The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on October 3 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included an instruction services update, an update on Woodland Elementary, an award of contract for an upcoming HVAC project, and a potential feasibility study for the everyday use of metal detectors.  

After a Good News Spotlight, which highlighted the accomplishments of OCS staff, and a public comment period with sixteen speakers, Dr. Chris Barnes took to the podium for an instructional update. 

Dr. Barnes, along with Director of Research and Accountability Lisa Thompson, presented to the Board data regarding the district’s performance and growth in state-tested areas. Ms. Thompson shared that the district saw a decrease in proficiency in 3rd grade reading, 7th grade reading, and 8th grade science between 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, student performance was maintained in 8th grade reading and 8th grade math year over year, and the district achieved growth in 4th grade reading, 5th grade reading, 5th grade science, 3rd grade math, 4th grade math, 5th grade math, 6th grade reading, 6th grade math, 7th grade math, EOC Math 1, EOC Math 3, EOC English 2, and EOC Biology.  

Seventy-five percent of our schools increased their accountability scores this past year, with our students performing higher than the state average in several subjects.  

In addition to increasing test scores, OCS has seen a graduation rate increase. The district’s graduation rate is now 91.1 percent, putting Onslow County Schools among the 27% of NC districts to exceed the state’s goal of 89.5 percent.  

Jacksonville High School, Swansboro High School, Onslow Early College High School, New Bridge Middle School, Onslow Virtual School, Morton Elementary School, and Northwoods Elementary School received a special recognition, as they all were identified as being in the top 25 percent of schools in the state in terms of testing growth year over year.  

While there is still room for improvement in the years to come, Onslow County Schools is proud of the work our teachers and administrators have done to bridge the achievement gaps we have experienced since the pandemic.  

Dr. Michael Elder also briefly presented to the Board information on recent and upcoming Parent Academy sessions. Parents should visit the OCS website to learn more about information sessions and learning opportunities to come.  

Next, Dr. Brendan Gartner, chief of operations, presented an update on the construction of Woodland Elementary and redistricting plans. So far, the site’s stormwater retention pond has been roughed in, material deliveries have begun, site grading is ongoing, and site demolition is complete. With construction underway, the district will need to establish an attendance zone in the Northeast part of the county soon. The Board unanimously gave staff approval to move forward with the redistricting process for Woodland Elementary. Changes to attendance zones would not take effect until the 2025-2026 school year.  

Dr. Gartner then asked the Board to consider approving an award of contract for an upcoming HVAC replacement project at Swansboro Elementary School. The lowest, responsible, responsive bidder was identified as Central Heating & Air of Kinston, and the project would cost a total of $754,470. The project would be paid for with federal ESSR funding. The Board unanimously approved the contract.  

Finally, Dr. Gartner presented to the Board the possibility of conducting a feasibility study for the everyday use of metal detectors or weapons detection systems in Onslow County high schools. OCS is constantly looking to improve the physical security of our campuses, and metal detectors are a possible tool at our disposal. The district recently purchased several metal detectors which have been successfully used at high school sporting events since the start of the year. Moving forward, the district would like to conduct a study, with the help of local law enforcement, to determine the feasibility of using metal detectors every day on high school campuses. The Board unanimously approved staff to proceed with the study. Findings will be shared with the Board by December 2023.