[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6061015,"mediaKeyId","3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8","parentId",3287634,"title","Craven County Board of Education approves 2025–26 budget, keeps counselors, nurses and assistant principals funded","audioSeconds",188,"startMs",1415000,"endMs",1603000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8&start=1415&end=1603","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6061015/North-Carolina/Craven-County-Board-of-Education-approves-202526-budget-keeps-counselors-nurses-and-assistant-principals-funded","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061015-d44653f2370d9ca273ddbb6fa1f57e95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147692&Signature=PnaK9IRTePxlnmXaRonrvbvTvgLUO6UMetbB~iV0fW8no81LaJ-MTXaAK-T8k9iLet1jlTH-xz6CPxHQ54bRE-LOq5jebP01g7IDNrHAzolgmxMqidv6~pKomhSBV95cTWlYHsqW5mMW3x1egG~wtQpssCFOTTMPHeu~rmfvsXj9L57amZ1YhwRxlAMt0k1UTIijTeMl5JDrLprgwsdE2hgyOIBMBfH4NshlUCeYVqAMQpIhzlkz1OhiphHS-Yh42i-kIjDPR6hVwP2y5c77lxFcQpV1BXpjXxaV7M0HbNJjc9tOezJKEr3YOLrYCEUMzabcjSiiqByM4wtwDflX~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Craven County Schools","date","2025-05-13T12:20:12Z","article","The Craven County Board of Education voted 5–2 on May 13 to approve the district’s 2025–26 budget as presented, adopting a spending plan that preserves most student‑support positions while relying in part on fund balance.

The vote followed several hours of presentation and debate over staffing levels, central‑office positions and contingency revenue. The board approved the budget with five members voting yes and two members voting no.

The adopted budget keeps funding in place for all guidance counselors, 23 nurses, four social workers and 35 assistant principals, according to staff presentations and board discussion. Staff also said an additional $250,000 in projected fines and forfeitures was added to next year’s revenue estimates, a change that reduces the budget’s reliance on fund balance.

Board discussion and staff presentation
Stacy Lee, a district staff member who presented the budget, told the board the central‑office staffing roster shown in the presentation reflects positions across multiple funding sources and that the district counted 83 central‑office positions across budgets this year, with a net increase of 15 positions in the proposed budget. Lee also told the board that he had spoken with county staff and that “fines and forfeitures are trending up,” and that the budget now shows “an increase of $250,000.”

Several board members pressed staff on the relationship between state allotments and locally funded positions. Board member Lauren Kitzinger said the board and public needed clarity on what the local current‑expense budget actually pays for and how state allotments affect local obligations. Kitzinger noted that the state allotment covers 12 assistant principals but the district currently employs roughly 33–35 APs, meaning many AP salaries are funded locally.

Counselors, nurses and costs
Staff told the board the state school‑health personnel allotment is 28 positions (including a nursing position), while, as presented to the board, the district has roughly 37 counselors. Lee said the “total annual cost for all 37 counselors … is in excess of $3,000,000,” which includes salary, retirement and benefits.

Board members repeatedly raised the district’s use of local dollars to maintain positions added after 2020. Kitzinger asked for clarity on which positions are state‑funded versus locally funded; the presentation and subsequent answers made clear the district is paying many positions out of local current‑expense dollars when state or federal funds are not available.

Athletics and athletic trainers
Board members also questioned athletics spending during the budget debate. The budget proposes to continue the athletic‑trainer contract. When asked about the size of that contract, a staff member described the total as “$2.23 or $2.26 and some change.” The district said the contract covers coverage required by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for selected high‑school sports and that models vary by district; district staff said some districts have first responders overseen by an athletic trainer, while others employ full‑time athletic trainers at high schools.

Charter funding and fund balance
Staff explained the formula used to send local and state funding to charter schools: state money follows the student; local funding is calculated from the county appropriation and must be distributed monthly to charter operators for Craven County students enrolled in charter schools. Board members flagged concern about continued reliance on the fund balance; several members said they expect follow‑up work to reduce the use of fund balance in future cycles.

Public comments
Members of the public who spoke during the public‑input portion urged the board to “ask for what the students need.” Anne Healy, a retired physician who spoke during public input, addressed the board directly: “Ask for what the students need. Do not second guess the county … It is your job to convince the county of the needs for the funds that you request.”

