Board approves health-department nursing MOU and prelim program, plus phonics curriculum purchase

Edgecomb County school leaders presented and the board approved several program and curriculum items during the special call meeting.

Health-department MOU and nursing funds: Staff requested and the board approved a memorandum of understanding and contract with the county health department for the 2024–25 school year. The presenter said the agreement would provide $250,000 in grant funds to support district nursing positions; staff noted the district currently funds three nurses and that the grant-funded allocation would cover five nurses at $50,000 each. Board discussion included questions about assigning nurses to feeder patterns to ensure coverage.

Cambridge International program (preliminary approval): The board granted preliminary approval to an agreement with Cambridge International Education to offer Cambridge programs at Martin Millennium Academy and Tober High School beginning in 2024–25. The presenter said Cambridge is an internationally recognized program intended to raise student expectations and support rigorous instruction. The transcript records the motion as "not to exceed $15,000 using PRC 181 funds," but later lines in the meeting record refer to larger figures for the program; the final contract amount and funding sources will be confirmed in procurement and budget documents.

Phonics curriculum: The board approved the purchase of the 95% Group core phonics curriculum for GW Carver, GW Wimberly and GW Bullock elementary schools for 2024–25. Staff said the purchase would be paid from funds granted to the Edgecomb County Public Schools Educational Foundation by private donors; the total cost was presented in the meeting as $227,500.

Each item was approved by voice vote. Staff said additional budget amendments are expected in July as year-end closeout work continues.