Parents urge clarity on bell schedule, childcare and bus routing as 3‑tier schedule pulled from agenda
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Summary
Public commenters asked the board for clearer plans on a proposed three‑tier bell schedule, bus routes and staffing; the board removed the 3‑tier schedule from the agenda and heard requests to study redistricting and additional bus drivers to ease capacity and transportation concerns.
During the public‑comment portion of the May 13 meeting, multiple residents urged the Pender County Board of Education to provide clearer planning around a proposed three‑tier bell schedule and related logistics. The three‑tier bell item had been removed from the board’s agenda for the meeting.
Speakers urged the district to survey parents and study transportation routing and childcare implications before advancing schedule changes. "When something controversial arises, it sparks a wave of confusion and online backlash," said Steve White, who asked the district to move from reactive to proactive community engagement. White specifically highlighted Eastern Pender County’s growth and called for redistricting and long‑term capacity planning.
Other commenters raised practical concerns about the proposed bell schedule, saying it would complicate before‑school childcare and after‑school activities; “The tiered bell schedule would hinder their ability to get their allergy shots after school and fulfill their activities,” said Megan Dell, a parent of rising middle and elementary students.
Staff and board members acknowledged the concerns. At the start of the meeting the board removed the three‑tier bell schedule item and added an item for next‑year high‑school graduation times; the removal was announced and approved as part of an amended agenda. Board members and the superintendent said staff will continue work on transportation and capacity and involve the community in decisions about redistricting, routes and bell times.
Several callers also asked about adding more buses and bus drivers and whether the district had studied route designs and efficiencies. One caller asked, “What research has been done into adding more bus drivers and more buses and or redistricting and drawing the new routes for the buses?” District staff said they are working with county and transportation teams and will present options as they develop.
The record shows the three‑tier bell schedule item was formally removed from the agenda and public commenters asked that the district pursue proactive community engagement, route studies, and childcare solutions before adopting scheduling changes.