News from the Board -- November 1, 2022

The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on November 1 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included the annual independent audit report, awards of architectural services, and strategic plans for school improvement. Member Bill Lanier was not in attendance.  

After a Good News Spotlight segment, which celebrated OCS staff and students, and a public comment period with 7 speakers, Jeff Hollamon took to the podium to open the meeting’s general business.  

Hollamon introduced Dale Smith, of Anderson Smith Wike, PLLC, to present to the Board the annual independent audit report. Smith shared that after a thorough audit of district finances, his firm found that OCS finances are in good shape, with funds being appropriated properly and adequate fund balances.  

Next on the agenda was OCS Chief of Operations Steve Myers, who followed up on last month’s discussion of awarding architectural services for upcoming construction projects. In the coming years, OCS plans to expand Northwoods Park Middle, build a new elementary school in the northeastern part of the county, and build new central services facilities.  

The Board unanimously decided to award architectural services to Pinnacle Architecture for the new elementary school and Smith Sinnett Architects for the NWPMS expansion and central services facility.  

Last on the agenda was a presentation from Will Laine, executive director of secondary services, who asked the Board to approve the new school strategic plans for school improvement. He shared that schools have been collaborating on new strategic plans since the beginning of August and have gotten feedback from OCS stakeholders during development.  

The Board unanimously approved the new strategic plans. Plans will be revisited and adjusted as needed throughout the year.