001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I call this um What month are we in? May board meeting. May um board meeting of our Pitt County Schools Board of Education to order. Um to note that all of our board members are present tonight. Um and I invite Dr. Jennifer Hudson to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So glad you all can be here today, both in the audience and online. I just would like for you to just set your attentions for a few moments of silence, and let's just keep our teachers in mind this week as it is appreciation
002week. Thank you. Will you please read the mission statement as well? >> Sure, can do that. Um Pitt County Schools, so the mission statement, Pitt County Schools will lead collaboration between school, home, and community to foster growth and success both academically and socially in order to develop productive global citizens. >> Thank you very much. Um are there any adjustments to the agenda for tonight? >> Move to approve. >> Motion to approve by Amy, seconded by James, any discussion? Okay, all in favor, please raise your right hand. That passes. Now, I invite um Ms. English to for our spotlight on teaching and learning tonight. >> Good evening to Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Maultsby, board members, Superintendent Lassiter, those with us here tonight in person, and those joining us online. Our spotlight on teaching Our spotlight on
003teaching and learning highlights the incredible work happening across our district to support student success. From instruction and innovation to operations and athletics, we are thrilled to have our spotlight honorees here with us this morning. We will get started as I invite Ms. Kelly Beach, Director of Career and Technical Education, in recognizing our first place national qualifiers in Career and Technical Student Organizations. Ms. Beach. >> Thank you, Dr. English. Uh good evening, everybody. Um long time no see. Um so, tonight we will be sharing with you guys the students who placed first in their state competitions. So, as you know, every year we have several CTSOs, the Career and Technical Student Organizations, that go to state events, and they compete against students all across North Carolina, and we always have several that place first, second, third,
004fourth to go off to our national conferences. And so, tonight we're going to recognize a few of them. So, first we have um our J.H. Rose. So, I'm going to bring up the for FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America, Kurt Gardner to announce his students and his winners. >> Thank you. We're excited to go to San Antonio this summer and compete. Um last year we we placed sixth out of 5,200 chapters in the Champion Chapter program that recognized uh chapters based off of their their service, their leadership, and their education. And so, we're hoping to get in the top 10 again out of all the chapters in the country. So, um tonight, let me start with um Ahmed Abdul Barr, and Jordan Harris. They placed first in computer game and simulation programming. Uh >> [applause]
005>> Gracie Tyson, Dylan Patel, and Madeline McCaren placed first in our local chapter annual business report. >> [applause] >> Andrew Walter is our North Carolina Business Education Association Outstanding Student. >> [applause] >> Gracie Tyson won the top student in the state, the Who's Who in FBLA, and she'll represent North Carolina on stage in the parade of states this summer. And then, finally, in the LifeSmarts competition in the fall and the spring, we had Elias Horseman, Dylan Patel, Kira Morris, and Jacqueline Buckman. >> [applause] >> And I'd like to invite our president Andrew Walter back up to receive the two chapter distinctions that we earned. The Gold Seal Chapter, which is awarded to the top chapters in the state, and then also for the ninth consecutive year, we received the Helen Ragan Chapter of the Year
006as the top chapter in North Carolina. >> Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, next up we have our DH Conley national qualifiers. So, first unfortunately tonight two of our qualifiers from Deca were not able to join us cuz they were scheduled to work cuz they're little entrepreneurs. Um so, and that was Ava Huggins and Ava Kilkenny. They got first place in hospitality service team decision making. Next up I'll call uh Scott Haddix with Future Business Leaders of America for DH Conley to present his first place winners. >> Uh thank you. Yes, uh DH Conley FBLA uh we had a couple set of first place winners. We also were recognized as the largest chapter in the region. Uh we were really excited about all our winners there. You can see them all there, but uh
007first I would like to recognize our pin winners. They designed the pin that was traded at states. Um and that would be Riley Baker, McKenna Reynolds, and Isla Mobley. >> [applause] >> Okay, Riley. Congratulations. And McKenna. Thank you. >> And uh next we also were recognized as Gold Seal Chapter. Uh we had three students who were recognized for that. That would be Wyatt Best and Cole Martin. Uh also Landon Tyson, but he cannot be here tonight. >> [applause] >> That's 3 2 1. Go 1 3 2 1. >> Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh so next up from DH Conley, we have the National FFA Organization. So this So their competitions are a little bit different. Uh they do their state competition in June and then have their Nationals
008in October. So last year we missed recognizing one of the uh first place winners that placed in June and then went to Nationals in October. So we have Shelly Armor who is their advisor. She's going to come up and announce that for you guys. >> Thank you, Ms. Beach. Uh My ladies, Riley Stanton and Brooke LaFever, competed in the AgriScience Fair, which Mr. Forest says, "You know, only first place goes to Nationals for us." So this is huge for Conley. And we are a three for three running with first place. So it's going to be real sad if we win second one time or third, but these ladies placed 10th nationally, got the silver award for their AgriScience project, which was based on the new legislation that came out about red dye 40 being outlawed.
