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Students tell Hoke County school board they feel unsafe, call for mental-health and facilities action; Leandro case cited
Summary
At the Dec. 10 public-comment period, a Hoke County High School junior presented survey results alleging gaps in mental-health supports, building maintenance and student voice; a second speaker urged attention to the Leandro litigation and campus facility ambitions.
A Hoke County High School junior told the Hoke County Board of Education on Dec. 10 that an anonymous student survey found many peers feel unsafe, unsupported emotionally and underserved academically, and urged the board to act before planned facility improvements are delayed beyond their high school years.
The student, who identified herself in remarks as McAllister and said she is a junior, said the survey covered safety, academic guidance and mental-health support and reported "many of the students" rated those areas on the lower end of the scale. She cited specific facility problems listed by students: cold bathrooms, seating issues in cafeterias related to allergy restrictions, broken seats, bus problems and perceived inconsistencies in discipline. The student said principals and staff were working on improvements but asked for clearer timelines given repeated delays to a new building project.
A second public commenter, identified as Harry Kelsey, urged the board to review recent arguments in the Leandro case and pressed the board and its legal team to ensure current students and teachers are connected to litigation that seeks state remedies for public education. Kelsey also outlined athletic- and facility-related ambitions for Hoke County High School — including an indoor track, a competitive pool and additional practice fields — and asked whether the district is planning phased campus improvements that would make the campus competitive.
Board members did not take formal action during the public-comment period. The record shows the students' concerns were acknowledged; presenters said some school staff are addressing the items raised. The student asked for clearer commitments on timing for the new building and follow-up on repairs and supports.
No outside remedies, funding commitments or policy changes were announced at the meeting as a result of the comments.
