[{"_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",6192927,"mediaKeyId","3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec","parentId",3868911,"title","Board reviews 10‑year facilities plan; staff outline possible school closures and expansions","audioSeconds",122,"startMs",353000,"endMs",475000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec&start=353&end=475","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec/thumbnail_353000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6192927/North-Carolina/Board-reviews-10year-facilities-plan-staff-outline-possible-school-closures-and-expansions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192927-a7c7d833b831eac4ee8edea8984920fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078479&Signature=aBZbfJdJEglCVYsWgpOkZzu9GK2KUx8F7gXtRfqhsZs5ic~qKJl-zfjobNEEB~5MPQAx8HKXfW8NR14Q2pG-Jij0iy~8JTezy5V8yWwhgG4tfcuHWRJrdu3ZWJOtbQIhcWJWEbAvG3LJwCnLQs5NvSxHXaHcYqnGCHgyq5-wXfrs3MW4rV7hRqxpEXfdOzFDw8wsSP2WJksp3lOupazcTt6Lf-IZO5P96e~Kh8HJP99ypcy4HSWOp6JSdYyLTUGUhkKTdclHI6Vo2Ei88ELC2DrgT1Y01IpwWqIMATxFmH0vSPSs6vFsTkTXe4W-IsQFhZImi44MRrn52hNUvvDGAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Craven County Schools","date","2025-06-17T17:46:54Z","article","Craven County Schools staff presented a 10‑year facilities plan based on the district’s 2019 facilities study and recent updates, highlighting cost estimates, capacity constraints and potential school repurposing.

Stacy Lee, who presented the plan, told the board the update draws on the 2019 facilities plan and recent work and is intended as a discussion starting point rather than a final recommendation. The plan flags schools with low enrollment and shows green numbers for investment estimates and red highlights for facilities that could be considered for closure or repurposing.

Why it matters: Facilities choices affect student assignment, capital spending and the district’s ability to meet enrollment needs in growth areas. The board heard specifics and next steps without taking action.

Key details presented: staff noted Grand May Barden’s enrollment has fallen and the district has considered closing or reassigning its students. To place those students at Havelock Elementary, staff said Havelock could not absorb the enrollment without modular classrooms; staff estimated roughly $750,000 for modular additions to Havelock Elementary. The plan also discussed an expansion at Creekside (to accommodate growth in that part of the county) and a potential new middle school in the New Bern area.

Staff cautioned the board that school closure is a legal process: closures require following Department of Public Instruction (DPI) policies and general statutes. The board heard that older school buildings can be repurposed for other educational uses and that the plan’s cost and schedule items are preliminary.

Board reaction and next steps: Board members asked for the updated 2019 facilities plan materials (an executive summary is posted online; staff said the full binder had recently been published) and urged careful legal review. No vote was taken; staff said an updated facilities plan that includes board input will be developed in coming months.

Ending: The board treated the presentation as informational; staff were asked to provide additional materials to board members and to consult legal counsel about the legal steps required before a school closure might proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6/17","oneSentenceSummary","Craven County Schools staff presented a 10‑year facilities plan based on the district’s 2019 facilities study and recent updates, highlighting potential closures, modular additions and capital needs.","taxTitle","Craven County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14187,"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},6192928,"Craven County Schools reports large drop in chronic absenteeism after districtwide push",775,3785000,4560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec&start=3785&end=4560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec/thumbnail_3785000.jpg","/articles/6192928/North-Carolina/Craven-County-Schools-reports-large-drop-in-chronic-absenteeism-after-districtwide-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192928-9f11bbd3f804902d048ccbf27ffb4a60/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078480&Signature=nYujIyRkBl4hpmyRJsgoha8Ixo5aBn3Gr-PGZD6tfB6T1Qr5NJ69wC3LxlelSgf7YlsoyQAZPiVHVQoj0AxW5TMUKw5qQJtE9TDOV99anf9-9JTmoGvjLzpTVwwp~bKNFw5mAm-XPP6qy5kNxzAQUarR-wT3TmvWctx0KLSFIAOOhOm4-HnUvLCqO41ydyQobBPnWi7rSRek2zf7aiVUzRJTYwqX222gKY4QHkmbEeOIrgQzzYwBcuqTM27tSa1Qq13vbqv~sv0iwYcd9mB4Bh9kwZy0d2H1j00-U2C2-y-lYaeR9Q8M3cwBZKRXP3x02tHXjOsuGCJqnnk3DqHAnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craven County Schools officials told the board an end‑of‑year review showed a substantial drop in chronic absenteeism across the district after focused attendance work at schools.

