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Public commenters urge help for meal debt, warn of Science Olympiad loss and call for accountability
Summary
Public comment featured a donor who has given more than $10,000 toward meal debt, a volunteer warning that CVCC’s withdrawal threatens Science Olympiad participation in Catawba County, a recommendation for a board appointment, and a former teacher's allegations about mistreatment by the district.
Several community members spoke during the public-comment period at the Sept. 22 Catawba County Board of Education meeting.
Matt Sinn said he has "pledged and given over $10,000" toward public school meal debt and urged that students not be penalized when families cannot pay. He also paid tribute to the late Dr. Leslie Barnett and pledged to continue advocating for public education.
Volunteer organizer Kimberly Turp said that CVCC has decided it "can no longer be a sponsoring partner for Science Olympiad," leaving the county without a suitable venue and lab facilities. She said the loss could deprive hundreds of middle and high school students of the opportunity to compete unless a new sponsor or venue is found.
Julia La Rochelle encouraged the board to consider Rhonda Pollock—recently retired from Catawba County Schools—as an appointee to fill Dr. Barnett's remaining term, citing Pollock’s experience with district policies.
Craig Meadows, a former teacher and new-teacher mentor, delivered a forceful statement alleging deceptive treatment by the school system and the workers' compensation process following a 2021 crash in which he and students were injured. Meadows said he will return with more questions and demanded transparency and accountability from district leadership.
Board chair and staff did not respond with substantive policy changes during the public-comment period; speakers’ requests and concerns were recorded for the record.
