Craven County Board adopts calendar changes, tuition increase, multiple policies; opts out of state high‑school risk survey

The Craven County Board of Education on Feb. 10 elected a new chair, approved changes to next year’s school calendars, raised the out‑of‑county tuition rate and approved several operational items, including a policy authorizing school nurses to carry naloxone (Narcan). The board also voted to opt Craven County Schools out of the North Carolina High School Risk Survey.

The votes came at a two‑hour work session dominated by updates from Superintendent Dr. Peter Miller and several staff presentations. The board elected board member Lori Spies as chair following the resignation of former chair Scott Murphy. Members also approved calendar changes to create specific graduation dates, voted to adopt a recommended out‑of‑county tuition rate for 2025‑26 of $2,619.13, and approved multiple operational items and contracts. The board unanimously approved a policy that allows school nurses to carry and administer naloxone under standing orders from the county health department.

Why it matters: The calendar and tuition decisions affect families’ planning and district revenue for the coming school year; the naloxone policy changes a medical safety protocol in schools; and the opt‑out from the state survey removes district participation in a DPI student risk survey that asks about sensitive topics.

Key actions and supporting detail - Election of chair: Board members nominated and…