[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6530903,"mediaKeyId","3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533","parentId",3634617,"title","Pitt County honors student artist, state track champions and Capturing Kids’ Hearts awardees; district debuts recruitment commercial","audioSeconds",1053,"startMs",263000,"endMs",1316000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533&start=263&end=1316","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533/thumbnail_263000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6530903/North-Carolina/Pitt-County-honors-student-artist-state-track-champions-and-Capturing-Kids-Hearts-awardees-district-debuts-recruitment-commercial","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530903-bb651665e31e0758d23f082e976e2bbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437849&Signature=Sg3yJQAb8qTTrEJ9jqAh7s11zP72SMVEqUZrQcKtSba3pdzBLswN5jIedRm250AZJyEl0tEpU2DmsRfW~h0FrVCpJkmQGMGWdHgR7mD~c5f8gPrSs-3qDg0qUPQ8HsZ2dVeDtgamY-gjdXm0UIEMx66DzMKqsqH8hKj7-darFj-YhpgzSui95SmH2ATqrQZpK~-nxm6oUSxTVo2f0g6cyt3PMWlm2PEXh9GCio5RHywLk25i2sT0jHCq0DUgeQv3fCFHaGDLicpkglW2WWqJylATVXyosDzbas8KkNrnLawiDpuENYFoOW8MiAdey9efFQhslxUyelBYQAOL1xKonw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pitt County Schools","date","2025-06-03T00:34:11.313Z","article","The Pitt County Schools Board recognized students and schools for arts, athletics and school‑culture achievements and the district previewed a new recruitment commercial.

Art: The board honored Kaylin Williams, a senior at South Central High School, whose artwork was selected as the 3rd Congressional District winner in the annual Congressional Art Competition. Board members noted the winning piece will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the coming year. Kaylin’s primary art teacher was identified as Ira Varney and she said of her piece, “I don't have much to say about it.”

Athletics: The board recognized state champions in track and field. Paul Cornwell, the district athletic director, introduced members of the Aiden Griffin 4x400 relay (Madison Langeman, Isabella Asencio, August Overby, Abigail Mitty) and individual champions including Cameron Sessoms (55m hurdles) and Elijah Abel (two‑time state long jump and triple jump champion). Board members congratulated the students and coaches.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts: District staff announced national recognition under the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. Falkland Elementary and Lake Forest were named national showcase schools for measurable improvement in attendance, academics and discipline and for having staff trained in the program. Bethel School and South Central received recognition as first‑year implementers achieving measurable progress.

Recruitment commercial: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tara Patterson and staff previewed a 30‑second recruitment commercial airing on WITN and WCTI for three months to promote teacher recruitment; staff said a student‑recruitment spot will alternate with the staff spot once ready.

No formal board action was required for these recognitions and presentations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 2nd 2025, Pitt County Schools Board Meeting Begins at 06:30 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","The board recognized Kaylin Williams, whose artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, state champion track athletes, four schools for Capturing Kids’ Hearts awards, and announced a three‑month staff recruitment commercial that will alternate with student recruitment spots.","taxTitle","Pitt County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14093,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6530908,"Synergistic honors Pitt County Schools for decade‑long energy partnership; district reports double‑digit reductions",139,1178000,1317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533&start=1178&end=1317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533/thumbnail_1178000.jpg","/articles/6530908/North-Carolina/Synergistic-honors-Pitt-County-Schools-for-decadelong-energy-partnership-district-reports-doubledigit-reductions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530908-d587c13192ecc12cb285c384671aeb5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437849&Signature=YglItn9dtd3TGysCr49wqY6ByOZV~6Z71Rf1ForkYk31mAvTBW45pt6tOG~eeAx04N0wIdLxwv11RdJYtegHLjmP1UIld-4FVdtq~oKXcApYa5Yk0c5cuLSuA4V5aUVt0mG-Qxh8tn-I4U5QtblrB8i3Cic1LH7vvLtrxv9NLZEUA74~tgnmPuKkM0QvrosYe7Revo3EumaBL9q9e0EYkJ~vEDq8YBT5OBrty1MwrZBWuFRt5U1-WDDZB8pEOuDCu8P1d8QSMJ-4hKKnSxqekHCfRxx5qsj1n~x99t372ZoKP1yD89sMxv~wC4LD0MvlAQNnT~9bIROUmQFgDIisPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Synergistic, an energy‑services partner, presented Pitt County Schools with a Best in Class award recognizing a 10‑year partnership the vendor said has produced more than a 26% reduction in energy consumption and over 25% cost savings for the district.