009They wanted to see if Okay, if we brought German M&M's over, which do not use artificial preservative or color Excuse me, artificial coloring, if students would still be likely to eat them. So they did that and that's how they got here to be in front of you guys today. >> And I got a question for Would they Would people still eat them if they don't have that red >> [clears throat] >> What do they look like? >> It just is a duller color, not as bright. >> Okay. They're still good then. >> Still candy. >> [laughter] >> Still candy. Well, thank you. >> Ms. Paul, may I say something before you get your picture? >> Yes. >> Okay. First of all, congratulations to y'all. You know, I I have a very very soft spot in
010my heart for FFA and ag education, particularly at DH Conley. When we restarted the chapter and had our first FFA banquet, do you know there's an individual in here tonight that gave the first pig for us to eat? That was Tony Moore. Tony, we appreciate the efforts that you made. Do you remember that pig that you gave? And and and there's there's one other thing we need to cite. Great students come out of excellent teaching. And Miss Shelley Armour just got selected as the North Carolina agriculture teacher of the year. >> [applause] >> Can't do this without great students, so they make me look good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Um four, then we also have TSA, which is the Technical Students Association with Eaton Middle School. And so tonight
011we have Miss Harrison here to accept the awards on those students' behalf. So we have placing first in the Community Service video, we have Lauren Knight, Charlotte Pilgrim, and Haley Roundtree from Eaton Middle School. So they will be traveling to Washington, D.C. in June to compete. >> [applause] >> Yes, you also just placed uh small chapter award. And it's our sixth time in a row. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> It's all our TSA students. >> Yes. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> And then this year we also have from Eaton Griffith High School, Skills USA. So I'll bring up Brian Henning to share their first place winner. >> Hello everyone. Uh so this is actually our first year competing. So to have a first place winner makes me so very
012proud. So we're really excited about that. Um winning a first place in Firefighter Basic, Trip has worked very hard to to gain that. >> Oh, awesome. >> [applause] [snorts] [applause] >> Let me say one more. >> Okay. >> I just want to say to the parents that are here, but I want to say congratulations to you because all of those events, they not only take kids and the teachers, but it also takes the support of the parents. And um it takes a lot of time, but it'll be worth it and those leadership skills and all that they develop will help them always while they're young and successful. So congratulations to everybody. Let's give everybody a hand. >> [applause] >> Thank you everyone for the support that you guys show for CTE and for our CTSOs.
013>> Thank you, Ms. Beach. Thank you, Ms. Beach, and congratulations to all those amazing young people who have represented Pitt County schools so well. >> [clears throat] >> It is my distinct honor and pleasure to present our next group of Spotlight on Teaching and Learning recipients. Pitt County Schools has 15 school campuses who have committed to be Capturing Kids' Hearts schools. Capturing Kids' Hearts is a relationship-centered framework that focuses on building strong, positive connections between students and adults to create safe, supportive learning environments. It emphasizes trust, respect, and student engagement as the foundation for both academic success and overall well-being. One of the highest honors a Capturing Kids' Hearts school can receive is the National Showcase recognition. This annual award recognizes school administrators, teaching staff, and faculty for achieving remarkable outcomes by implementing the Capturing
014Kids' Hearts process with with fidelity. A National Showcase school demonstrates exceptional school culture and high levels of staff-to-student connectedness. Please join me in congratulating the administrators and staff leaders from the following Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase recipients for the 2025-2026 school year. Bethel School. >> [applause] >> And this is their Capturing Kids' Hearts leadership team, okay? Falkland Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Farmville Middle School. >> [applause] [laughter] >> Lake Forest Elementary School. >> [applause] >> And South CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL. >> [applause and cheering] [applause] >> AND I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT THIS IS Faulkner and Lake Forest second time receiving this recognition. >> [cheering] [applause] >> So let's get Where's Bethune? >> Right here. >> All right, let's get Bethune first. >> Perfect. >> All right, ready? 3 2 1 One more. 3 2
0151. All right. Next Faulkner. >> [applause] >> I'll take pictures with you. >> Yeah. Yeah, Justin. You can stay right here. I know. >> I got two of Ready? 3 2 1. All right. Next Armwood. >> [applause] >> And 3 2 1. All right. Next Lake Forest. >> [applause] >> All right. >> [applause] [laughter] [clears throat] [applause] >> Congratulations to this capturing kids heart schools. At this time I would like to invite Julie Simpson to present a special award to South Greenville Elementary School. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Miss Miller, the media coordinator at South Greenville Elementary School, supported by Miss Cook, um received the James J. and Mamie Richardson Perkins Grant in the amount of $33,252 to update the school's media center. At the end of March they had their ribbon cutting to
016unveil their new space. This funding transformed the SGE library to a 21st century media center with flexible engaging spaces that include mobile seating, new shelving, laptop tables, and make your space environments to support collaboration and creative discovery. This redesign also improves accessibility and organization through that curved shelving that you can see in the pictures. Mobile book browsers, added storage, and creating a more welcoming and functional space for all students. So, Ms. Miller was not able to be with us this evening, but we have Ms. Cook here to celebrate for us. >> [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations to Ms. Miller and South Greenville Elementary. At this time, I will invite Dr. Kamara Roach up to recognize our next special group of spotlight honorees. >> That's good. Okay. Good evening, um Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Nobles Maultsby, Dr.
017Lassiter, and board. So, Teacher Appreciation Week began as a grassroots effort to recognize the important role teachers play in our communities and has grown to a national celebration held each May to honor their impact. As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week this week, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work happening in our classrooms across Pitt County Schools. Our teachers show up every day for our students, often balancing far more than we can than can be seen. They are not only delivering instruction, but they are also building relationships, supporting students, and creating in where students feel safe, valued, and capable. This work is not easy and it is not always recognized in the moment, but it matters. The consistency, the care, and the commitment our teachers bring each day make a lasting difference
018for our students and our community. On behalf of Pitt County Schools, I want to say thank you to our teachers for all that you do. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for the impact you continue to make. >> And in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we have a special presentation. Thank you to Mr. Hines. >> I thank my teacher for helping me learn. >> Thank you to all my teachers for helping me grow as a person and get me prepared for my future. >> I appreciate my teacher, Ms. Hines, for her teaching skills and how she really gets the class to have her attention. >> Thank you to Ms. Gholston for giving me the opportunity to do theater because I always wanted to be an actor in life. >> I'm thankful
019for Mr. Hines to keep pushing me to study hard. >> I love my teachers because they're kind and they care for us >> [music] >> and they're and they teach us. >> I'd like to thank all the teachers at E.B. Aycock Middle for helping me learn and grow each year and do our best. Go Aycock Middle. [music] >> [laughter] >> I love Teacher Hines because she helped me be more confident in myself >> [music] >> and made my learning better. >> I'm thankful for Ms. Hall for helping me grow in confidence [music] and becoming greater at playing violin. >> I'm thankful for all the teachers that have [music] pushed me to be a better version of myself. >> I'm thankful for all my teachers because she helped me to learn and grow better each day.
