The Pender County Schools Board of Education meeting on February 3, 2025, focused on enhancing transparency and community engagement, alongside discussions on policy updates and feedback regarding dress codes.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the announcement of a student art exhibit at the Cameron Art Museum, showcasing the work of eight students from Pender County, along with peers from New Hanover, Brunswick, and Onslow counties. The exhibit is open to the public until the end of March and free to attend, encouraging community involvement in local arts.

The board also reviewed updates to various policies, particularly the athletic eligibility policy, which has been revised to align with new state regulations regarding credit recovery. The board plans to present this policy for a first reading on February 11.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing feedback on the professional attire policy. The board received 366 responses from staff regarding dress code preferences, with many comments focusing on footwear, headwear, and the appropriateness of jeans. Staff expressed a desire for more flexibility and comfort in their attire, suggesting that professional dress should be context-dependent, particularly during parent meetings or special events.

Key themes from the feedback included the need for clearer guidelines on acceptable clothing, with many advocating for the inclusion of jeans, provided they are clean and free of rips. The board acknowledged the importance of balancing professionalism with comfort and practicality in the workplace.

In response to the feedback, the board plans to open the student dress code policy for input from students, faculty, and parents, with opt-out forms provided for parents who wish to exclude their children from participating in the survey. This initiative aims to gather comprehensive insights to inform future policy adjustments.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment while addressing the evolving needs of students and staff within the Pender County Schools community.