Shannon Smith, Synergistic client manager, and Anderson (energy specialist) credited Pitt County Schools staff for “incredible dedication and hard work” that led to measurable savings. Synergistic included a $1,500 scholarship to the district with the award.

The district’s partnership with Synergistic began with a “quick start” program in August 2014; staff said the first official performance year began Feb. 1, 2015, and the district has completed 10 performance cycles.

Synergistic also announced that three district buildings achieved ENERGY STAR certification this year. The vendor explained ENERGY STAR certification requires a building to be in the top 25% for energy efficiency compared with similar K‑12 school buildings in EPA scoring.

Board members and staff accepted the award and said they will continue to pursue additional ENERGY STAR certifications.

No board vote was required for the award presentation; Synergistic’s remarks and the check presentation were an informational recognition.","Synergistic presented Pitt County Schools with a 'Best in Class' award marking a 10‑year partnership that the vendor said produced more than 26% energy consumption reduction and over 25% cost savings; district also earned Energy Star certification for three buildings.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6530912,"Speakers urge Pitt County board to protect DEI policies while others call for votes on anti‑DEI language",184,1606000,1790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533&start=1606&end=1790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533/thumbnail_1606000.jpg","/articles/6530912/North-Carolina/Speakers-urge-Pitt-County-board-to-protect-DEI-policies-while-others-call-for-votes-on-antiDEI-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530912-b09846550a22c7123280d9a37be5fcea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437849&Signature=QgKi6SK67fuGQnSsHU7b5lX7~H48wLQwO6ilFIslcCIQcDYEjwpxXR4Ln~hz72t34zW-x0zSLgMY305y9G-NPF-qT8ztd5-w4ocf9YfC9WMSaCTAM0ocKLZsL-sdt83tP~GPQOFpHKJWR4ymNA9HL7cMjLf3rUQdvdBiL-~7n6FKKUcrmc06SJblHKU95nkvG1qQbTE4UjUmjRBWuvzYIgmKd57l92JzD3d8A7z4V0f9PRFV6U629uLQIlm99NEDfJoRT5VCOLT2Ngy0ZU0KzyT0SKdpTXM7Dy0WZ0Htm3G3Ts0LGblHtdX-Vrf8rTv6ajrxmpizrXoqvl1RM0YLCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the meeting’s public‑expression period, several members of the public urged the Pitt County Schools Board to take a public position on proposed changes to district diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

Mike Tan, co‑chair of 5051 Greenville, told the board his group wants the board to remove anti‑DEI language from the consent agenda and vote on it publicly so voters know who supports students. He said organizers had seen “workarounds” to state anti‑DEI rules and urged the board to be explicit about where it stands.

“...I would hope that you would remove the anti DEI language off the consent agenda and vote on it, so that the public will know who supports our kids,” Mike Tan said.

Other speakers urged the board to keep DEI protections. Tricia Warkow told the board, “We cannot take away these DEI policies, we cannot take away the protections for our LGBT students.” Nicole Cole, who identified herself as a Marine Corps veteran, warned that removing policies that protect pregnant students and other groups would harm children and minority students.

Representatives of Moms for Liberty also addressed the board. Julie Andrews, speaking for the group, described a parental‑rights initiative tied to a national commemoration and urged parental engagement in curriculum discussions.