020>> Thank you, Ms. Cooper, for making person who I would never leave. >> Thank you to all the teachers, especially Miss Wagner, for helping me be more open and confident in school and daily life. >> Thank you Miss Gardner for helping me use math. >> I'm thankful for Miss Wagner for helping me grow socially and focus on school more. >> Thank you teachers for supporting us and helping us get through the year and teaching us new things and about life for after [music] school. >> Because of my teachers, I've been able to come out of my shell more and they have helped me find a career path I plan to pursue. [music] >> Because of my teachers, I'm planning on going to ECU. And their professional of cybersecurity has helped me gain confidence and what
021I want to do and how fun it made it seem. >> Thank you to all my teachers for believing in me this year and helping me grow. >> Thank you, teachers. >> [applause] >> Again, thank you to Mr. Hines for that wonderful video and teachers, we appreciate [applause] you very much. And it is my pleasure to introduce um our next group of spotlight on in teaching and learning recipients. Um I'm honored to recognize a group of our school nurses. If you'll come on in. So, Wednesday, May 6th, start officially starts School Nurse Appreciation Week. And the week of concludes on Tuesday, May 12th. >> I didn't know we got a whole week. >> Um but Pitt County Schools nurses are the steady, compassionate present at the heart of our schools. They care for students in
022moments of need, respond in moments of crisis, support our children in ways that often go unseen, but never unnoticed. Because of them, students are able to stay in school, stay safe, and stay ready to learn. Our school nurses are essential to student success and access to education. To our nurses, please know that you are valued, respected, and deeply appreciated. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our students and families. It is profound. Thank you for all that you do every single day. Happy National School Nurses Week. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Thank you for allowing me to present the spotlight on teaching and learning for the month of May. >> Thank you, Ms. English. Now, it's time for our public expression for this evening, and I invite uh Vice Chair Nobles
023Mosley to remind us of of some of our um procedures for this portion of our meeting. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. This evening, we have four individuals offering public expression. Public expression is an opportunity to share issues of concern that are relevant to the business of the board. The board will listen to your comments respectfully and our chair may offer some direction if our rules are not followed. But the board will not respond to your comments. Only speakers who have signed up for public expression may address the board. When a speaker's time expires, you must end your remarks and step away from the podium. If a speaker is not present when he is or her name is called, the opportunity to speak will be considered waived. During this time period, you may hear someone share
024a viewpoint with the board that you do not agree with. We do not censor speech by viewpoint and we do not permit our audience to express approval or disapproval for a viewpoint expressed. This time is for the individual speaking to address the full board. The board does not permit speakers to name a staff member nor student when offering praise or criticism. We also do not permit comments that are irrelevant to our business, which includes attack on individuals for something in their personal lives or the discussion of board members' family members. Again, the board member will listen to your comments respectfully and our chair may offer some direction to our rules that are not followed. But we will not respond to your comments. At this time, I would like for Mario Blazer to come. Mario, you
025have 3 minutes. >> Good evening. Before I read my prepared remarks, I would like to acknowledge we do have some people who did participate with our May Day event, so I'd like to shout them out in the audience. So, evening board members, Dr. Lassiter, and folks in attendance. On behalf of PCAE and educators of all types, I'd like to thank you for your decision to allow last Friday to be a work day. I know that I know the decision was not an easy one, but morally it was the right thing to do. I'd like to acknowledge the inconvenience that the work day caused. We feel it's important to address the inconveniences that our General Assembly has caused us over the past decade plus, so we used one of the tools available to us to voice
026our frustration with those inconveniences. Inconvenience is not a strong enough word for what the General Assembly has done, or more accurately, not done for public education during that time. The money that they have not put out into our public schools could have gone to replacing our students' desks that are old and falling apart. That money could have gone to the maintenance of our buildings, so building issues are truly repaired and not being slapped with band-aids. That money could have also been used to make sure that we have enough personnel to educate our children every day. I'm sure the vast majority of everyone in this room and those who are watching and listening to this meeting know that people who work in education are underpaid. What is alarming to me is that I've seen some comments
027on message boards that state teachers knew what kind of money we would make when we entered the profession, meaning we have no right to ask for a decent wage. I must say that is the most offensive argument I've seen because that logic states that no person should ever expect a raise or increased compensat- compensation because they agreed to a salary when they took a job. Now, what the public may not know is that over the past decade plus, we have lost some of our incentives to enter the education profession. For example, new teachers will no longer have health care upon retirement. Another example, this school year, lots of teachers and other state employees are being charged an additional fee for health care on top of what we paid to enroll in our health care plan,
028which is likely due to some changes the state made to our public health care provider. I really don't want to harp on money, but lack of funding is a huge issue. One job should be enough for anyone who works in public education to make ends meet. Better pay will lead to less attrition. Better pay could attract more people into the profession. Better pay will lead to better continuity in the buildings, which will lead to better relationships with our kiddos, which is one of the best ways that we can achieve better learning outcomes for our students, which is the goal of education. What I want everyone in this room and the public to know is that educators deserve to have a say in how our money is spent in education in this state. It's common sense.
029We are with our children every day, and we have an idea of how to best educate our children so they can get a high-quality education, but we need support. Wanting what is best for our children is why we took the action that we did and gathered in Raleigh on Friday, marched, and voiced our frustration with the General Assembly and unfulfilled promises to our students. >> Thank you, Mr. Blanchard. >> [applause] >> Julie Anderson, 3 minutes. >> Members of the school board, thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I am here both as a concerned community member and the Moms for Liberty chapter chair in Pitt County. I also want to begin and not acknowledging that you listened to public input on the AI policy 2 months ago. Many of us have taken time to
030review, and we would appreciate clear follow-up communication on your decision. Um And I do you that you all have received it. We all are here to address an issue that goes to the heart of our trust between families and our schools. The presence of sexually explicit material in school libraries and the lack of meaningful parental involvement in these decisions. Let me be clear here. This is not about banning books. This is about age appropriateness, transparency, and respect for parental rights. Parents in this county have discovered often by accident that their children have access to books containing graphic content. Some of these materials go far beyond age 18. And it's in the high schools. These concerns are not hypothetical. The books we're referring to have already been reviewed by organizations such as Rated Books and the
031Pavement Education Project of North Carolina. Based on those reviews, some materials currently accessible to the students are considered inappropriate and in some cases for parents, if not for you, pornographic in nature. We are also seeing this issue unfold in real time in the Carrboro Chapel Hill school district. Their refusal to acknowledge concerns about age appropriateness and parental rights has put them in a difficult position, including the potential loss of funding. That should serve as a warning to us here in Pitt County. Additionally, videos showing excerpts from highly explicit books available in school libraries here in Pitt County have already been already been circulated publicly and also sent to the North Carolina legislature. This is where the system is going wrong. Parents are being treated as if their concerns are secondary. Parents are not the enemy.
