Parents and nurses press Pitt County Schools board on cuts as board approves feeding kits, sewer work and laptops

Pitt County Schools Board of Education members heard pleas from parents and school staff about staffing and budget cuts at their April meeting and moved forward with three operational purchases.

Four public speakers used the board’s public expression period to press the district on personnel and policy. Trisha Wardlaw urged community solidarity and follow-up. Virginia Marr, a school nurse, said 24 district nurses now serve 40 schools and described a large recent TB testing effort (714 TB skin tests administered at one middle school since January 2026), arguing nurses handle high-complexity medical tasks and help keep students in class. Nicole Warren, a parent, said proposed teacher and nursing cuts would increase class sizes, reduce planning time, worsen burnout and could create safety risks; she warned families are watching and urged the board to treat cuts as an unacceptable outcome. Caitlin Swindell, a Pitt County parent, asked the board to partner with leaders to ensure schools retain staff and resources for students.

Board members responded with acknowledgement of the concerns and repeated calls for community engagement. Several members noted the district is facing a budget shortfall driven primarily by the end of COVID-era ESSER funds and the absence of a state budget. Board member Amanda cited the recent North Carolina Supreme Court dismissal of the long-running Leandro education-funding litigation and urged residents to contact state legislators about funding.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Approved. Items listed on the consent agenda included March meeting minutes, budget amendment No. 1, a Comfort Master HVAC contract for Aiden Middle School, a sheriff's request for Flock cameras at Welcome in Chacaud, the 2025'26 summer school plan and confidential closed-session minutes and a personnel report. (Motion carried; tally not specified.)

- Summer feeding kits: The board approved purchasing summer feeding kits, including 7-day non-congregate kits and new 3-day take-home kits for selected sites and partner distributions. Gretchen Wilson said the board received multiple vendor quotes and recommended the vendor used last year; sites were chosen based on rural classification and a 50% need threshold. (Motion carried; tally not specified.)

- Falkland sewer-field upgrade contract: The board approved contracting Benny A. Moore Septic Tank Service (Williamston) for $134,400 to replace pumps, floats, valves and related components and to clean existing lines; unit prices were listed at $164/ton for No. 57 stone and $135/ton for fill dirt. Funds are from NC DEQ FY22'23 grants and must be spent in the current calendar year, the presenter said. (Motion carried; moved by Jennifer, seconded by Amy.)

- Replacement laptops for ECU Early College: The board approved purchasing 110 laptops through East Carolina University to ensure device compatibility with ECU'managed networks; devices were priced at about $1,048.32 each for a total of $115,315.20 and would be purchased and managed by ECU while students are on campus. (Motion carried; moved by Amanda, seconded by James.)

Context and next steps

Board members repeatedly cited teacher burnout and staff shortages, urged volunteer support (for proctoring, summer-feeding distribution and other tasks) and encouraged constituents to read the district FAQ on the budget. Superintendent Doctor Lassiter noted the district's priority remains students and asked for patience as leadership pursues options. Several board members asked the public to contact state legislators about school funding following the court decision mentioned during remarks. The board adjourned after its regular agenda; no additional formal actions were tabled for later in the meeting.

Sources: public testimony and presentations at the April Pitt County Schools Board of Education meeting; motions and voice votes recorded during the meeting.