At its January meeting the Caldwell County Board of Education highlighted student art and character education recognitions, announced awards and teacher finalists, and approved routine items including the agenda, December minutes, HR personnel contracts, board transfers and NC School Board Association policy revisions; the board also voted to place the 2026–27 school calendars on public comment.
At its meeting, the Caldwell County Schools board approved two budget amendments totaling $1,098,110 that administrators said will fund teacher bonuses and a federal grant allocation; the board also approved routine personnel contracts and a substitute list, authorized several policy revisions for public comment, and entered closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters.
The Caldwell County Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Thomas Howell as the district's next superintendent and held a brief closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters; the swearing‑in followed and Howell pledged stability during the transition.
The Caldwell County Board of Education approved the districts 202526 school improvement plans and three budget amendments (including $462,926 for state public school fund priorities and a $100,000 capital outlay correction) and signed off on routine personnel actions after a recognition ceremony and Veterans Day remarks.
Superintendent Don Phipps told the board he will leave Caldwell County Schools to take a position outside the district and will remain through November; the board has retained counsel and plans to advertise for a successor soon.
The Caldwell County Schools Board approved a new policy requiring students to keep wireless devices turned off during instructional time, while allowing use during non-instructional periods; the board said the policy tracks forthcoming state requirements.
District staff presented a new public-facing brand identity for Caldwell County Schools; the board reviewed and signed off to move forward with implementation in schools and county communications.
The board approved a purchasing contract for equipment for the Colossal wastewater treatment facility after receiving final contract revisions; approval was recorded as contingent on attorney provisions and follow-up requirements tied to state distribution documentation.
The Caldwell County Board approved five administrative personnel moves: Brooke Cooper as CTE director, Adam Windmiller as Granite Falls principal (continuation), Mark Dula as Happy Valley principal, and two assistant principals—Savannah Wilson and Laura Brinkley—effective Aug. 1 under two-year contracts where specified.
Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps told the board that roughly $600,000 in federal education funds expected July 1 were impounded, potentially affecting programs serving rural and low-income students; the district reported serving 10,194 lunches in June and announced support after the death of a teacher.
