School Board Discusses Lottery System for Year-Round Schools Amid Concerns

The New Hanover County Schools Board of Education Policy Committee meeting on July 15, 2025, sparked heated discussions surrounding the school assignment lottery system, particularly its implications for at-risk students. The committee revisited a decision made in a previous meeting to unweight the lottery for year-round schools, a move that some members believe could undermine efforts to support disadvantaged students.

Committee member Miss Justice, who was absent during the initial discussion, expressed her strong disapproval of the proposed changes. She emphasized the importance of the weighted lottery system, which aims to provide equitable access to educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. "Every major educational study has shown that kids coming from high poverty areas face significant challenges," she stated, highlighting the need for policies that address these disparities.

In contrast, another committee member argued that the state law does not mandate preferential treatment for at-risk students through a weighted lottery. Instead, he suggested that outreach efforts could encourage at-risk families to apply for programs without the need for a lottery system. He pointed to the success of other schools that utilize a rubric-based system, which assigns points based on specific criteria rather than relying solely on chance.

The debate underscored the ongoing tension between maintaining equitable access to education and the desire for a more straightforward enrollment process. As the committee continues to navigate these complex issues, the implications of their decisions could significantly impact the educational landscape for New Hanover County students. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to the current policies, as the committee seeks to balance fairness with accessibility in school assignments.