Formal action
A motion to accept the 2025–26 budget as presented carried by roll call: Amy Davis (yes), Darlene Gibbs (yes), Lee Kirkman (yes), Patty Mason (yes), Lorie Spies (yes); Jennifer Dacey (no), Laura Kitzinger (no). The motion’s mover was not specified on the transcript; the second on the motion was recorded as Amy Davis. The outcome was recorded as approved.

Why it matters
Board members said the budget preserves core student supports for the coming school year but left unresolved questions about long‑term sustainability and how many positions the district must continue to fund locally. Several board members asked staff for follow‑up information about contracts, the number and cost of existing contracts, and whether contracting processes (for example, best‑value versus lowest‑cost procurement) might reduce future spending.

Next steps
Board members asked staff to provide additional detail on contracts and on the drivers of fund‑balance reliance. The board and staff indicated a goal of reducing reliance on the fund balance in future budget cycles, and members signaled they will continue to press state leaders about funding formulas.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Craven County Board of Education Board Meeting 5/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Craven County Board of Education voted 5–2 on May 13 to approve the district’s 2025–26 budget as presented, adopting a spending plan that preserves most student‑support positions while relying in part on fund balance.","taxTitle","Craven County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14187,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6061007,"Board holds first read on lowering superintendent contract authority; votes to table for contract inventory",652,6493000,7145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8&start=6493&end=7145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8/thumbnail_6493000.jpg","/articles/6061007/North-Carolina/Board-holds-first-read-on-lowering-superintendent-contract-authority-votes-to-table-for-contract-inventory","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061007-b40acff7b8c6737265c738b119553be5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147692&Signature=JxvDMYC~-svVIeJRg7Ma7Xk9cVprHz~RfJ554mZmszOEJwDxWpk2aUUwskZWstAr0R0eHn3oM88WNZIu6XX4oh2bxkk1FmpgprRQ-HS02oEECStcC2uVNevwhDcuus~TtCMEwaZDhhkJeBJjqKF5VigCytr~mbt5MoWgItsSIEbvfkZVx0xhfyWNZLLyp3JMNVpt-vnotp5cRs7UnU3nBsHEFkC9T6G8mFVts576Q9yUDKYp0ecj67wQPS6yiumLOpu1QkbeOAZzl8SceS5GQ48dX22tajjD6Fth6f7G8dRhoHFNVnskO-lBqyu87Ia06D4lOA9DEAt3oUBI89dk8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education took up a first read of proposed policy 64.20 — which would reduce the superintendent’s delegated authority on contracts from $90,000 to $25,000 — and then voted to table the matter while staff compiles additional information.

Proposal and rationale
A board member proposed lowering the dollar threshold to increase oversight in light of recent budget pressures and personnel changes. Board members supporting the change said tighter oversight was appropriate during a period of fiscal scrutiny. One supporter said the move would be “pulling the reins” on spending while the district addresses fund‑balance reliance.

Concerns about administrative burden
Rick Stout, a staff member who oversees board administrative duties, cautioned that $25,000 is a “very minimal amount for superintendent operating a district of this size” and said the board should see the universe of existing contracts before adopting a fixed threshold. He offered to provide a breakdown of current contracts, their dollar amounts and how many would be subject to a reduced threshold.

Board direction and vote
After discussion, a motion to table the policy first read passed by roll call. Board members asked staff to return with a complete inventory of contracts, including multiyear agreements that may be paid in annual installments, and to analyze procurement approaches (for example, best‑value vs. lowest‑cost purchasing).

Why it matters
The policy would change the board’s oversight of procurement and contract spending. Reducing the delegation could require the board to approve many more routine contracts, which members said could improve fiscal oversight but also risk operational delays.

Next steps
Staff agreed to compile and present a detailed list of current contracts, including annualized amounts and a procurement analysis, before the board takes a second reading of the policy.

","The board discussed a proposed change to policy 64.20 that would reduce the superintendent's delegated contract authority from $90,000 to $25,000. After debate about oversight and administrative feasibility, the board voted to table the first read while staff compiles a contract inventory and cost analysis.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6061009,"Board approves Bosch Community Fund grants to expand classroom robotics, kits and in‑house PD",261,6007000,6268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8&start=6007&end=6268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8/thumbnail_6007000.jpg","/articles/6061009/North-Carolina/Board-approves-Bosch-Community-Fund-grants-to-expand-classroom-robotics-kits-and-inhouse-PD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061009-0aee062849a2d619c4c2d22037b2a457/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147692&Signature=Q7BKU1MUplFt7jN0l8HjeA6bs1twrWc-uTbu0~eZTtwnFO8dMtbl58Cvxkd9PyhcLxevpMnC3~VYZy~x2LfWryQibWMtgtk6O7kHwQ~an5BmA0~-02Yd4p1vu3pnK5YCLlmB71L-HAfv7UyCwXx93W2S9Pe~d1AchOibZfJAAeO7dB9HcNuOb6GD1zsCkgH2EIg8rWRBROrlKC1jQ80LfDE7piPk0JEDl-hYtb1pAVALGbCZ26xI6H7aLz-CQZ6cNnfsy31PlUnYyvgp-jBIkCSJcfM1FQLKe0adJGFzqRqSSTk44Thc6c-TXf0GMdqhgGY8Ip2rY8bq-tNiPVNaBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education approved two Bosch Community Fund grants on May 13, including a $28,425 request to continue and expand the district’s Innovation Learning Kit program for K‑12 classrooms.

