School board defers strict deadline for HB805 classroom-library cataloging, lets superintendent set timeline

The New Hanover County Board of Education voted to let Superintendent Christopher Barnes manage the district’s implementation timeline for HB805 — the new state requirement to catalog classroom libraries — after board members and the superintendent urged flexibility for teachers. The vote on the substitute motion passed 6-1. Supporters of a fixed deadline argued teachers need a clear target; opponents cautioned that the law took effect in August and that rushing teachers during the opening weeks of school would impose unnecessary burdens. Board member Judy Justice proposed a Sept. 30 compliance date; that proposal was discussed and ultimately superseded by a substitute motion to allow district leadership to set a practical timeline. Superintendent Christopher Barnes told the board he and staff are already supporting schools and would work “with all deliberate speed,” offering assistance including staff help and volunteers for cataloging. Barnes said the law’s text — which states materials be cataloged “at the beginning of the school year” — leaves room for interpretation, and he preferred discretion to avoid creating unrealistic deadlines that could “come back to bite you later.” Board members who pressed for a fixed date said consistency would help ensure compliance and public confidence; those who opposed a hard date said doing so risked penalizing teachers who did not yet have the capacity to complete large inventories during the school opening. Several board members and the superintendent emphasized volunteers and district teams would assist teachers who request help. The board’s substitute motion to let the superintendent manage implementation carried on a roll call that recorded votes in favor from Melissa Mason (chair), Pat Bradford, David Perry, Pete Wildebore, Jesse Barnhart and Dr. Tim Merrick; Judy Justice voted no. The district said it will centralize support, provide tools and point people — including a media specialist and central staff — for principals and teachers who need help cataloging classroom books. Superintendent Barnes asked teachers who encounter problems to contact their principal, Dawn (media supervisor), or his office; he said the district would offer hands-on help at schools as needed and would avoid punitive steps for individual teachers during the immediate compliance period.