North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
District staff proposed new course guide additions including American Sign Language; trustees discussed how weighted courses are determined, whether offerings will exist at every high school, and the district's use of North Carolina Virtual Public School options when local enrollment is insufficient.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
Staff described Lifewise, an off‑campus faith‑based program that would transport opt‑in students weekly for a short elective period. Trustees asked staff to research legal, logistical and instructional impacts and directed the superintendent to report back with an MOU draft for future consideration.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
Trustees learned the county declined to let the district reallocate $1.3 million in savings from a New Hanover High School repair project to other capital needs. Board members urged staff to pursue alternatives, and the superintendent will hold follow-up talks with the county manager before the board revisits the request.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
After heated public comment and lengthy board debate over social‑media posts by outside counsel, the board voted to extend the district’s current law‑firm contract through the 2026‑27 school year; earlier motions to issue an RFQ were discussed but superseded by the substitute extension motion.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
District staff and school principals presented a tiered attendance strategy — from universal messaging and parent tools to targeted social‑worker interventions — aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism, which the board’s presentation linked to measurable gaps in proficiency.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
The board approved formation of a standing employee benefits and retention committee to recommend recruitment and retention strategies, but amended the motion so the committee will not begin work until after the board adopts the budget.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
The board reviewed a multi-part budget amendment recording federal grant carryover, reducing some state/local supplement assumptions after a rise in county taxable value, and adjusting capital-outlay projections; staff said net impact was roughly a $4.9 million increase restricted across funds.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
Principals and district staff presented tiered attendance interventions and teacher-retention programs; early data showed improved attendance at participating schools and HR reported retention above state average but persistent mid-career attrition near year five.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
The board voted narrowly to add discussion about issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for legal services after members debated whether the step was routine due diligence or punitive following a public outcry over a law firm's social-media post.
North Carolina / School Districts / New Hanover County Schools
The New Hanover County Schools Policy Committee discussed proposed changes to Policy 2230, including keeping Section 9 (sustainability committee) unchanged pending staff input and tabling a board member proposal to create an employee retention/support committee for further study and potential ad hoc review.