Grant uses and prior work
Sarah Emerick, who presented the grant request, said the district ran a successful pilot last year and has created an online repository of lesson plans and staff training materials. The requested funds would expand kits and robotics availability: BeBots (classroom robots), Sphero Minis at middle schools, RVR units for high schools and additional mats and consumables for existing kits. Emerick said the program includes a two‑day in‑house professional‑development model (elementary day and secondary day) and that the grant budget includes substitute coverage for teachers who attend PD plus stipends for educators to write lessons reflecting higher‑grade coding and engineering design standards.

Budget details
Emerick presented a line‑item budget that included purchase of hardware and consumables, stipends for four educators to develop lessons (including recruiting high‑school contributors), and substitute coverage. She said actual subs are budgeted at the maximum allowable amount as a buffer and that some items (consumables, replacement parts) are budgeted to allow kit sustainability across the school year.

Board action
A motion to approve the Bosch grant and related budget passed by roll call with all board members recorded as voting yes. Board members asked clarifying questions about acronyms and the in‑house nature of the PD; Emerick confirmed the PD is delivered by district staff and that the grant primarily funds materials, stipends and substitute coverage.

Why it matters
The grants aim to expand hands‑on STEM and engineering design instruction across the district, provide teachers with reusable materials and lesson plans, and reduce travel and equipment barriers by placing kits in local schools.

","The board approved two Bosch Community Fund grants, including a $28,425 request to expand innovation learning kits, robotics (BeBots, Sphero, RVR) and in‑house professional development for K‑12 teachers. The grants fund materials, substitute coverage for PD and stipends to produce lesson plans.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6061011,"Board OKs special‑education nursing and related‑services contracts not to exceed $2.9 million",212,5564000,5776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8&start=5564&end=5776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8/thumbnail_5564000.jpg","/articles/6061011/North-Carolina/Board-OKs-specialeducation-nursing-and-relatedservices-contracts-not-to-exceed-29-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061011-f68fbec1632a7a098585e3d013d9b4ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147692&Signature=M-AHvTokUOxZsBBW3Ud~CjmRQUzhuR7PSyqBbdljZegxZPCiF-7J3bD6QOB2gArkAunlOkCLkQbPJ~IZcc5HY1H1-4u7lMnm13hPIs0I1I0HauGpcj8qW4FS-3gJ0pL3Vvf88KevEGfopigRvdU9fBUlvKlDjhbUssVMxvAwKcrZ08dY931DXS3FD2VPgBs67IvoeFsfv14~2upXWJPhdgCxipcy1eqvJLlsFsJLonvv1AMXkJAZZmV~bQQZxKI6DN~QWjKriYRqZZSleYNMUS4kulScNz3pksZS3X8k6cl~ST-HpAalb-YxoFGFNlIhvFc5E0jE8VyepPkfTc9pGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education approved contracts to provide nursing and related services for students with significant medical needs, authorizing not‑to‑exceed amounts that together total $2,900,000 for the coming year.

Shelley (presentation)
A staff member who presented the item explained these contracts fund nursing services required by individual education plans (IEPs) when a doctor has recommended one‑to‑one nursing or other medically prescribed supports. The presenter said nine students currently require a one‑to‑one nurse or licensed nursing care during the school day; care needs include seizure management, tracheostomy care, low oxygen monitoring and other medically complex needs.

Contract amounts and vendors
The presentation separates the budget: nursing contracts are listed at approximately $822,690 and related‑services contracts (speech, occupational and physical therapy vendors) at about $1,900,000. Staff said the district must work with multiple vendors — about 10 providers — because hiring direct, in‑district staff for all of these needs has proven difficult.

