Board names teacher resource center for longtime local leader Dr. Evelyn Shaw Wilson

The Edgecomb County Board of Education voted to name the district's teacher resource center on Fairfield Road after Dr. Evelyn Shaw Wilson following public comment and a motion approved in open session.

Ruben Blackwell, speaking during the board's public comment period, asked the board to "consider naming the teacher resource center in Fairfield Road after your own esteemed chair, Dr. Evelyn Shaw Wilson," citing her role as an early African-American elected official and her decades of service to the community. "We're asking that you put her name prominently on that building so that students and families will know," Blackwell said.

Board members then read policy 9300, the district's facility-naming policy, which directs the superintendent to involve staff, students and parents when recommending names and to submit a recommended name or limited list to the board for approval. After the policy was read aloud, the board voted to add consideration of the naming to the agenda later in the meeting.

Later in the session Dr. Brian moved to name the teacher resource center for Dr. Evelyn Shaw Wilson; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. In response, Dr. Wilson expressed gratitude and board members offered congratulations.

The vote concluded the immediate naming decision. Board members discussed following the district's policy steps for any formal ceremony and involvement of staff and families in the recognition.

What happens next: the district will follow the procedures in policy 9300 for any signage, formal presentations and communications with school staff and families.