Parents, students praise Craven County Schools' CTE and dual-enrollment offerings

Several parents and a student who spoke during public comment said their children are thriving in Craven County Schools, citing career-technical education (CTE) classes, dual-enrollment opportunities and supportive teachers.

The comments, made by four unnamed public commenters, highlighted why those speakers believe the district is serving students well. "My job comes home as happy. They are healthy. They are learning. They're thriving, and they're just in a great place. Craven County is the best school system," said Resident 1, a parent who spoke first in the record. Another parent said, "All 3 of my children, again, they come home happy every day. So what more could a parent want than an unhappy child?" (Resident 2).

Speakers pointed to specific programs as reasons for their support. Resident 3, a speaker who identified as a student or former student, said, "The reason why I believe Craven County Schools is a great place to be a student is the CTE courses that they offer. When I was in middle school, hearing my students talk about that. So a lot of those classes, appealed to me." Resident 2 (speaking again) added praise for the dual-enrollment option: "I think Craven is the best place to be a student, especially for the dual enrollment program. I'm dual enrolled through the community college, and it's a way to get college credit. We have amazing teachers in this town. This school and the county has something for everybody, for every child." A final commenter referenced a single school: "Obviously, New Bern High School is a special place. It feels like a big family. But even, you know, throughout our entire district, it was that same support that you get, as a whole, within the school district district that makes this a very special place to work," said Resident 4.

These remarks were delivered as public comment and are not recorded in the transcript as leading to any formal board action or vote. The transcript does not specify which community college provides the dual-enrollment courses, nor does it identify the speakers by name. Speakers repeatedly credited teachers and the district's program offerings for student well-being, and one speaker specified that all three of their children come home happy.

No motions, votes or staff directions related to these comments are recorded in the provided transcript.