Remote services as last resort
In response to board questions, staff explained that teletherapy (speech therapy provided by video with an on‑site facilitator) was used in a small number of instances this year as an approved, last‑resort option when no local provider could be recruited. The presenter said teletherapy is permitted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and is used only when in‑person services cannot be arranged.

Action and context
A motion to approve the contracts as presented passed by roll call vote with all board members recorded as voting yes. The district described the totals as not to exceed amounts to allow for enrollment changes or additional services should additional students require medically prescribed support; if the contract totals must be exceeded, staff said they will return to the board for additional authority.

Why it matters
These contracts fund mandatory services required by students’ IEPs. Board approval authorizes the district to secure third‑party vendors to meet medical and therapy needs the district cannot staff directly, ensuring continuity of services for medically complex students.

","The Craven County Board approved contract authority to provide one‑to‑one nursing and related special‑education services after staff said nine students currently require continuous nursing support. The board approved contracts totaling $822,690 for nursing and $1,900,000 for related services.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6061013,"Board approves 2025–28 AIG plan, cites identification and professional‑development goals",1087,4166000,5253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8&start=4166&end=5253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287634-8314c3548fd25bf53e5238bf37228bc8/thumbnail_4166000.jpg","/articles/6061013/North-Carolina/Board-approves-202528-AIG-plan-cites-identification-and-professionaldevelopment-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061013-f140cacc12b7c02a264a889a4dbf4beb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147692&Signature=os1hpZafsEGQGFsow5Fo1Cboh-P3B0k9FCM4qTMdiTr-9fXvw3g6t~V9VEJVyGE44BydHN79YtuXjcUdDkqCvQlUqe8vQPzjIu36rOkUZ29ak10mR5-EePqBrsWG6WW2hRdBXjGXw-mW92JV42LDorY1tLnp5ckopF4Qb2y3OvS1W3TXs0iP0w2LEvyc6QW9K-pbW7YlrwXFymcw~137WdoRjIwzbixXMZQ2GTVrIxNHr7FPX1HmS3YNZK9Uk3xFWfNUWdINsqQ29AY4IkwGXvAk4ZjbPT-rhvKnGEceLfRNd0UJ3a9qCsfWMxJPcSVmS6~qBv6vX01uRNPd1NsNWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Craven County Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s 2025–28 Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) plan on May 13 after a presentation on state requirements, local revisions and program goals.

The plan responds to state guidance (Article 9B) requiring local AIG plans every three years and sets goals for improved identification, expanded teacher professional development and better family and community communication.

What the plan covers
Betsy Gatchel, the staff member who presented the plan, said the plan documents how the district will identify and serve gifted and potentially gifted learners, maintain digital records, refine honors‑course attestation and expand pathways and resources. Gatchel described state program standards and explained the plan’s development process, which included surveys, advisory‑group meetings, focus groups and a regional plan‑writing seminar.

On funding and identification, Gatchel referenced the state funding limit and district identification rates: the plan notes the state funds a maximum of 4 percent of average daily membership for AIG while the district’s April headcount identified approximately 10.36 percent of students for AIG services. When asked about dollar figures, Gatchel said: “It was $7.40 this past year, it’s dropping to $7.00 6 due to ADM adjustments and 90% of those pay for staff.”

Key program goals in the plan include:
- Ensuring access to advanced learning opportunities and clarifying the district’s four identification pathways;
- Supporting instructional staff with differentiated professional development, including local endorsement and certification cohorts and new mid‑level AIG training;
- Implementing improved communication strategies for families and community partners, and maintaining thorough digital cumulative records (the district recently moved from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus for these records).

Board questions, funding and next steps
Board members asked about state funding levels and the district’s share of costs. In response, Gatchel explained the funding amount cited and said roughly 90 percent of state AIG funds go to staff. Board members noted the district is serving more AIG‑identified students than the state funds directly and discussed the program’s reliance on local and district resources.

The motion to approve the plan passed unanimously. Board members requested continued mid‑cycle feedback and an advisory‑group update as the plan is implemented.

","The board unanimously approved the district's three‑year Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) plan, which reiterates state Article 9B requirements, four identification pathways, expanded professional development and continued web‑based records for gifted students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Craven County Board of Education approves 2025–26 budget, keeps counselors, nurses and assistant principals funded

Board holds first read on lowering superintendent contract authority; votes to table for contract inventory

Board approves Bosch Community Fund grants to expand classroom robotics, kits and in‑house PD

Board OKs special‑education nursing and related‑services contracts not to exceed $2.9 million

Board approves 2025–28 AIG plan, cites identification and professional‑development goals