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Craven County Board of Education appoints Lee Kirkman to District 2; appointee discloses family business tie and asks to recuse
Summary
The board voted unanimously to appoint O. B. 'Lee' Kirkman Jr. to the unexpired District 2 seat. Following the oath, Kirkman disclosed that his family operates Kirkland Family Farms, which hosts school field trips, and asked to be excused from any board discussions or votes involving the farm.
The Craven County Board of Education appointed O. B. "Lee" Kirkman Jr. to the District 2 seat at its work session, then administered the oath of office and heard brief remarks from the new member.
The board took a roll-call vote to fill the vacancy left by Scott Murphy and recorded a unanimous approval. After the motion and the second were recorded, the clerk called each member by name and registered a "yes" vote for the appointment. Following the vote, county commissioner Denny Bucher administered the oath.
Why it matters: The appointment fills an open seat on the seven-member board and brings a new voice to governance. Kirkman also disclosed a potential conflict and requested recusal if matters concerning his family's farm arise.
Kirkman—s remarks and disclosure
Kirkman addressed the board after taking the oath and stressed his intention to be a conciliatory, service-minded trustee. He said his career included education, ministry, and administration and pledged to represent District 2 constituents.
Kirkman publicly disclosed a business interest: "My family and I own and operate Kirkland Family Farms, which provides farm tours to various groups, including groups from Craven County Schools, primarily as field trips," he told the board. He said parents pay tour fees directly and he did not believe school funding was used to pay those fees, but he asked for "an abundance of caution" and requested that his fellow board members excuse him from any discussion or votes regarding matters involving his family's farm.
Kirkman asked that his statement be entered into the official minutes and said he would provide copies to the chair, vice chair, board attorney and superintendent.
What happened next: Following the oath and remarks, the meeting recessed. The board recorded the appointment and entered Kirkman—s disclosure into the public record.
Ending: Kirkman took office immediately after the roll-call vote and oath. He has asked for recusal on any board matters directly involving Kirkland Family Farms; the board recorded his statement for the official minutes.
