[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6466954,"mediaKeyId","5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0","parentId",5811959,"title","Board tables decision on 2025–26 school fees after questions about inconsistent high‑school parking charges","audioSeconds",214,"startMs",7206000,"endMs",7420000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0&start=7206&end=7420","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0/thumbnail_7206000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466954/North-Carolina/Board-tables-decision-on-202526-school-fees-after-questions-about-inconsistent-highschool-parking-charges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466954-7a4572237178fe47a73407fbffa47a9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940787&Signature=dA7fvufnuX-WeroCWGvbykpA2etlWE86L3FYuZ8iuE7r8eWMa4HqkLBviv-pQih1vtBMv6Em~kickvKWDLl94E~rGeYBoYORqVMZXcKXg9dgdNWzUFXbcDYFg4bjVq9gf~kv1E7Uu-dn1Q0qOcsNO21QlmApuY4v472nobWiP2IflIaYueU7fll8ZO~HhSQzHnRWX1EKrxqPpBJ9KTQ927-g2gUrDv1OtlmQVy~cjG2M1xactLJ07rdzsA4nhrDq5FFq3myzOaEDVIqc2yVVeQ36SLV9LpUYZmhXLLOhu3-cLbIGm0mXlQmkbvCAxUhce~lKxqBSHx0Ac7dZ1d9wfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbus County Schools","date","2025-09-23T00:57:38.373Z","article","The Columbus County Board of Education voted to table final approval of the district’s proposed 2025–26 school fee schedule after trustees raised questions about inconsistent parking‑permit practices across high schools.

Board members discussed a discrepancy during the school‑fee agenda item: East Columbus High School does not charge a parking‑permit fee, while West Columbus and South Columbus include parking fees in their published fee schedules. At least one high‑school campus has a senior‑parking personalized space fundraiser (painting parking spaces) that had already begun raising money; board members said students who had already paid should not be required to pay again.

\"We have to be consistent. It's either gotta be all or none,\" a board member said during discussion. The board’s motion to table — made by Dr. Strickland and seconded by Mr. Enser — passed by voice vote; the board directed staff and principals to return with reconciled information at the next meeting.

Superintendent Beck said school fees had been submitted after school started and acknowledged the need to adopt a timeline so fee schedules are approved before the opening of the next school year. Board members recommended that school fees be approved annually before July 1 going forward.

At the same meeting the board separately approved fundraiser requests for the 2025–26 school year, including the senior personalized‑parking‑space fundraiser at West Columbus listed among approved fundraisers; board members said the board will reconcile fundraising activities with any future fee policy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 September Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees voted to table approval of the district’s proposed school fee schedule so principals can reconcile differences between high schools — notably parking‑permit charges and a senior parking‑space fundraiser at West Columbus High School.","taxTitle","Columbus County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",38694,"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},6466959,"External review finds strengths in special‑education supports, recommends EC leadership team and MTSS improvements",912,5506000,6418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0&start=5506&end=6418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0/thumbnail_5506000.jpg","/articles/6466959/North-Carolina/External-review-finds-strengths-in-specialeducation-supports-recommends-EC-leadership-team-and-MTSS-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466959-4c8d22b395585197c4569cc24fd54de1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940787&Signature=KelCS06qwsCBQ96EectvaNTmqkoelGfXzi97H5Nfknbzgea9JPyH2tPG97pvJ-xdS737XFxX7-oqyVDCwT9DoaKKotRKxemEBi8QVBrrq3sZC-JaIymW7AgYZz-snu1eIzk0XzIclVCqqO501P7r6RNdaQVNSyzX-UobpGTaypOq2RGkSBbUeyKmXxInPZ9MO4rhgYBu3gglh60jyz0XmSRjWFvQGeaJH52NRQ~UF71OVmbD93fbFxscsGCvovwzCFMC7NaoT5S0MWTQhv2zvrA7ttkgFGtr-qK8pIEzmMeA0J~Ot0FaRJ~G-~txa49DAxkTj-L8NvGrRdNCuzaFVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Global Special Education Associates (GSEA) conducted a program review for Columbus County Schools and presented findings to the board on Sept. 22, praising staff commitment and identifying structural recommendations for special‑education programming.

