public-comment response period but did not take formal action on those complaints at the meeting.

Looking ahead: the board will continue budget discussions in coming weeks and expects to present funding requests to Craven County commissioners. Several speakers requested that the board explicitly press the county and state for added funds to avoid layoffs or program reductions.","Seventeen speakers at the March 20 Craven County Board of Education meeting urged the board to protect instructional coaches, assistant principals, counselors, nurses, athletics staff and exceptional children services as the district faces possible budget cuts and asks county commissioners for more local funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reports closed-session settlements on special-education claims and accepts HR report

Board directs superintendent to terminate ESS contract to avoid automatic renewal, invites new offer

Board approves upset-bid sale process for Bridgerton property, accepts $200,000 offer

Residents, educators urge Craven County Board to preserve instructional coaches, counselors and special-education services