032They are the primary stakeholders in a child's upbringing. Schools exist to educate, not to override the values and judgment of families. When explicit material is made available without clear parental knowledge or consent, trust is broken. So, we ask you, why are parents not fully informed about what materials are available? Why is there not a clear and transparent review process? Why are opt-in systems not a standard for the sensitive conduct? You have the opportunity to correct this, yet it's been over 1 year and ignored. Strengthening review standards for age-appropriate materials, ensure transparency for parents, restore parental involvement as a cornerstone of education. This is about partnership, not conflict. Respect parents, protect children, follow through with transparency on policies like the AI policy involving parents, and take action now to avoid the consequences of this potentially um
033reoccurring issue that they're facing right now. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ms. Anderson. Trisha War Cole, 3 minutes. >> Good evening, everyone. May the 4th be with us all. I am here, you guys, I want to mention on the subject of policies, we could do with 5 minutes for all of us. Like, we don't just need 3 minutes. Um my town has 5 minutes. I would love that. And then, moving along, I would love to email you guys on a lot of the concerns I have here, but it would seem that emailing people is a challenge in getting responses. Another policy I think could be adjusted on, and you guys respond, even if it is received. Thank you. Because you do have people, not on the board, that are excellent at making sure I know
034my emails have been received, so I'm not wondering where it's gone. I would love it if that just became kind of what was happening when you guys were receiving emails from parents, so they knew that you were seeing them, they were being heard. Moving along to more policies, y'all beg for volunteers. Every month I I you guys saying, "Please get parents in. Please, get parents in." Where I live, they don't want non-parents. I found out that you can volunteer, um you know, in Pitt County local, and the school up where I met made it so you cannot, unless you are a parent of children at that school, volunteer there. Why? I couldn't tell you when you guys are telling us you want volunteers, but at that school, if you're not a parent, you're not volunteering
035there. No clue why. Moving along more. Mr. Blanchard there gave an excellent talk on what teachers and educators are dealing with, and I want to piggyback on what he said of, "Thank you for doing what was best for our educators in Pitt County in closing, um making an optional work day on Friday. I can't thank you guys enough. I do have my struggles. We We hear that." And that was one of the first times I've been so proud of you guys, I couldn't hardly stand it. It was great. Please, keep that up. And that is what brings me to the last thing I kind of want to spend my minute on here. And that is what are you guys willing to be uncomfortable with? That is That is the crux of the matter, what we're
036dealing with. We You guys It was hard to cancel classes and deal with the pushback from that. It is hard to listen to parents be uncomfortable and unhappy with the policies you're doing. How much more are you willing to avoid to not be comfortable? Because being uncomfortable helps you grow, and this district has spent decades writing policies to so they can avoid being uncomfortable, so they can avoid not feeling feelings of they've done wrong, of not having to take accountability. And it has gotten us to here. But you guys know who I am. And you know what I can do and how far I will go to pursue justice for what all of these kids that deserve it. And I am saying please adjust the policies so I have to stop showing up here and
037sending emails that aren't getting responded to. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Ms. Worku. >> I said 3 minutes. >> All right. Good evening. If I error, cuz this is my second time before people, but my first time here. I want to make a um comment on some things that has been happening at my student's school. Um First of all, I thank the people who I have spoken with in the past and present about the things that they have um the responses they have given pertaining to the issues that have been having that have been having. My student was in school April 22nd and the teacher that he was with grabbed him by his arm. Two students was grabbed by the arm. They wasn't a threat to the teacher themselves or any of
038the students. And during this time, he made a sexual comment to this student who's in elementary school. Saying that if he go to prison and start smirking, he's going to be candy. I don't know why a teacher in his mid-50s would tell a child at that age that they would be treated as candy in a prison. That should not even be discussed in a school setting like that. Maybe at a uh high school towards the end of graduation, something like that. But in a elementary school setting, these comments should not be made. So, as he got into this classroom, my student was forced to walk back and forth in the classroom for 15 minutes, then forced to stand there and write 12 pages, two only two was completed. And today, as I was getting to
039pick him up, the teacher must have found out that the complaint was made and started sending retaliatory messages. So, not only is he upset that I have brought this to the principal's attention, who's been great, but now he has harassing my son, making comments to him to bring back to me. Saying, "Go tell your father that. Go tell your father this." I'm not even going to repeat what he said. But, as of tomorrow, if it's okay with the appropriate party, we will be seeking another facility in the school system for him to be educated in. Because I do not want him to be in that school, and now this teacher is posing as a threat to me and him. When you harass a child in response to a comment made to the appropriate person, I
040think it was Wiggin, um that we spoke with your HR. And whenever a parent comes to make a comment and a complaint to a person in the system, that comment should not be told to the child. That teacher should go to the appropriate person and have their discussion, have their feelings discussed with that person, not a child. I don't know if this parent this teacher has children. Many of us may have kids. You may not have. You may be out of the baby-making department. But either way, I'm sure that you understand you just you just don't know where to start to try to explain to a five or six seven-year-old child what that mean when it comes to making comments about sexually sexual comments. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for everyone who shared
041tonight with public expression. Now we will move on to um our consent agenda. Um the following items have been um included on our consent agenda um for tonight including um April 13th, '26 board meeting minutes, April 27th special called board meeting minutes, April 27th work session minutes, the '26-'27 local budget requests, '26-'27 school nutrition procurement plan, D.H. Conley High School serving line replacement, Pitt County Early College High School student devices, '26-'28 CTE Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment Plan, 2627 Beginning Teacher Support Plan, and our confidential items from April 27th, 26 close session meeting minutes, personnel report from May 4th, teacher and administrator contract lists, including non-renewals, 1-year contingent contracts, 1-year contract, 2-year contract, 4-year contract, and then administrator contracts. And >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> I make that we approve. >> Motion to
