Southampton board approves partnership with Regent University; superintendent authorized to finalize agreement

The Southampton County Public Schools board on Monday authorized the superintendent to finalize a partnership with Regent University that offers a 20% tuition discount for school employees (extendable to spouses and dependents) and an early-college option priced at $75 per credit hour.

The agreement, introduced by Superintendent Dr. Shannon and presented by Regent representatives Aaron Covington and Kirk Kresick, is intended to expand postsecondary access and professional-development options for staff and students. ‘‘We want to help students do that and help them save money in the process,’’ Aaron Covington said during the presentation. "We're so pleased to offer... a 20% discount for Southampton County Public School staff," he added.

Kirk Kresick, dean of Regent's School of Education, described additional offerings for working adults and school employees, including accelerated eight-week online courses and a provisional-license pathway "discounted... to $200 a credit hour, $600 a course" for teachers seeking provisional licensure. "We train teachers, we train administrators, we train staff to become teachers better than anyone else in the area," Kresick said.

Board member Mr. Rogers moved to give the superintendent permission to move forward with the partnership; Mr. Lane seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition recorded. The board did not adopt a final contract tonight; the vote authorized the superintendent to negotiate and execute the agreement on the district's behalf.

District leaders said Regent can provide online and on-campus programs across certificate, undergraduate and graduate levels and offered additional services such as mentorship for provisionally licensed special-education teachers and principal apprenticeship support.

Supporters said the partnership would ease access to degrees and licensure for current employees and create dual-enrollment opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. The board's action permits the superintendent to conclude contract details and begin implementation steps with Regent University representatives.

The record shows the presentation and the board's authorization occurred during the board's action items; no additional financial details for the district (such as staffing costs or contract language) were finalized during the meeting and were described as to be handled by the superintendent.

Ending: The superintendent will return to the board with any material contract terms as required by policy or when further board approval is needed.