Dr. Pamela Adams, GSEA’s East Region program director, told trustees that the review included classroom walkthroughs, interviews and federal‑compliance data analysis. \"Some of the strengths that we found were the investment in staff,\" she said, noting stable staffing and strong adult‑to‑student supports in many classrooms. The review also highlighted positive preschool placements and a lack of severe disproportionality in special‑education identification by race or ethnicity in the district’s compliance data.

GSEA’s recommendations concentrated on system improvements rather than individual students: establish a representative special‑education leadership team to set measurable goals and conduct program reviews; expand MTSS (multi‑tiered system of supports) consistency for reading, math and behavior to avoid over‑ or mis‑identification; formalize preschool transition protocols with outside agencies; increase disability‑specific classroom accommodations and visual supports; and provide job‑embedded coaching and professional development for co‑teaching and IEP practice.

The presenter recommended an accountability structure, shared online resources and an EC strategic plan that mirrors district goals. The report also suggested earlier transition planning for students at risk of dropping out and enhanced family engagement and training related to IEPs and graduation planning.

Superintendent Beck and board members thanked the review team. Board members asked staff to consider the recommendations and to use the report to guide professional development and cross‑district leadership development for special‑education staff.","Global Special Education Associates presented a program review praising staff commitment and some federal‑compliance strengths, and recommended clearer EC leadership, MTSS consistency, preschool transition protocols and targeted professional development.",{"_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},6466964,"Board approves American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge for participating Columbus County schools",337,2781000,3118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0&start=2781&end=3118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0/thumbnail_2781000.jpg","/articles/6466964/North-Carolina/Board-approves-American-Heart-Association-Kids-Heart-Challenge-for-participating-Columbus-County-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466964-dc602d9fcc2fd7482d093531000f7159/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940787&Signature=Oyy52w1tUMcLFWXAKD75bN3m58Jyi8QJYwX3pgniDPq-4eJ9MGa6NAq-HwkysTnFcl8yK8HSiGRjD147V8uYCD7UzgzwtttZDYA4jPicvHZiVkNuKLQsYYKR7~Z-U8dtF3W5yEt7hYZ2HcdiJLksNwIYeg91iOdPE2XmLl5exhMkYlGVkWIHRpny6Gkx2lciqqarzII-Eiw8cScWZ-VTzX~7ayx3vR5XlNlHObqmEShJGAv54FHzXg7D7Dxskw0Y3TGQzVTvmclCYuXiGaixG3nzjHmYn3UqhLXMWye7ScVm39~M3aVtQfx0FwPDgBTCy1hwqmZzyLUMFSpt2zsC9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus County Board of Education approved an agreement with the American Heart Association on Sept. 22 to bring the Kids Heart Challenge program to participating district schools.

Michelle Fisher, a regional school‑program representative for the American Heart Association, described the program’s educational and service‑learning goals and asked trustees to encourage principals to participate. \"These skills that children are learning through Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are helping save lives,\" Fisher said during her presentation, citing classroom activities on heart health, stroke recognition and hands‑only CPR outreach videos for students and families.

Fisher said the program is aligned with North Carolina physical‑education and health standards and typically runs as a 2‑to‑4‑week unit embedded in PE or health instruction; it is supplemental and does not provide formal CPR certification. She noted the program supports family engagement through an at‑home component and that the American Heart Association can offer grants (up to $2,500) to participating schools that apply.

During her presentation Fisher identified five Columbus County schools that had already committed to participation: West Columbus School, Hallsboro Artesia, Tabor City School, Old Dock and Nakana Middle School. The district’s superintendent recommended approval, the board moved to accept the agreement, and the motion passed by voice vote.

