Board votes to hold hearing on alleged breach of confidentiality by a member; hearing set before August regular meeting

The New Hanover County Board of Education voted 6–1 on July 29 to hold a special meeting to hear allegations that a board member breached board confidentiality and district policy. Board member Pat Bradford moved that the board call a hearing to consider alleged violations of board policy 2120 and related confidentiality rules. The motion passed 6–1. Several board members said prior private attempts to resolve behavior had been made and documented; supporters of the hearing said the issue concerns the board’s ability to operate and maintain consistent standards among members. During discussion, David Perry acknowledged he had texted a parent after a closed‑session appeal decision and said he regretted the overstep; he said he had meant to relieve a parent’s anxiety. Other members said closed session matters are not for outside disclosure. Board members debated how much detail could be publicly discussed because some matters involve student records and are confidential under FERPA; the board’s attorney advised that discussion in public should avoid personally identifiable student information. Trustees discussed scheduling and ultimately set a special meeting for the hearing on August 4 at 1:00 p.m., ahead of the board’s August regular meeting, to allow time for public notice and to preserve staff availability. The motion to hold a hearing passed 6–1; the board chair said staff would provide public notice and logistical details.