Board backs New Bern Housing Authority's $29M Choice Neighborhoods grant bid, approves MOU and commitment letter

The Craven County Board of Education unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding and a related commitment letter to support the New Bern Housing Authority's application for a HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant worth about $29 million.

Janelle Reddick, chair of the New Bern Housing Authority board, told the board the transformation plan targets the greater 5 Points area and would bring housing to three locations. "I'm not asking for any money. I am just asking for your support, to collaborate and help us win this national grant," she said, and added HUD requires a school‑district partnership and a data‑sharing agreement showing the district's willingness to provide an annual cohort update on kindergarten readiness, reading and math proficiency, graduation outcomes and chronic absenteeism.

Board members asked about staff responsibilities and data privacy. Miss Stacy noted concern about adding duties "without additional remuneration" and asked if the district would assign a single point of contact; Dr. Blunt and Reddick said the request is for a primary contact and a numeric cohort update (no personal data beyond applicable law) and that some requests may come through public‑records or data‑sharing protocols. Reddick estimated the plan would affect about 200 families in the target area.

The chair called for a motion; Miss Mason moved to approve the MOU and Miss Spies seconded. The board voted and the motion carried unanimously. The board then approved the commitment letter with a separate unanimous vote.

Next steps: The Housing Authority will submit the application (deadline described as March in the presentation), and the district will finalize a data‑sharing agreement and identify a staff contact to provide the annual cohort outcomes if the grant is awarded.