Dr. Boutwell, speaking for the district accountability team, told the board that districtwide chronic absenteeism fell from 3,226 students to about 1,860 — a decline of roughly 42 percent — in one school year. \"Students with 9 or fewer absences historically outperform their peers,\" Dr. Boutwell said, and staff emphasized that reductions in absences were a primary reason the district expects academic gains when state results are published.

The nut graf: The presentation, given at the board’s request, separated chronic absenteeism (missing more than 10% of instructional days, including excused absences) from truancy (unexcused absences where a student could have attended). Officials said the decrease represents intentional, school‑level strategies and multi‑disciplinary family support teams but that the problem is not solved.

Officials detailed grade‑span trends and where gains were largest. At the elementary level the district reported elementary chronic absenteeism fell nearly 40% (from about 1,069 to 642 students), with the highest rates historically in kindergarten and early grades. Middle schools saw the largest relative drop — about 48% — including several schools that cut their chronically absent counts by half or more. High schools recorded roughly a 40% drop; ninth grade remains the grade with the highest chronic absenteeism among high schoolers. Officials noted that high school chronic absenteeism calculations differ because attendance is taken by period.

Nurse Forsyth presented truancy numbers and context: of roughly 1,860 chronically absent students, 135 open truancy cases were active districtwide at the time of the presentation. That means about 25% of chronically absent students were enrolled in an open truancy process; overall truant students represented about 4.2% of enrollment. Middle schools had the highest share of chronically absent students also involved in truancy proceedings.

The board and staff discussed common drivers and school responses. Staff said kindergarten through second grade contributed a large share of elementary chronic absenteeism and recommended continuing early‑grade outreach. Schools reported practical interventions — attendance incentives, family outreach, courts and community partnerships — and principals described school‑level attendance boards and prize programs to encourage regular attendance.

On discipline, the district presented incident‑category data from February through May. Aggressive behavior, disruptive behavior and inappropriate conduct were the top categories across grade spans; bus misbehavior and disrespect toward staff were also highlighted. Staff said those categories are relatively stable month to month and will inform district behavioral goals for 2025–26.

Ending: The presentation was informational; the board did not take action. Officials said they will continue the district’s attendance work, bring further updates as the school year cycle starts, and expect to compare next fall’s academic results with the attendance gains presented.","Craven County Schools officials reported a roughly 42% decrease in chronically absent students for the 2024–25 school year and described next steps on truancy, discipline categories and school-level strategies.",{"_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},6192921,"Board approves Mosyle mobile device management contract for Apple devices at $118,970.50",302,2153000,2455000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec&start=2153&end=2455","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec/thumbnail_2153000.jpg","/articles/6192921/North-Carolina/Board-approves-Mosyle-mobile-device-management-contract-for-Apple-devices-at-11897050","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192921-809bd48fa64063627dbfdcd5cfd4b8df/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078480&Signature=O8Dd~QvRKdRt2OBMkdGkdcctMpEsWVNtSvOC1Nor19NCIgm0BC2Kiac1kWEjE24IcEt0DoLHw7e8x0iDDoDOKHyEICuvCrGkXUi1YO8it993GR2evuQVwBSONy5iLNwHWI9dZ56-9ImgMY3LS3BilISrPL6uqOyG~JCPP8OP3xlxMzDmSwNvXD1c7P3rlM-~i5CSUHw5~ggOU62cYO9KdHRKv~yn1JO~9VLlAdk-4YZ0JegDu8jF-MEyKznVgjr8K7bBC2gTsUTq47RVGLgDkhObGwRziL1ixIq~EyLgnnqHnihjGD3gsk0udJixM1pCaOcYihzHGz-ZeD9wMY530w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved the district’s proposed mobile device management platform contract to manage Apple devices across schools.

A technology staff member asked the board to approve renewal of the district’s MDM platform (Mosyle Manager), describing it as the district’s central console to configure, secure and update iPads, Macs and other Apple devices. The presenter said the system allows IT staff to push apps and settings, lock or wipe lost devices, set web and app access during class time, and speed large deployments.

