The Board of Education for the Public Schools of Robeson County approved a fully endowed $25,000 educator scholarship at its Aug. 12 meeting and directed that the endowment be named for the board.

Superintendent Dr. Williamson reviewed the scholarship features and confirmed the endowment requirement is $25,000 and that recipients would receive $250 awards for classroom projects or professional development. "We did indicate that we do have those funds on hand," a district official said during the presentation.

Board member Bradley Phillips moved to accept the endowment and recommended naming it "Board of Education for the Public Schools of Robeson County"; Henry Brewer seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote; the transcript records discussion but no roll‑call vote was read aloud.

During discussion, some board members raised concern that the district was placing $25,000 into an endowment while other district infrastructure needs remain (for example, repairs cited by one member). Staff clarified the endowment contribution would be paid from a contingency/unbudgeted funds source, not from capital funds used for facility repairs. "It is actually coming out of a contingency fund that we set up that's unbudgeted, in terms of projects," a staff member explained.

Why this matters: the endowed scholarship provides recurring small awards (examples cited: $250) for educators and classroom projects; debate highlighted choices about using flexible contingency funds versus capital investments.

Actions: motion by Bradley Phillips, second by Henry Brewer; board approved the $25,000 endowed scholarship and the board selected the endowment name. No further implementation details or payout schedule were provided at the meeting; staff said the board will determine naming and distribution mechanics.