Wilson County Board approves school contracts, revised calendars and multiple policy changes

The Wilson County Board of Education on Jan. 27 approved a series of contracts, revised school calendars and multiple policy changes, and accepted summer programming and staffing plans for 2025.

The board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Berry Building Group to design and build a culinary arts classroom at Beddingfield High School for $99,000 and to approve a $5,947,628 contract with Barnhill Contracting to design and reconstruct wings damaged at Springfield Middle School, pending approval from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Board members also approved summer program plans, staffing contracts for one-on-one student supports and several revised school calendars.

The board heard a special presentation from Jenny Hayes, principal of Beddingfield High School, who thanked the board and district staff for their work. “Your leadership paves the way for our schools to thrive,” Hayes said, presenting tokens of appreciation from students.

Why it matters: The Barnhill contract covers reconstruction work tied to storm damage at Springfield Middle School; the board noted the contract amount may rise if additional work is required to meet current building codes, and that those additional costs have been described as likely to be covered by remaining insurance proceeds. Several actions completed at the meeting affect how the district will make up instructional time missed for weather-related closures and how it will staff and run summer programs targeted to students who need additional support.

Key details

- Construction contracts: The board approved a $99,000 contract with Berry Building Group for a Beddingfield High School culinary arts classroom and a $5,947,628 contract with Barnhill…