The Craven County Board of Education elected Lee Kirkman as its board chair and Amy Davis as vice chair during a Dec. 1 special organizational meeting.

Lee Kirkman won the chair vote 5-2 after nominations from the floor. In a roll-call vote recorded by Mister Stout, Jennifer Dacey voted no; Amy Davis, Darlene Gibbs, Lee Kirkman, Patty Mason and Laurie Spies voted yes; Laurie Kitzinger voted no. "The tally is 5," the clerk announced, and the chair declared Kirkman the new board chair.

Amy Davis was elected vice chair in a subsequent roll-call vote, 6-1. The board recorded a majority in favor of Davis; Laurie Kitzinger was the sole dissenting vote. Davis told colleagues she would "work alongside each of you on this board to help push forward meaningful progress," stressing collaboration and community engagement.

Laurie Kitzinger, who opposed both leadership outcomes, gave an extended statement criticizing the board's process and tone. Kitzinger said the board was "inherently dysfunctional," argued nominees should explain why they are fit for leadership and said she was not included in pre-meeting discussions she believed shaped the outcome. "You must be humble and show me that you are humble," Kitzinger said, arguing the chair should not use the position to dominate board decisions.

After the elections, Kirkman thanked outgoing leaders and members for their votes and called for improved communication and unity. "I look forward to working with us together, and moving our school system forward," he said.

The board then voted unanimously to go into closed session, citing a statute as recorded in the meeting: "general statute 140 three-three 118,100 eleven(three) and (six)," to consult with counsel and consider qualifications or performance of a public officer or prospective employee. The board later reported no action was taken in closed session and adjourned the meeting.

Votes at a glance
Lee Kirkman for chair: elected 5-2 (No votes: Jennifer Dacey, Laurie Kitzinger).
Amy Davis for vice chair: elected 6-1 (No vote: Laurie Kitzinger).

What’s next
The board completed its organizational business and adjourned. No public action resulted from the closed session, and the board did not announce further immediate agenda items at the meeting.