Pitt County Schools board spotlights teachers, nurses, CTE students and principal scholars during May meeting

Pitt County Schools’ Board of Education used its May meeting to highlight student and staff accomplishments, mark Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize school nurses and aspiring school leaders.

Board members recognized Technology Student Association competitors from Aiden Middle School. Jason Wade, TSA adviser, said the chapter won “small chapter of the year” for the fourth consecutive year and that two students — Ruth Ann Everett (career prep) and Faith Ray (prepared speech) — placed first and will attend TSA nationals in Nashville, Tennessee, June 27–July 1.

Dr. Taylor Matkins, assistant superintendent for school leadership, introduced principal scholars and principal fellows who have been pursuing a Master’s in School Administration or serving internships as building administrators. Matkins named Sarah Pierce and Matt Daniel as principal scholars and listed principal fellows including Brantley Barrow, Kayla Edwards, William Keyes, Aaron Speeds and Tanisha Powell Holloway.

The board also recognized Elmhurst Elementary physical education teacher Carol Carson after a February car-line accident in which Carson moved a student, Kennedy, out of harm’s way. Megan Newman told the board: “Coach Carson made the decision to push Kennedy as far as she could out of harm's way likely saving his life while placing herself at a greater risk of serious injury.” Board members and the superintendent expressed gratitude and well-wishes for Carson and the student.

School nurses received a formal recognition as the board marked National School Nurse Week. Sarah English, director of student services, told the board, “we have 25 nurses that serve all of our schools,” and said the district also employs three nurse extenders. Lori Reed, the district’s school nurse manager, announced that three nurses — Amy Pritjian, Kendra Floyd and Meredith Kennedy — recently obtained national school nurse certification. Reed described the certification as a rigorous credential that “reflects competence and professionalism.”

Superintendent Dr. Laster and multiple board members used their remarks to praise teachers, principals, nurses and child-nutrition staff, noting the district’s roughly 1,700 certified teachers and encouraging community support during Teacher Appreciation Week.

The recognitions occupied a substantive portion of the meeting’s agenda and drew multiple public comments and expressions of gratitude from board members.