042approve. >> By Amanda. >> Seconded by Justin. Any discussion? All in favor, please raise your right hand. Okay. Passes unanimously. And now onto new business. I invite Ms. Simpson back to share with us about the Pitt County Schools Data Center upgrade request. >> Thank you again. Um I'm coming to request approval for funds for a new data center. So, our data center is the backbone of our district's technology system and supports our daily operations across all departments of the school. Our equipment is aging. We are increasing costs because our service our equipment is no longer under service. We have limited vendor support with our current infrastructure, and so we really need to take some steps to replace this infrastructure. Um our data center supports the entire network across the district. That means that all of
043the internet provided to our students, how we make all of our phone calls, how we um use all of our cameras, all of our milestone equipment, right? So, everything that our district does runs from this data center that is um over 10 years old, right? So, um technology over the last few years has been saving money to complete this upgrade. The upgrade would cost $541,580.52 and that will be a complete replacement of our data center. This will be done over the summer so it won't affect instruction in any kind of way. In this way we can ensure that testing goes smoothly. We have no problems with phones going down, right? Really ensuring that we can operate schools clearly, safely for the next few years to come. So, I'm asking for approval for that. >> I'm
044good. >> Question. >> I got to have more information, more detailed information before I can make a decision on this. When >> Sure. >> Can you Can you tell me specifically when you say for the data center >> I want to know what why are we What are the What are the reasons? Have you already had problems? Have you know, will it not do certain things? >> I think it's it's outdated. I'll have you share a little bit more. >> Yes, sir. So, when I came this was a project that Mr. Rankin had been working on for several years. You can talk with teachers and school staff that we have had outages during testing that has caused things to go down across the district. >> We've had We've had outages. Yes, due to the equipment
045>> Correct. The We have had We have no support. So, currently if anything goes down in our data center, the equipment is so old that the company the VMware that used to support it doesn't even support it anymore. So, our technicians have to figure it out which takes us a significantly longer period of time to get it back up and working. >> So, in other words you're saying that it's not necessarily when the state has an outage. It's when we in Pitt County have our own challenges and our own challenges. >> Correct. >> that helps me a lot. >> Okay. >> And and um so this is over 10 years. Most data centers last about 5, maybe 7 years. I mean this is well over 10 years. And so Mr. Rankin had been saving funds
046over the last couple of years to ensure that we could do this um knowing that it was going to be a necessity and we are at that point. >> Any other questions? Okay. Is there a motion to approve? >> Madam Chairman, I move we approve. >> Okay. >> Madam Chair, I second. >> Motioned by Benji and um seconded by Vice Chair Nobles Montford. Any discussion? >> No. >> Okay. All in favor, please raise your right hand. Okay, that motion passes. >> Thank you, Ms. Simpson. And now um Ms. Hodson >> I'm here to talk about the Trillium building contract. Good evening, board members. Um as many in the community are aware, Pitt County government is relocating to a single office complex site at Government Circle. Uh as part of that move, we have been in
047this central office of Pitt County Schools for many years. I was even a high school student when when we were in this this building. So even before that, we were in this this office located at 1717 West Fifth Street. Um as the county prepares to move, they are hoping to eventually sell this property. Um and when they do so, of course, that would mean we would not have a place to to to operate. Um and so as part of their process of winding down this office complex and moving, they have been looking for sites for us. Um available commercial property that we believe will meet our needs and that has been identified by the county uh is the office complex uh for what was previously housing Trillium. Um we understand that currently our arrangement with
048the county is that we are sort of a pass-through. We receive a rental We receive rental and rental money from them, which we then pay back. So, it's sort of a pass-through arrangement. The plan here would also similarly be there would be a local appropriation for us to be able to rent the space with our utilities um uh electrical uh utilities, electrical, trash, and custodial services covered um under under that rental arrangement. Um pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes, the county's looking at us for to be in this term of the lease for a minimum of 10 years. Uh we do not have authority to enter into a lease of that duration. Um and so the the process is that we would request the county's permission. Uh we're tell advise the county we were interested
049in pursuing the lease. They would then take the business up at their May 16th meeting um as to whether we would would enter the lease with them. And then we would negotiate, I believe, a sublease with the county. Any questions? A motion? >> I move that we go forward with the proposed Trillium building contract. >> Okay. Motion by James. >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Amy. Any discussion? >> Just for the public's sake. >> Sure. >> Um we're not having In other words, it's a wash with the county commissioners. Uh the other thing is they're they're provid- Are they providing everything with that building you said uh custodial Are they provid- Are they providing that now? >> They just >> [clears throat] >> moved in. >> Okay. So, all of that's already covered. So, it's
050the same thing so we get a better building. That sounds good, Mr. Tripp. >> That sounds great. >> One quick question. How many Is there good parking? Enough to accommodate it? >> Yeah, 200 parking spaces. >> We'll have 200 parking spaces with the with the building. So, we have 200. >> So, it'll give plenty of space for guests and for Okay, perfect. Thank you. All right, it was motioned by James and seconded by Amy. All in favor, please raise your right hand. >> I have I have a question. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. This is for the vote. Just being an employee of Pitt County government, is this something I'm allowed to vote with or do I need to >> I don't think so. >> I was just making sure. >> You can recuse yourself.
