The Craven County Board of Education on March 20 directed the superintendent to provide ESS Southeast LLC written notice terminating the July staffing contract to prevent any automatic renewals, while inviting the vendor to submit a contract proposal for the next fiscal year.

The motion was made after board members said they wanted to avoid being locked into an automatic, multi‑year renewal and to ensure the district remains a good fiscal steward. Board members described generally positive operational feedback about ESS’s substitute-staffing fill rate during the current year but said they wanted flexibility to negotiate terms for the coming year.

Superintendent Dr. Miller told the board that he had received a recommended addendum from ESS earlier in the day that included a pricing offer for the next year and a proposed 60‑day termination window effective the 20th. He said he would follow the board’s direction to terminate under the current terms while continuing negotiations. “They have made an offer regarding pricing for next year at a better rate and they have also made an offer, effective the twentieth for a 60 day, termination rather than the current [term],” the superintendent said.

The maker of the motion was recorded as board member Patty Mason; the motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote of all seven board members: Jennifer Dacey, Amy Davis, Darlene Gibbs, Lee Kirkman, Lauren Kitsinger, Patty Mason and Lori Spies.

Why this matters: ESS provides substitute and staffing services that the district uses to fill vacancies. The board’s action prevents an automatic multi‑year renewal and leaves open the option for a one‑year contract or further competitive procurement if the district later chooses to solicit other proposals.

What the board directed: Superintendent to send ESS written notice of termination to prevent automatic renewal, to invite ESS to submit a new contract offer for the next school year, and to continue negotiation efforts.