Public commenters urge clarity on hiring and student rights at Onslow County Board meeting

Two members of the public used the Onslow County Board of Education’s public-comment period to raise concerns about personnel decision-making and student inclusion.

Cynthia LaCourte asked the board to clarify how the district determines eligibility for reimbursement of master’s degrees and other personnel benefits, saying the public and employees “are due an answer” about whether relatives or friends received preferential treatment. "I'm not making an accusation, but I believe that the employees of Onslow County School District and the general public should have an explanation," LaCourte told the board.

LaCourte said she was seeking transparency about selections for reimbursements and noted relationships she said are relevant to employees who received benefits; she repeatedly emphasized she was not formally accusing specific individuals but said staff and the public deserved an explanation.

A second speaker, Ari Rakowitz, described personal experiences in public schools and urged the board to emphasize children’s rights and inclusive practices. Rakowitz recounted challenges with mental health and special education needs, described how family and teachers had affected his path, and said he would email recommendations to the board and share them publicly at a future meeting. "I hope the new superintendent, board, and staff will emphasize children's rights and inclusive celebration of difference to enhance both well-being and achievement," Rakowitz said.

Board policy and the board’s public-comment script were read aloud at the start of the comment period; the board’s policy code 2310 was cited as the framework that limits board member responses during the public-comment period and reserves detailed replies for the board comments segment at the end of meetings. No formal staff responses or board actions followed the two public comments during the meeting.