051>> It didn't have anything to do >> and shout. >> I wouldn't think I didn't think so. I just wanted to make sure. I wanted >> [laughter] >> I don't want to do it. I just I'm trying to protect everybody. >> I will follow Mr. Terry and I'll let you vote. >> [laughter] >> Sure. Looks like we're going to pass anyway with or without you. >> Well, you know what? >> You You want to abstain? >> recuse just in case. >> Okay. Okay. So, Justin has recused for this vote. All in favor, please raise your right hand. All right, seven seven in agreement. So, that has passed. Thank you, Ms. Hudson. All right. Um now, we'll start with closing comments. Jennifer, we're going to start with you this evening. >> Great. Um so, I am
052Oh. >> Do you have Do you have something Do you have something you'd like to say? Paper oxygen. I'm so sorry. >> No, it's fine. No. >> I didn't know what month it was. >> No, it's okay. It's okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. And uh good evening to everyone. It's always good to see you, Representative Brown. Thank you for your constant support. And as I always say, you always show up. So, we're appreciative and and thankful for that. Um we're always thankful for all of our representatives when they come and support our school system um and show uh and see what we're doing. First and foremost, thankful for Teacher Appreciation Week. Uh Dr. Roach had a beautiful uh Dr. Roach and uh Ms. English had a beautiful outline and display of showcasing our students talking
053about their teachers. You know, our students know best um how to talk about the great things that they experience in the classrooms with our teachers. So, we're grateful for our teachers and we're also appreciative of of our nurses nurses. Um so, we're excited about teacher appreciation week and nurses appreciation week. So, we're just thankful for everybody in the system contributing and um making the lives of our students better. Um I just my final remark is just seeing our students on display tonight um thinking about them last month uh and seeing the fantastic work that they're doing and leading um in our system and just showcasing their talents uh it's just amazing and just what we need right now um in public education just to see the great work happening in our students, but they only
054happen with great teachers and great school leaders. And so, I want to acknowledge that. So, Madam Chair, this concludes my comments. >> Thank you. That was a straw poll, wasn't it? >> It's okay. >> Just right. >> Sure? >> Yes, I'm sure. >> [laughter] >> Um thank you so much. I am so glad that you mentioned teacher appreciation week because I'm really proud of the board as well for the vote that they had to support our teachers in their voice and it was a very tough decision, but we can do hard things and that was just a moment I had to travel for work, so um I could not be here for that vote, but it was really proud of it. Um I've been seeing so many great things going on for honoring teacher appreciation,
055the PTOs, PTAs, boosters, just thank you so much for pouring into um our teachers and making sure they know and feel um how special they are. You know, I I always think that supporting teachers is a student outcome. So, when we do that well, we are seeing our students thrive. Um first hand can say that. I have had the privilege of going to several musicals the past couple of weekends. J.H. Rose's Chicago. I I know from a parent perspective how much as teachers pour into those children all week long and before preparing, giving up their family time, and the tears that flowed um because they were so proud. And we are building community, we are building character, we are building the future. And then just events like the ones that came up today and the
056opportunities that our kids have to thrive and to identify who they are and what their purpose is, I can't thank our teachers enough. AG Cox put on High School Musical. Thank you to South Central for opening up your your beautiful Performing Arts Center for them. And then DH Conley's The Addams Family. The set, my son who goes to Rose was like, "Mom, that was the greatest set." So, I don't know who designed the set for D but y'all, that was beautiful. Um it was just so well thought out and so well performed. And I'm just so proud of these kids. Um I you know, DECA, you know, there are lots of our kids who travel for these competitions. And I'd like to acknowledge Samantha Andrews, Brooklyn Smith, Ava Huggins, Ava Kilcorney, um Lauren Klingensmith, and
057London just for taking the time to travel and the parents to put resources behind these kids and so many others mentioned. Um Capturing Kids' Hearts, as a therapist, I can say that there's no greater vision than to see a school recognize the human experience. And so, I am so proud of our schools for doing that. And for supporting our children in their character development and for the teachers creating that environment. Um I do acknowledge our parents stepping up and just want to thank you. Your voice does matter. I will say that sometimes things go to our spam, but as soon as we hear that, we respond as quickly as we can. So, if you feel like you've sent something and you didn't hear back, please check with Carol um and see if it could potentially
058it could have gone to spam and then she'll let us know. But we're all diligently Justin's even helping to double-check our spam accounts from time to time. So, we never intend to not respond. Um Thank you. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Uh congratulations to all of our winners tonight. I mean, we should be very proud of them as a school system and as a school board. I mean, every uh month we have top honors, state, national, and that says a lot for our school. Um Both Benji and I and some others, we both really care about teacher burnout. And you know, for the last several years I've been asking the superintendent, not only you, >> No, okay. >> but the one previous. >> [laughter] >> Um you know, I've I've asked what programs, think
059about the programs that we have put in on teachers. Each year, seems like we keep piling on, but do we take off? So, I want a list. I want a list of system-wide programs that we have discontinued that have been on uh teachers' shoulders. Now, I'm not talking about individual schools and things like that, but I'm talking about system-wide programs that come from this the central office level. Because I know there's some things that could have been taken off. Uh whether they have or not, I don't know. So, I hope they're on the list. Um but I won't give you any hints. >> [laughter] >> And so, you know, I think that's one thing that's great because really teachers want to go to uh class and they want to teach. And they can't teach when
060they got all of these other things they got to deal with. It's just too much for them. And our students are not getting the benefits. Um And I just hope that the teacher appreciation week, May 4th through May 8th, I hope the schools really show their appreciation for the teachers, you know, the administrators and and so forth and as well as our school nurses. Um And in regards to pornographic material in the schools, I would like to know as a board member from parents what you see in the schools that you consider pornographic that you do not want your child to have access to. Please give me a call. Let me know what that is. Because there are some books that are in our schools now that need to be out. And I wouldn't want
061my kids or grandkids uh reading them. So, that's it for me. I got 8 seconds. >> Thank you, Worth. Amanda. Good evening and again thank you all for showing up tonight and being engaged in your community. Um I want to uh congratulate all of our career and technical students. It really makes me proud to see all of these amazing programs from FBLA to FFA get a chance to shine for the state and now the whole nation. Um and congrats to our Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase Schools. This is such an important important part of the education that we want and need our students to have. Our schools do more than teach academic subjects. They also teach our students how to be empathetic, emotionally regulated, and positively engaged in their school community. Um and then finally,