Board members asked operational clarifying questions about program logistics, parental permissions, whether PE teachers would implement the materials and how the at‑home components work. Fisher confirmed that the program includes educational videos and materials but is not a hands‑on CPR certification class; she said eighth graders in the district still receive hands‑on CPR instruction as part of regular curriculum requirements.

Superintendent Beck and staff will work with principals who choose to participate to schedule program delivery and to distribute grant‑application information.","The board approved a partnership with the American Heart Association to deliver the Kids Heart Challenge program in Columbus County Schools; staff said the program is supplemental, targeted to K–8, and does not confer CPR certification.",{"_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},6466969,"Columbus County Schools: 10 of 12 schools met or exceeded growth; district exits low‑performing status",614,1395000,2009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0&start=1395&end=2009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0/thumbnail_1395000.jpg","/articles/6466969/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-Schools-10-of-12-schools-met-or-exceeded-growth-district-exits-lowperforming-status","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466969-64e67ad3ee40fcd3772029208fbf1419/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940787&Signature=HmntNsxv0u-i6laHagtxFn4Mhg5XvcHu0o25pZmMbfS87TmREbbQ6I8SEBmpMy0gXfD5W0x9VHjPs-OwoEf2ZKKGrrraUmREFDIvO7r5GX16jzGkErDzS-i8Swyh8OFQsFQgp0MY-3W9RK03lef3wz0wQ~PBzQCJlXiWjhcl9I~GHhiodtN4ky~oUnuEqddcJnUonlMKsbNBr5BGnnOPHiSLo5Pk9uIjtYW0zSIxbW~id1xqiKu5nw1TMJYfKT8qy32bEWL1I4ABxfmZru1UcIne5-eo1bA4NHPwipszH5UDsaiL6j2y5g-nPTVu8YAa6xj~VtHxrJC4jDu0iCvWjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff told the board on Sept. 22 that Columbus County Schools made measurable gains in 2024–25, including growth improvements across most campuses and removal of three schools from low‑performing status.

\"We had 10 schools that either met or exceeded. We had 9 schools that met growth and 1 school that exceeded growth,\" said Tamara Carter during the accountability overview, summarizing the district’s year‑end report. Carter presented the testing calendar and then summarized the state accountability results provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The district’s data recap, presented by Laura Hunter, detailed trends across grade bands and subjects and identified persistent challenges even amid gains. Hunter told the board that 10 of the district’s 12 schools met or exceeded growth measures for the year and that three schools came out of low‑performing status: Chadbourne Elementary, Hallsboro Artesia Elementary and West Columbus High School.

The presentations highlighted several key points the district plans to target:

- Early‑grade reading: staff described a widening gap from kindergarten/first grade to second and third grade and emphasized stronger decoding (phonics) instruction in second and third grade (reading‑horizons) and increased vocabulary and writing instruction to close the cohort gap.

- Secondary English: English II proficiency is below the state average; district staff said they are expanding teacher coaching, monthly PLCs and classroom visits focusing on standards‑driven instruction and increased writing across disciplines.

- Math: District presenters said third‑grade math proficiency is above state average, but scores fall sharply in fourth grade as students face multi‑step word problems; the district is investing in math foundations training for fourth through sixth grades and coaching for middle‑grade teachers.

- Science: A newly normed science exam produced declines in proficiency consistent with re‑norming expectations; district leaders said they will increase laboratory‑based, application‑focused instruction and cited a dedicated science coach.

Other district highlights presented to the board included a graduation‑rate increase (district reported 88.5 percent), strong FAFSA completion rates (district reported leading the state and nation in completion), and gains in districtwide growth metrics: for 2025 the majority of schools met growth, with Old Doc Elementary noted as exceeding growth.

Board members praised staff for measurable progress while asking for school‑level presentations in upcoming meetings. The board voted earlier in the meeting to approve the draft testing calendar and a revised 2025–26 school calendar, both of which were prepared using North Carolina Department of Public Instruction guidelines.

