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Craven County Board approves tuition increase, greenhouse and facility projects; HR report fails on tie
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Summary
At a work session the Craven County Board of Education approved the FY26–27 out-of-county tuition increase, several repair and renovation projects, a greenhouse bid at New Bern High School and a 60-day extension for the FR Daniels property closing. A separate HR report failed on a 3–3 tie.
The Craven County Board of Education approved a set of routine fiscal and facilities items at a work session, including a recommended increase to the district’s out-of-county tuition rate and multiple repair and renovation projects, while an HR report failed on a tie vote.
The board approved the recommended FY26–27 out-of-county tuition rate as presented by Heidi Daley, district finance staff. Daley told the board the recommendation reflects an increase of "$487.63" over the current rate. The motion to adopt the tuition recommendation was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.
The board also approved the district’s annual submission on 2013 limited obligation bonds, which Daley said carry a remaining balance of about $1,250,000 and are scheduled for payoff in 2027. Board members were told the county pays the debt service using lottery funds and decides on subsequent use of the funds once the debt is retired.
Facilities projects approved with repair and renovation funds included HVAC work and control upgrades across several schools. Jerome Williams summarized the requests, listing a 5-ton HVAC replacement at WG Gorganes ($113,074), a 25-ton split system at Roger Bell Academy ($117,461), HVAC control upgrades at West Craven High School and West Craven Middle School, and a control upgrade at Bridgeton Elementary. (A district staff member noted one line-item’s transcripted figures appear inconsistent; the board record should be consulted for final contract amounts.)
The board approved a bid to rebuild a greenhouse at New Bern High School at a quoted price of $194,000. Miss Tolleson said federal CTE (O17) funds would cover the project cost.
Board members approved a requested 60-day extension to the closing on the FR Daniels property at the New Bern Housing Authority’s request; Dr. Blunt said that extension would move the closing to on or before May 18, 2026. Several members asked questions about the authority’s funding source, which the resolution cited as FEMA; the board discussed federal timing but approved the extension.
Not every item passed. After returning from closed session, the board considered HR Report Division 9 for March 2026. The chair announced the vote was tied, three in favor and three opposed, and the motion to accept the HR report therefore failed.
What happened next: the board adjourned following the failed HR report vote. Formal motions and tallies are recorded in the official minutes and contract documentation held by district staff.
