Superintendent urges closure of Craven Virtual Academy; parents and students plead to keep virtual option

Dr. Cheeseman, superintendent of Craven County Schools, told the board at a public hearing that the district is recommending the board begin the state-mandated procedure to close Craven Virtual Academy (CVA), citing sustained deficit spending, per-pupil subscription costs approaching "a quarter or half a million dollars" and persistent low accountability ratings.

The superintendent said the district’s concern is fiscal solvency and program effectiveness: enrollment for CVA is currently in the high 80s to low 90s, below North Carolina’s 100-student threshold to fund a principal, and the school’s accountability rating has trended as an "F" on the state model. He explained that removing the academy’s school code by June 30 would reallocate state funding to students’ domiciled traditional schools and allow those schools’ principals, counselors and teachers to manage student supports.

Why it matters: closing CVA would reassign students back to their home schools, changing who is responsible for daily instruction and support and affecting the district’s budget and program mix. Dr. Cheeseman framed the recommendation as one piece of broader financial adjustments the board must consider to stop deficit spending.

During the public-comment portion, more than a dozen parents and students told the board that CVA provides essential supports for children with disabilities, serious anxiety and other health needs, and that losing the program would cause real harm. "My son has thrived — he went from being constantly suspended to honor roll," said parent Crystal Codwell, adding that her son’s therapists warned losing the program would be “detrimental” to his progress. Susan Edwards, whose two children are on the autism spectrum, said CVA saved her daughter from a year of severe decline and hospitalization and expressed concern after learning staff reassignments may already be underway.

Students also spoke: "I struggled with suicidal thoughts in traditional school," student Maxine Miller said. "Switching to CVA was one of the best decisions I have ever made." Kelby Jubber and other pupils described maintaining sports, jobs and college classes while succeeding academically in the virtual environment.

Several speakers asked whether the board has already decided to close CVA; Susan Edwards and Crystal Codwell both referenced communications they had seen that suggested a prior vote or staff action. The superintendent reiterated that the board had not made a final decision at the hearing and that the public input is part of the state-required process.

Board action at the meeting was limited to procedural business: after public comment the chair accepted a motion to adjourn the hearing; Miss Mason moved, Miss Amy Davis seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. No vote on closing CVA was taken that evening.

What’s next: Dr. Cheeseman said the state timeline requires any school-code removal to be complete by June 30 to affect the coming school year’s funding. Parents asked for prompt notice of any plan for students, and several requested information about whether a virtual option could be maintained in another form or through fundraising. The board has not announced a date for a final decision.

Sources and context: The board cited North Carolina General Statute 115C-72 as the statutory framework for school-closing procedures; Dr. Cheeseman and district finance staff presented enrollment and budget information to the board earlier in public budget sessions, according to the superintendent’s remarks.

Ending: The public hearing closed without a board vote on the future of CVA. Parents and students left the meeting urging the board to consider individual student needs, program flexibility for military families and the district’s obligation to balance budget constraints with supports for vulnerable learners.