\"If we continue to meet and exceed growth, then proficiency is gonna follow,\" Hunter said. The board asked that principals present school‑level improvement plans in coming months to show how district strategies will translate into classroom instruction.","District staff presented year‑end accountability results showing gains in growth and proficiency, three schools removed from low‑performing listings and areas for targeted improvement — second‑to‑third‑grade reading, English II and middle‑grade math — were identified.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466974,"Board approves budget, contracts and field trips; tables dispute over high‑school parking fees",9001,269000,9270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0&start=269&end=9270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811959-5c56a4c51e6fbc4f59fb851d5f9e7fb0/thumbnail_269000.jpg","/articles/6466974/North-Carolina/Board-approves-budget-contracts-and-field-trips-tables-dispute-over-highschool-parking-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466974-974dc475bdda24637b9e6159efb8618f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940787&Signature=ivayNGFxtSz-zPWseV3JttaKwNWYxDwdj2RPjvJVqnR5qqSHiuLhgvDi46dVBOm~dGGVQsxgJhRVzJXvnxKv330PWvjS1IArMyS8ciXBCR5QF8dsMLK06qIMUmYXiAW6xDND1SaZWBHfhPVHhYK2Jc~~t~kI8TwPSIuPdbWacxmT5H~pmg771IcuPBAH0TXLv-M6~84g-ZJbPSltzWH5tWxOKlCmVj06MPCVyg1~K1A-S3q1mwj7WBAeDjcgxBDxz6CCUphObuZeWERc2QnqJRVPN3bvi8mHaxCC63gVVr7zFhxA7PsLN7wL5c4CTUDRQ7a8OzCkeLJovMKJruCFNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbus County Board of Education members voted on a package of routine and substantive items including the 2025–26 budget resolution, multiple school partnerships, construction and field‑trip contracts and school fundraisers, and they tabled a contested decision about high‑school parking fees until the board’s next meeting.

The board approved the district’s 2025–26 budget resolution, accepted partnership agreements (including an American Heart Association school program and a Duke University memorandum of understanding for a community‑schools initiative), awarded a first‑phase window replacement quote for West Columbus High School, authorized contracts and field trips for several schools and scheduled the annual surplus auction for Oct. 24. Board members voted to table discussion and approval of the proposed school fee schedule (including parking permits) so principals can clarify differences among high schools.

The approvals are part of the board’s regular business items for the new school year and reflect the district’s financial, instructional and operational priorities. The budget resolution sets the district’s authorized appropriations across state, local, federal and special funds and establishes administrative authorities for internal transfers and future amendments.

In action: the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to adopt the draft testing calendar and a revised 2025–26 school calendar; authorized an agreement with the American Heart Association to bring the Kids Heart Challenge program to participating schools; approved a third‑party vocational rehabilitation services agreement with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; authorized an occupational therapy field‑work agreement with UNC Pembroke; and accepted multiple field‑trip requests for in‑state and out‑of‑state FFA and CDE competitions. The board also approved school fundraisers submitted by district schools.

Votes on many of the items were recorded by motion and customary voice vote; where individual roll‑call tallies were not read into the record the minutes reflect the motion, the mover and the second and the board clerk’s announcement that “the ayes have it.” For one contested topic — school fees, particularly parking permits at some high schools — the board voted to table the item and requested follow‑up information before final approval.

The board also set the date for the district’s annual surplus auction on Oct. 24 and accepted several construction and project invoices for Williams Township School work already performed.

The meeting closed with a motion to enter closed session under North Carolina law to discuss privileged attorney–client matters.","At its Sept. 22 meeting the Columbus County Board of Education approved the 2025–26 budget resolution and multiple contracts and trips, accepted a number of partnerships and scheduled a surplus auction, while tabling a final decision on school parking‑fee policy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board tables decision on 2025–26 school fees after questions about inconsistent high‑school parking charges

External review finds strengths in special‑education supports, recommends EC leadership team and MTSS improvements

Board approves American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge for participating Columbus County schools

Columbus County Schools: 10 of 12 schools met or exceeded growth; district exits low‑performing status

Board approves budget, contracts and field trips; tables dispute over high‑school parking fees