Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Organization Recognitions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nash County Board of Education swears in new members, honors staff and students
Summary
The Nash County Board of Education held its Dec. 5 meeting, swore in newly elected and re-elected members, presented multiple staff and student recognitions and heard a public request for a memorial event.
The Nash County Board of Education on Dec. 5 swore in newly elected and re-elected board members, presented awards to staff and students and heard a public request for a memorial ceremony for a slain former student.
The board convened with Judge Timothy Wilson administering oaths of office to members in a rotation announced by the chair. Newly sworn or re-sworn members included Donovan Chavis, Richard Jenkins, Franklin Lamb, Jevon Whitfield and Linwood Weeks. The board recognized outgoing members Sharonda Thomas Bullock, Evelyn Bullock and Bill Sharp for their service; Sharp participated remotely.
The board paused for multiple recognitions. Awards included an NCPS Hero Award presented to Jacob Carey for his work at the Early College; curriculum and program recognitions for Leanne Evans; winners of the district poster contest from Englewood and Edwards elementary schools; district holiday-card recognitions across elementary, middle and high schools; and a graduate renewal certification awarded to Carrie Davis, executive assistant to the superintendent and board clerk, for completion of the North Carolina School Boards Association professional program (651.84 hours).
During public comment, Turkesha Odom, who identified herself as a 20-year educator and former Nash County Public Schools employee, requested use of Nash Central High School facilities on Jan. 18, 2025 for a small ceremony marking the death date of her daughter, Omaria Smith, who graduated in 2022 and died Jan. 16, 2024. Odom said Omaria had been active in student leadership and extracurriculars and asked the superintendent and board to grant access so friends and family could “celebrate her life.” The request was recorded for board consideration; no formal board action on the request was made during the meeting.
Superintendent Sam Ellis welcomed new board members, highlighted district recognition by the state school board (Champion for Change award) and reminded the public of upcoming dates, including an early release day on Dec. 11 and the winter break Dec. 23–Jan. 3.
The board closed the session by announcing committee and meeting dates for January and adjourning.