The nut graf: Staff said the platform reduces device downtime, centralizes updates, supports Apple Classroom features for teachers and helps protect student and district data. Teachers can use the system to import class rosters and manage student devices in the classroom, the presenter added.

Cost and vote: The contract price presented was $118,970.50, exclusive of a 6.75% sales tax; the board approved the contract by roll call vote.

Board questions focused on who uses the system and whether teachers can leverage it for classroom management. Staff confirmed teachers can use the platform for Apple Classroom features and to limit web/app access during lessons. The board approved the contract with a unanimous roll call vote.","The board approved a $118,970.50 contract for the district’s mobile device management (MDM) platform to manage Apple devices, enabling centralized app distribution, configuration and security; the contract will be used to support teachers, staff and students across the district.",{"_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},6192925,"Craven County Schools rebrands summer feeding to 'Sun Meals'; expands to meal kits and mobile bus stops",204,928000,1132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec&start=928&end=1132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868911-7ee9148f8fa9d0b22297e9c80c7e4eec/thumbnail_928000.jpg","/articles/6192925/North-Carolina/Craven-County-Schools-rebrands-summer-feeding-to-Sun-Meals-expands-to-meal-kits-and-mobile-bus-stops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192925-ec50cc3dcfcf49b091f695e6b57d719a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078480&Signature=PxrNusfHu-FFV9BxqkJ12oH~UGFYg7yng598ECdhgM4XmGAOjOSw6Z0wB9K0LkE4g~PJ5aGCiHb8uC4LDsLexwz5hLGEoCws1dnBUbveRHIUCu4CcyrkWsK6G9rOZkIROgfZYO3jcQRzJ-3o0ir3tlD5CzLDgPrzzvcbeupbe1G5-rsaf1Hzjd-cFN7j8~hLxd1LUHMjfsD-tQGIcgcoPVktpwEgE~Glspr4vCrbe0L02GftCjTEgMqVH0syOw385XdIp3e3CfSjzKdcffNBi-5DHzzKORfRl6YqbpfgV1NVhrZClVUujSKpT9NndBCAx9mNjI8PUIsVmfQfDk0JUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craven County Schools presented updates to its summer feeding program, now operating under the name Sun Meals to align with state food‑service branding.

Nutrition staff explained the program runs both congregate (on‑site) meals and Sun Meals To‑Go, a weekly distribution that delivers seven days’ worth of breakfast and lunch every Thursday. \"We chose Thursdays because July 4 fell on a Friday this year and it caused confusion,\" the presenter said.

The Nut Graf: The district said there is no preregistration or ID required at open sites; families may be asked to provide names and addresses on a sign‑in form. For the meal kits, the district uses a packing machine purchased during the COVID period and distributes microwavable trays with reheating instructions; the program employs a three‑week rotating menu.

Program details: congregate/open sites were listed as school groups, camps and community partners where meals are consumed on site. Sun Meals To‑Go main pickup locations listed included Arthur Edwards, Bridgeton, Vanceboro and Farm Life; several mobile distribution sites serve western county and Havelock. Staff reported Havelock had low participation for congregate summer meals in the past; the meal‑kit option increased weekly distribution there to about 30 meal kits per week. The Craven Cruiser — a modified, air‑conditioned school bus — provides meals in New Bern neighborhoods that are not eligible for USDA seven‑day kits because of rural‑eligibility mapping.

Community partners include local churches, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and sports camps. Staff also said the district applied for fresh fruit and vegetable grant funding (eligibility requires roughly 50% free/reduced lunch at an elementary). The presenter noted program locations and projected versus actual participation for the prior year.

Ending: The item was informational; no board action was required. Board members thanked nutrition staff for the program and praised staff members with long service.","The district said summer feeding is now operating as 'Sun Meals' with congregate sites and weekly seven‑day meal kits distributed on Thursdays; mobile meal sites and a modified school bus (Craven Cruiser) will serve New Bern and western county locations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews 10‑year facilities plan; staff outline possible school closures and expansions

Craven County Schools reports large drop in chronic absenteeism after districtwide push

Board approves Mosyle mobile device management contract for Apple devices at $118,970.50

Craven County Schools rebrands summer feeding to 'Sun Meals'; expands to meal kits and mobile bus stops