Board approves budget amendment, calendars and personnel; nomination process draws criticism

The Lenoir County Board of Education completed routine and required actions at its Jan. 6 meeting, approving a budget amendment, academic calendars, surplus declarations and personnel recommendations. The board also confirmed a representative to the county Recreation Commission and recessed into closed session under state law to discuss confidential personnel matters.

Budget and finance: The board heard a December 2024 financial report and approved Budget Amendment No. 2 for fiscal year 2024-25. The district's finance presenter said federal program timing can create temporary negative federal balances and that the amendment would align budget records with received funds. The motion to approve Budget Amendment No. 2 was moved by Mister Hill and seconded by Mister Woods; the board voted to approve the amendment.

Instructional calendars: The board approved Option A for the 2025-26 instructional calendar after a motion to adopt the option was made by Mister Britt and seconded by Missus Cash. The board separately approved the Lenoir County Early College High School 2025-26 calendar (which follows Lenoir Community College) on a motion by Mister Hill and seconded by Mister Britt.

Surplus items: The board declared several Media and Technology Department items surplus and authorized disposal or recycling; the motion was moved by Doctor Outlaw and seconded by Mister Wiggins and approved.

Personnel and closed session: The board moved into closed session under North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 to consider confidential personnel matters and to consult with counsel. The motion to enter closed session cited G.S. 143-318.11 and was moved and seconded at the meeting; after the closed session the board approved a list of personnel recommendations and an addendum on a motion by Mister Hill (seconded by Mister Wiggins).

Appointments and governance: The board accepted a nomination for the Recreation Commission and confirmed Jonathan Britt as the board's representative. During the appointment discussion, Missus Cash objected to how the nomination process had been handled, saying she was not contacted and calling the selection "the good old boys club." She urged that committee openings be offered to all board members. The board proceeded to vote for Mr. Britt's appointment by voice vote.

Motions and outcomes at a glance: - Approve January 6, 2025 agenda: moved by Mister Hill; seconded by Doctor Outlaw; outcome: approved. - Approve Budget Amendment No. 2 (2024-25): moved by Mister Hill; seconded by Mister Woods; outcome: approved. - Approve 2025-26 Instructional Calendar (Option A): moved by Mister Britt; seconded by Missus Cash; outcome: approved. - Approve Lenoir County Public Schools Early College 2025-26 calendar: moved by Mister Hill; seconded by Mister Britt; outcome: approved. - Approve surplus of Media and Technology Department items: moved by Doctor Outlaw; seconded by Mister Wiggins; outcome: approved. - Enter closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-318.11: moved by Doctor Outlaw; seconded by Mister Woods; outcome: approved (closed session held). - Approve January 6, 2025 personnel recommendations and addendum: moved by Mister Hill; seconded by Mister Wiggins; outcome: approved. - Nominate and confirm board representative to Recreation Commission (Jonathan Britt): nomination made from the floor; outcome: confirmed by voice vote.

Where the transcript omitted explicit recorded vote tallies for individual board members, the meeting record shows motions were seconded and approved by the board through voice or show-of-hands votes. The board also announced possible near-term facility-committee and special meetings to handle contract negotiations and reminded members of upcoming school improvement presentations scheduled for Jan. 21-24.