Speakers repeatedly framed their comments as defending students and urged the board to consider constitutional and statutory obligations. One speaker referenced Article I, Section 15 of the North Carolina Constitution, which says the people have a right to the privilege of education and that the State must guard and maintain that right. Board members did not reply to the public comments during the meeting; the chair reminded speakers that the board listens but does not respond during public expression.

Speakers and board members also raised related operational concerns — for example, one parent asked for improvements to middle‑school testing schedules and another urged completion of pay increases for classified staff.

The public comment period concluded before the board moved to consent agenda items and other business.","Multiple speakers during public expression urged the board either to remove anti‑DEI language from board materials and vote publicly, or to retain diversity, equity and inclusion protections for students, including LGBT protections and pregnant students.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6530915,"Pitt County board awards contract for middle-school gym structural repairs after wide bid spread",169,3184000,3353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533&start=3184&end=3353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634617-ce75e3fcfc8298069c199b80de9c2533/thumbnail_3184000.jpg","/articles/6530915/North-Carolina/Pitt-County-board-awards-contract-for-middle-school-gym-structural-repairs-after-wide-bid-spread","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530915-1888762998b938f9af62a9ab5bf52d05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437849&Signature=ATrQ0Jffi8BDetfn5oJv9cGqCGxPzOaxJEzQ051cM-3SOi4p5rEENzYgZvR-Jvi3flxBY7K5ZP1liEc2dlrcl0rf0I2jfA3xumw62JyOdmF~i6TfFKqAem~5ygOxQ~PktEJB6JHmKLaThqAZYmOKLuXqOcfuAsd27D-hRUGLq8Qljb2SfQZ0hjXjoSzesdoXeNaqWvixqXA1i5b3YS7KVljIbcXARafmWp3KoiXJvQbKVCqO4JWTmM2GEWtuN7oTTahUbb8TrzkxSoqBXvqTivzu~meEuq~4ysjqQxfPBFmjASvc9bfMR9tJAN5gsJFWODwUYhUZqLIbP7C5YyrRzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pitt County Schools Board of Education voted to award a contract to Dunright Incorporated to perform structural repairs on three middle school gymnasiums, after staff said Dunright submitted the lowest and most fully verified bid among six responders.

Board members voted to approve the contract by voice/hand vote during the meeting; a recorded roll-call tally was not provided in the discussion.

Board staff described a wide spread in bids for the scope of work — installing rebar and grout in walls at the three schools — with the low bid about $394,867 and other bids as high as $1,994,900. Staff advised the board that Dunright, based in Chesapeake, Virginia, would self-perform the work and that the district’s engineer had reviewed and verified Dunright’s quantities.

Operations staff cautioned the board that the contract amount does not represent the total project cost. “I just want to be clear upfront that just because we're at just under 400,000, that does not mean we've saved $900,000 in this scenario,” said Aaron (Operations staff). He told the board the district still expects additional costs for bleacher removal and reinstallation, gym painting, floor finishing, design and construction administration, third‑party testing, and potential change orders for unknown conditions.

Staff said the only bidder on the list known to have done the identical repair for the district previously was METER Construction, whose price on this project was approximately $844,000. Board discussion noted that larger contractors often carry higher overhead and management costs, while self-performing firms can offer savings.

The board approved the motion to award the contract after a motion and second; the meeting record shows the motion carried.

The district will proceed with contracting and staff said they will return to the board if significant change orders or unforeseen conditions require further board action.

Votes at a glance
- Contract award: Motion to approve contract with Dunright Incorporated for middle-school gym structural improvements — outcome: approved (motion carried; vote by raised hands).","The Pitt County Schools board approved a contract with Dunright Incorporated for structural repairs to three middle school gyms after staff verified quantities and highlighted likely additional costs and change orders.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pitt County honors student artist, state track champions and Capturing Kids’ Hearts awardees; district debuts recruitment commercial

Synergistic honors Pitt County Schools for decade‑long energy partnership; district reports double‑digit reductions

Speakers urge Pitt County board to protect DEI policies while others call for votes on anti‑DEI language

Pitt County board awards contract for middle-school gym structural repairs after wide bid spread