Board agrees to begin public process to consider renaming JC Roe Center to JC Roe Academy

The New Hanover County Board of Education voted July 29 to add an information item to next week’s regular meeting to begin the public process for a proposed name change from JC Roe Center to JC Roe Academy. The board accepted a staff presentation saying the principal had proposed the change to reflect the school’s academic focus; policy 9300 (facility naming/renaming) requires that a renaming proposal be published as an information item no sooner than 60 days before a vote. The chair said publishing the information next week would start that 60‑day clock. Board members discussed whether to schedule public hearings during the 60-day period. Several members suggested soliciting public comment through the call-to-audience process and scheduling a dedicated hearing only if significant public comment is received. Board member Pat Bradford said she supported beginning the process and, if needed, holding community meetings while the 60 days run. The board voted 7–0 to add the item to next week’s agenda under information and assigned five minutes on the regular meeting calendar to discuss next steps and start the public-notice period.