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Craven County funds combine with private grant to invest $60,000 in school athletics
Summary
Craven County’s Partners in Education announced a $60,000 investment in local school athletic programs, combining $30,000 from the county with a $30,000 Harold Bate Foundation grant; principals said funds will support flooring, field maintenance and weight-room upgrades.
Suzanne Gifford, executive director of Craven County Partners in Education, told commissioners that $30,000 in county matching funds plus a $30,000 grant from the Harold Bate Foundation will provide a $60,000 investment in athletic programs across Craven County schools. “The 30,000 in matching funds from Craven County, combined with 30,000 grant from the Harold Bate Foundation, is being used for a total investment of $60,000 in our Craven County school system athletic programs,” Gifford said.
Principals described how their schools will use the money. Claudia Casey, principal of Havelock High School, said the funds will pay the next phase of construction on a new weight-training building: “We plan to utilize the funds for a flooring project, which is the next phase of construction.” She emphasized athletics’ role in keeping students engaged in school and improving behavior and grades.
Dr. Daryl Thomas, principal of New Bern High School, said his school will target gym and stadium improvements, field maintenance and weight-room support so growing programs — including newly added volleyball — have necessary equipment and facilities. Montrell Lee, principal of West Craven High School, said the school will use money for helmet reconditioning, paint and weight-room upgrades and that the system is conducting department-wide assessments to ensure student-athlete needs are met.
Gifford also outlined PIE’s broader grants work: she said PIE awarded other classroom grants this year and requested continued partnership with county government and local agencies to expand opportunities for students.
Commissioners thanked the presenters. No formal vote was recorded on additional funding during the presentation segment; the update described funds the county had already matched and how school leaders plan to use the money.
The county staffer who introduced the presentation said the partnerships — including local law enforcement and library partners — help PIE extend services across Craven County.
