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New Dare County School Board sworn in; Twitty elected chair as district touts high graduation rates
Summary
The Dare County Board of Education swore in newly elected members Dec. 9, elected David Twitty chair and Ron Payne vice chair, and recognized district academic performance, security grant-funded AED purchases, student programs and community volunteers.
The Dare County Board of Education swore in newly elected and re-elected members and completed its annual reorganization at a Dec. 9 meeting in Manteo, where trustees elected David Twitty chair and Ron Payne vice chair and the district highlighted academic recognitions and community initiatives.
David Twitty was nominated and elected chair by voice vote after the board opened nominations; Ron Payne was elected vice chair the same evening. The board then approved the meeting agenda and consent items by voice vote.
Superintendent Steve Bass Knight announced a new security grant written with Director of Administrative Services and Security Dr. Shannon Castillo that funded the purchase of seven automated external defibrillators — six new units and one replacement — and improved in-building signage to make AEDs accessible on upper floors. “Minutes matter when you’re using the AED,” Bass Knight said while explaining placement priorities.
Bass Knight read a letter from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction congratulating Dare County Schools for meeting or exceeding expected academic growth and graduation-rate benchmarks. He cited a districtwide graduation rate of 94.5% and named First Flight High School and Manteo High School at 95.6% graduation rates. Principals from recognized schools were invited forward to receive certificates.
Student advisers presented school highlights across the district, including tutoring partnerships, after-school enrichment clubs, a new Take Flight Cafe CTE enterprise at First Flight High School, theater productions and athletics successes. Student adviser Skyler described a book drive and community service projects while Elizabeth Fairbanks led the pledge earlier in the meeting.
The meeting also recognized community volunteers and student-led projects. Marcus Simmons, a Manteo High senior and Troop 116 member, described his Eagle Scout project that replaced weathered rain-garden signage, cleared overgrown rain gardens, and rebuilt a deteriorated boardwalk at the middle school; he said more than 50 volunteers participated and credited donations of materials and local contractors for helping complete the work.
The board recessed briefly for photos and continued with routine business before adjourning. The board accepted the audit and moved forward with a first reading of proposed 2025 school calendars.