062a huge congrats to South Greenville Elementary for being awarded that grant. Uh our libraries and media centers are the hearts of our schools and where so much excitement for learning can be discovered independently by a student when they are in the media center. Um but I want to talk about teacher appreciation week. Um across the district, I know that our PTAs and PTOs, uh as well as the board and other community boosters, are going to be showering our teachers with love. There'll be homemade lunches, heartfelt cards, and Starbucks gift cards. And I know we all wish we could give them more. Um but there's one thing that I know our teachers more want more than anything else for teacher appreciation week, and that is a state budget. Uh it has been uh over a year
063since lawmakers uh or nearly a year since lawmakers failed to meet the July 1st, 2025 deadline to approve a state budget for 2025 to 2027. The lack of a new budget affects teachers' pay and our overall school funding. Keep in mind that our teacher pay currently ranks at 46th in the nation and will likely slip even lower as the budget stalemate drags on. Not only are we shortchanging the teachers we have, we are also losing future teachers who are deterred by the chaos of the funding in our state. So, this week, let's love on our teachers by writing thank you cards and baking them cookies. But let's also remember to support them when they ask to be fairly compensated. Let's support them when they decide to exercise their First Amendment rights and engage in peaceful
064demonstrations like thousands of other North Carolinians did on Friday. And let's support them by using our voices and asking our elected officials, much like our wonderful Representative Brown, who I know is advocating for us. Um let's ask them to pass a budget and pay our teachers what they are owed. And that concludes my comments. >> Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um I too uh was very always am excited when we have young people to come in here, whatever program area that they're involved with and show the excellence and the achievements that they make and um the teachers that come go along with them. A lot of times when we see them come in, it's it's those same teachers every year. Those excellent teachers every year that come in there with those students. And they they reinforce
065and um they redo every year with students to tremendous success in those different areas. And and with that uh Dr. Lassiter, one of those things is we're going to start having I'm I'm going to talk pretty quick cuz I got about five things here. We we're going to have um a lot of them that'll be going on to national uh career development event conventions and different kinds of things. We need We need to make sure that we cover that every how we do that with our budget or whatever. We need to make sure that that's covered quickly and and teachers don't have to wait to receive uh assurance that that's been covered. So if if we could make sure of that, sometimes that gets dropped or slow to get done. And if we could do
066that, I'd appreciate it. One of the things that's occurred and and and I do uh recognize teacher appreciation week and everything that teachers do. But the other thing Gloristein, I think one thing that and appreciate you being here today and so it's always good. But one thing I think that that that I have seen over the last week we we hear about a budget and it's unacceptable that a budget hasn't been passed. That's that's absolutely true and everybody agrees with that. What what what I think that teachers are really concerned with and what Worth and I have really come in contact with with several teachers, not just one or two, several is the concern that when a budget is passed that it's retroactive back from July 1st all the way through so that they can
067be guaranteed that annual increase. That's very important, very vital and I think it would make a lot of people happy. And and and to know that and not have to guess with it would be something. And then um the teacher burnout. I want to mention that again because we need to keep that at the forefront. When we had those listening sessions Dr. Alaster, over and over again that was the number one thing. And because of that you and I had a conversation and out of that conversation we agreed that beginning on the school websites we can start listing things, tangible things. Teachers want to know tangible things, not just beautiful words. Tangible things that that those individual schools need that volunteers can come with and help with. So if we can get those listed that
068would be great. >> Yes, keep talking about volunteers, absolutely. Thank you for that Angie. Amy. One thing I can say is we are all definitely passionate about certain things as you can see from our comments and one thing we can all agree on is that we are here to support our teachers in any way that we can. Um whether it's behind the scenes, up front, doing whatever we can to support them. And that does include volunteering. And I know we ask people to come out all the time. And as far as if people are being turned away, that that is definitely a concern that I would like some answers for myself. But if you need people there, then I don't know why you would turn people away. So that's something that I think we need
069to address. Um also just make sure, like you said, you need tangible objects when you're thinking of teacher appreciation or burnout. You know, yeah, everyone loves a gift card, but you know, honestly, a thoughtful note, I think that comes from the heart to me as a teacher would mean a lot more to me than just a Starbucks gift card. You know, I would want to know how I'm affecting the children that I teach. So I know that that means a great deal to to our teachers. So if you could just even give them a little email or a card, anything, I think they would definitely appreciate that. Um congratulations to everyone that came out tonight with all of our winners. That's always the best part of any of our meetings is when we get to
070see all the good things that our students are doing, whether it's through academics, um FCTE, you know, whatever it happens to be. It's great to see all those people being recognized and all the accomplishments that we have. And it is because of good teachers and good administration and good parents. So it's always very important to know that all of this we all have to be together to make a good school community. And that starts at home as well. Um thank you for um all the people that spoke tonight, of course. And we hear you. We hear everyone that we whether we respond right away or whether it's something that, you know, I know one thing that we agree as a board, usually if the whole board gets emailed, then we don't, you know, bombard the
071parents with the emails. Usually one person is designated to respond to that email, and it's usually the the chair. So, if you're not getting a response from everybody, that might be why. So, keep that in mind as well if you do email the entire board. Um Last, I want to say, you know, proctoring is coming up. I know we mentioned that before. They definitely are in need of proctors. I've seen that all over Facebook, so you know, I know a lot of the elementary school that I don't I don't really know the schedule for the middle and high schools, but ooh, that's the longest I've ever talked. Um May 28th is the reading EOG, I know, in the elementary, and then May 29th is the math. Um so, if you can volunteer to proctor, again,
072it's not a very It's a very dry job, but it's definitely something worthwhile to help those teachers. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Amy. >> Thank you, ma'am. Chair. Ditto what has already been said. I agree with a lot that has been said already. I do want to take this time to thank Dr. Lashley and his staff for the work that they've done with the budget, with the stressful times that we're in right now, not having a state budget. I think they've done an outstanding job in making sure our budget is where it needs to be, and that the staff that we have is staff that um through the budget, he's they they worked some things out, even with the nurses, those positions have been worked out, and we're very thankful to you
