Robeson County school board tables naming decision for new career and technology facility after public comment
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Summary
After public comments urging the board to name a new career-and-technology facility for local leaders, the Public Schools of Robeson County board debated policy requirements for naming, then voted to table the recommendation pending a policy interpretation and/or public hearing.
The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education on Jan. 13 heard hours of public comment urging the board to officially name its new career-and-technology facility for local Lumbee leaders, but the board ultimately tabled the recommendation to seek a clear interpretation of its naming policy.
Members of the public and multiple speakers representing the Lumbee community asked the board to name the building for Dr. Barry Harding and Dr. Johnny Hunt, citing support letters from local officials and community leaders. Bosco Locklear told the board the request included endorsements from municipal mayors and representatives and said the naming would "do the right thing" for the community.
The construction committee reported it reviewed naming submissions and recommended instead that the district place commemorative plaques inside the building rather than adopt an official exterior name. Board member Christie Fields offered a substitute motion to name the planetarium the "James Hooks Planetarium" and place large external lettering and a portrait; that substitute motion was later set aside when another member moved to table the matter.
Board members asked whether the district had followed policy 9300 — which governs facility naming and mentions a public-hearing step — and whether the construction committee and the facilities committee are distinct for the purpose of that policy. Several members said their past practice had been to ask the requesting group to hold a public hearing and then return findings to the construction committee and the full board.
Craig Lowery moved to table the naming recommendation for further review; Henry Brewer seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote recorded as "ayes have it." Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson recommended the board obtain a formal interpretation from the school board attorney before taking further action.
The board did not adopt any official naming tonight; members approved tabling the matter and instructed staff to clarify the procedure required under policy 9300 and to arrange any necessary public processes before reconsideration.
What’s next: The board directed staff to seek a clear policy interpretation from the school board attorney and to return the item at a later meeting after any required public hearing or clarification of procedure.
