Elizabeth City-Pasquotank board approves mobile classroom lease, bus purchases and early college calendar

The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved several operational items at its March 23 meeting, including a 36-month lease for a four-classroom mobile unit at Central Elementary School, the purchase of three activity buses, adoption of the early college calendar for 2026–27, and an amendment to a consulting contract to allow additional on-site visits.

Ms. Tilley presented a quote for the CES mobile unit that included a monthly lease payment of $9,276 for 36 months and a one-time $95,245 charge for delivery and installation. "Our recommendation is that the board accept the lease quote as presented," she said. Mr. Old moved to accept the proposal and Ms. Boland seconded; the board approved the motion by a unanimous show of hands.

The board also approved a capital-project item to replace a wooden catwalk in the Transportation Department with a steel structure; that work was described as already budgeted in the district's current capital plan and the board approved the item without opposition.

Ms. Hill requested authority to purchase three additional activity buses from Carolina Thomas, saying the vehicles would ensure transportation capacity for trips and provide spares. The motion to approve the activity bus lease purchase passed unanimously after a second from Ms. Bogues.

On academic scheduling, the board adopted the early college calendar option one for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation from Ms. Kinzel and a motion by Dr. Parker. The calendar committee recommended option one because it balances instructional quarters and provides slightly higher instructional hours than the alternative.

The board also approved an amendment to the contract with Hundley Stukes Educational Consulting, LLC to raise the travel reimbursement cap so that Dr. Stukes can make additional on-site visits. Ms. Haynes described the change as allowing "more on site visits from Dr. Stukes," and the board voted to approve the amendment unanimously.

All recorded motions on the consent and new-business agenda items were approved by unanimous voice or show of hands; no roll-call tallies by name were recorded in the meeting minutes for those votes. Policy 3620 — relating to interscholastic athletics participation and homeschool eligibility — was presented for first reading and required no action at this meeting.

The board adjourned after completing its agenda.