Public comments at board meeting call for transparency and greater investment in classrooms

Two members of the public addressed the Cleveland County Board of Education during the Sept. 8 public comment period, calling for transparency and direct investment in public education.

Nanette Linhardt (spelled in the record as Nanette Linhardt), introduced herself as a Cleveland County property owner and urged residents to pay attention to school-board affairs because taxes support the school system. She said residents should “do your own research” and suggested voters should remove officials who do not tell the truth. “When facts, figures, and statements are only shared with certain school board members and not all school board members, you should be angered,” Linhardt said.

Rob Powell, a retired 30-year North Carolina public-school educator, addressed the board about statewide education funding, the Leandro court decision and recent legislation that he said directs public dollars toward opportunity scholarships rather than classroom funding. Powell asked what the “big, beautiful bill” discussed at a Chamber luncheon does for local classrooms and teachers, and said, “Tax breaks don't teach kids. Teachers do.” He urged direct investment in schools, improved teacher pay and support for classrooms.

Board chair and staff reminded commenters of the board’s public comment rules (comments should not address confidential student or personnel matters and must be courteous) and noted that board members cannot act individually on matters raised during public comment without follow-up and investigation by staff.