News from the Board -- February 1, 2022

The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on February 1 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included the 2022-2023 Head Start Grant Application Approval, a closed session regarding land acquisition, and a Board of Education member censure.  

After a Good News Spotlight segment, which recognized some of our OCS school counselors, and 7 speakers during the public comment period, the meeting’s general business opened with a presentation from the director of early childhood initiatives. 

Director Luisa Davis took to the podium to present the 2022-2023 Head Start Grant Application. She shared that the over-$2 million grant application was developed through a process that involved annual self-assessment, community assessment, and the application of foundational beliefs.  

The four goals of the program, she said, include: enhancing the delivery of developmentally appropriate curriculum to promote success in all blended classrooms by promoting the use of play-based curriculum and data analysis; strengthening classroom and center communities by utilizing research-based practices and resources; enhancing family engagement and educational opportunities; and enhancing community partnerships to assist families in accessing community resources.  

Grant funding would cover $2,004,533 for personnel, materials, contractual services, and administrative costs, $45,343 for indirect costs, and $24,354 for training and professional development.  

The Board unanimously approved the grant application as presented.  

For the second item of business, the Board went into closed session to discuss a matter of land acquisition. Upon returning to open session, Steve Myers, OCS chief of operations, presented information on the Board’s intention to purchase nearly 12 acres of land adjacent to Jacksonville High School. This $500,000 purchase would open up many opportunities for expansion at JHS, which is currently the largest high school in population but takes up the smallest amount of space.  

The Board unanimously voted to move forward with the purchase process.  

Last on the agenda was a Board member censure. BOE Vice Chairman Jeffrey Hudson made a motion to table the censure and take time to consult on the matter further. The Board unanimously approved the motion.