073and your staff for working so diligently in this stressful time of not having a budget to make sure Pitt County school budget is operable. And also, I I do want to say there's a procedure in place pertaining to books, that if there's a book in the library that people do not agree with, that need to be pulled, and we all agree that some books need to be pulled, but there is a procedure that a book can be pulled if a parent does not want their child to read that book. They can be pulled and reviewed, and decisions made about that book. And so, I don't want people to think that there's not a procedure in place for picking out excuses or books to be looked at and pulled. Again, uh com- thank all of those
074that showed up tonight. It is outstanding to hear so much of the good news that is happening with our students and not only with them, but with the teachers that are working with them. I think we have some of the most outstanding teachers in the eastern part of North Carolina and some of the greatest students that you can find anywhere. Thank you. >> Thank you, guys. >> Can I have your last name? >> Yes, sir. >> And Justin? >> Um obviously, there's a lot of conversations that we're having and continue to have and I don't have enough time to speak on everything I want to. So, I tried to prioritize some things. First of all, thank you for being here. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all the public expression. Um I know we
075have this conversation every year and I'm surprised it actually wasn't brought up. Um but it's almost the end of the year, which means testing and graduation. So, teachers, parents, and kids, please remember that these tests do not define you. These scores do not take away from any of the growth you've accomplished this year, whether it was academically, athletically, emotionally, spiritually spiritually, or however you feel like you've grown. For the seniors, enjoy this last month, embrace every moment, soak up every second, and spend every time every bit of time you can with the friends you have. You've made it, but you'll never be able to return to this moment or time in your life. So, take that extra pic- uh picture your parents may ask for. Go out with that friend that's moving away or that
076might be going to down a different path than you. Hug each other a little tighter and a little longer and just breathe and embrace life. Uh shout out to the teachers. Celebrate teachers this week, as everybody has said, but I also want to shout out it was principals' week last week. Um I I enjoyed seeing all of PCS celebrate prin- principals on social media. Shout out to my District 4 principals, Principal Denham, Covington, Miller, and Johnston uh, for all the work you do in District 4. Uh, congratulations to the National Showcase schools for the Catherine Kids Hearts. Um, thank you to all the nurses. I actually got through it quicker than I thought I would. I did a little speed round. Um, one thing I do want to shout out, uh, District 4 related also
077is Coach Corey Roberts with Farmville Central Track and Field. Uh, th- this man and his staff and these students just continue to produce champions after champions after champions, no matter what type of hurdle they have to do. Corey was named, uh, Eastern Plain Conference Coach of the Year. Along, we also had Gavin Hartman named Conference Male Athlete of the Year. And we also had the men's conference championship, uh, excuse me, the men's won the conference championship. Also, I want to, uh, congratulate softball Coach Huffman, Coach Green, and all the players. They were conference champions this year as well. Had a great season and some great competition, and I mean, they had some phenomenal games. If you haven't had a chance to go watch our high school athletes perform at such a high level, pick any
078school in Pitt County. Pick any high school in Pitt County, and, uh, go watch them. I I don't That's all I'm putting in my statement, I guess. I got more, but I'm going to wait. >> [snorts] >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Justin, you read my notes. Um, I want to do, first of all, do a special thanks to the teachers that had the opportunity to go up to Raleigh last Friday. Um, you showed up, and you showed out. And thank you for doing just that. I want to thank this board for giving them that opportunity. Congratulations to the principal, Justin, um, that we celebrated last week. And it's good to see us out there celebrating each and every one of them. But, I have to do a special shout to Mr. Jenkins,
079to Ms. Cook, to Ms. Swan, Swan, and Dr. Jones at D.H. Rose High School. Happy teacher and nurses appreciation week. And we are so proud, and I mean so proud, so proud of our children. People don't They underestimate our children. Our children are highly intelligent. Listen to some of them. They will blow your mind. Like some people old people would say they've been here before, but it's just they're so highly intelligent. And we are we're special to have such intelligent young people in our district, in our county, and in our in eastern North Carolina. But I also want to do a special shout-out. On last Tuesday, I had the opportunity Dr. Lassiter and to the board to visit our South Greenville and Ridgewood. The United Way of Pitt County Early Grades Student Success Academy, in
080partnership with Pitt County, invited the North Carolina Aquarium in and the Brody School of Medicine residents in. And they had an opportunity to work with our students. God, it was so powerful. Um the North Carolina Aquarium brought an owl. And the kids uh actually took the pellets of the and broke them apart and took the bones and placed them on a sheet. It was such an awesome experience. And that was at South Greenville, and they got into it. But the at Ridgewood, uh the Brody School of Medicine brought in young people inspired to be uh doctors. And they would talk with the kids about the magical science of feeling and wanted the kids to know wherever you are emotionally, these are things you can do. They made tangible things that they could take home. If
081they got too nervous, check it. Uh there were things they could squeeze. It was just so powerful, and the kids were so all into it. And it's good when they have those hands-on, and they can relate. And most of their items were hands-on. And y'all know that's the best teaching. And I just want to say shout-out to that program for offering our school our school such powerful um powerful information and tools. And again, Dr. Lassiter, we support you and your team. And again, if we don't hear if you don't hear from us, we have a board chair. We all of us can't respond to you, but it's her job to respond to you. Thank you. That concludes my comments. >> Um I'll be quick tonight. Um thank you everybody for coming this evening. Um I
082want to thank you Representative Brown for continuing to be part of the conversation with us. Um cuz it really is an ongoing conversation and um we we appreciate appreciate you. Um speaking of conversations and advocacy, you know, it's been a a lot going on. Our emails have been busy. Um but I just want to really acknowledge how wonderful it's been to hear from the community about what you care about um from our nurses to our parents to even our students reaching out to our General Assembly that we are seeing them um stand up for what matters. Um and I I think that's a really powerful thing. Um because we can't read minds, so we have to be talking to each other. Um and I think that this this kind of challenging time we've been in
083has really encouraged people to do that. And I appreciate that as chair and as part of this board that we can have those conversations and that we're seeing our students do that as well. Um it is a really busy time. Um we are coming into testing and um graduations and I didn't even know what month it was when we started the meeting. Um so it's it's hard for our students. It's hard for our teachers um pressing on during this time. So being patient with each other um and and the burnout is real for our teachers right now for our students for some of our parents right now and so being able to work together to consider how we can support each other how we can show up what we need to be doing as a
084district what we need to be doing in our classroom so we've got a lot more conversations to be having and we will we will be in our first our next conversation is going to be with county commissioners this week so that we can so that we can pass a budget cuz we will we will so thank you all for being here is there a motion to adjourn this meeting >> yes I move that we adjourn this meeting >> okay second motion by James and second by Amy all in favor please raise your right hand okay that passes thank you >> we can go home