Onslow County Board of Education faces scrutiny over nepotism claims during public comment period

The Onslow County Board of Education convened on January 7, 2025, at 6 PM, welcoming attendees to a meeting that included a public comment period. The meeting began with a reminder that while everyone was welcome to stay, those present solely for the "good news spotlight" could leave if they wished.

The first agenda item was the public comment period, which featured two speakers. The board emphasized the importance of respectful discourse, outlining guidelines for comments, including a three-minute time limit and a prohibition on personal attacks. Speakers were warned that failure to comply with these rules could result in removal from the meeting.

Cynthia LaCourte was the first speaker, addressing the board with a focus on the responsibilities of elected members. She raised concerns about the selection process for employee benefits, specifically regarding reimbursement for master's degrees. LaCourte highlighted potential issues of nepotism, mentioning connections between board members and certain employees. She called for transparency in the selection process and expressed a desire for clarity on how decisions are made, particularly in relation to the Human Resources budget.

The second speaker, Ari Rakowitz, expressed gratitude for the board's work and shared his background in education, noting his experience in the local school system.

The meeting concluded with the board members acknowledging the comments made during the public period, with no immediate responses provided as per their policy. The board's commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring fair practices within the school system was underscored as a key takeaway from the discussions. Further follow-up actions regarding the issues raised are anticipated in future meetings.