Debbie Bunn

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion segments included recognitions for educators who earned or renewed their national board certification, as well as recognition for two students who earned honorable mention in the Scholastic Art Competition. The Chairman's report touched upon returning to school after winter weather events, celebrating Black History Month, expressing condolences to the Begood family, acknowledging book donations from the Wilson County Farm Bureau Federation, and announcing the upcoming spelling bee. A resolution honoring Governor James B. Hunt Jr., a native of Wilson County, was adopted by the board. The Superintendent's report thanked stakeholders for supporting the use of remote learning days due to inclement weather and provided information about the upcoming kindergarten registration night. During the public input portion, a representative from Lifewise Academy presented arguments for partnering to offer time-release religious studies, supported by student testimony. Another resident voiced concerns about a new vape/tobacco shop opening near local schools.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda for January 12, 2026. A special presentation was given by the Principal of Vic Elementary and the District Teacher of the Year to express gratitude to the Board for their service during Board of Education Appreciation Month. Key accomplishments highlighted included substantial scholarship awards, achieving the district's highest state rating (34th out of 115), 21 schools meeting growth targets, the completion of the Springfield Middle reconstruction following a tornado, securing a $42 million school construction grant for a new elementary school, and the groundbreaking for Frederick Douglas Elementary School. Achievements at Frederick Douglas Elementary, including being named a top Title I school, were noted. Board member recognition awards were also presented. Following this, good news presentations covered the success of the new Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club at Wilson Academy of Applied Technology, which had 12 out of 16 competitors qualify for the state competition. The Chairman reported on the Frederick Douglas Elementary groundbreaking, announced the WEP annual spelling bee date (March 19th), thanked Whites Tire for bus maintenance assistance during the bus garage repair, and noted the upcoming Martin Luther King Day observance. Dr. Mills echoed thanks to the board and offered condolences on the passing of former Governor Jim Hunt, noting his significant impact on public education. During public input, representatives from Lifewise Academy presented data on program effectiveness, noting improvements in student attendance and a decline in in-school suspensions related to the provision of optional Bible education during the school day.

The meeting included the election and qualification of officers, resulting in the selection of Blake Boykin as Board Chair and Rhyan Breen as Board Vice-Chair for the coming year. Good News Presentations recognized several individuals and groups, including the Regional Teacher of the Year, Christmas Card Contest Winners, North Carolina Elementary Honors Chorus Participants, the Champion of Education Award winner (Board Member Debora Powell), and recipients of the Innovation and Excellence in Public Education Award for Summer Program Partnerships. The Superintendent's Report highlighted the award of a $42 million Needs-Based School Construction Grant for a new elementary school serving Wells and Hearne Elementary students, announced the availability of the 2025-2026 Parent Survey, noted features of resilience-focused classroom work, and congratulated the Hunt High Varsity football team on their regional championship. A committee report provided an update on the November 30, 2025, Wilson County Schools Bus Garage fire, including emergency restoration efforts and next steps for structural assessment and recovery planning. Action items included the approval of the Superintendent entering emergency contracts with Builder Services, Inc., for the bus garage cleanup, approval of a Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for the Frederick Douglass Elementary School Construction Contract with Barnhill Building Group, approval of the 2025-2026 budget resolution, and approval to reauthorize Barnes Elementary and Hearne Elementary under the Restart Reform Model for another five-year cycle. The Board also adopted the proposed Superintendent Search Process timeline and general plans following Dr. Mills' announced retirement.

The meeting commenced with the organization of the board, including the unanimous election of Mr. Boyin as Chairman and Mrs. Boyette as Vice Chair. Key discussion points included several recognition segments: acknowledging Shannon Campbell for being named the 2026 North Central Region Teacher of the Year; celebrating four elementary students for designing the district's Christmas cards; honoring two students and their teacher for participating in the North Carolina Elementary Honors Chorus; recognizing Board member Deborah Powell for receiving a Champion of Education award; and presenting the Innovation and Excellence in Public Education award to Matt Kraton and Dr. Christine Mitchell for establishing successful summer program partnerships. The Superintendent reported on securing a highly competitive $42 million needs-based school grant for the construction of a new school for the Wells Hearn project, emphasizing community collaboration. Additionally, updates were provided on the 2026 parent survey being live and congratulating the Hunt High School varsity football team on being Eastern Regional Champs.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda for the November 10, 2025 session. Key discussion points involved recognizing seven seniors who participated in the 2025 North Carolina Governor's School. In the Chairman's Report, appreciation was expressed for the Wilson Education Partnership (WEP) distributing $20,000 in mini-grants and recognition was given to representatives attending the NCSBA conference. The Superintendent announced his intent to retire in the Spring of 2026, reflecting on significant district progress, including moving from 90th to 34th in statewide rankings. Committee reports addressed information items, including contracts approved by the Superintendent under $90,000 and the receipt of a clean 2024-2025 Audit Report with no deficiencies. Action items included the adoption of recommendations to discontinue the AVID program at two high schools, the approval of a Teaching as a Career Cohort at Wilson Early College Academy, acceptance of the Restart Annual Report for two elementary schools, and approval to increase daycare weekly fees from $125 to $175 starting in August 2026. The Board also unanimously approved revisions to four policies: Policy 3210, Policy 3460 (with repeal of an associated regulation), Policy 4120, and Policy 7900. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session to discuss personnel and student matters.