Faitha C. Batten

The content primarily consisted of updates on construction and bond projects within the Johnston County Public Schools district. Key discussions included renovations and revitalization at Cooper Academy, including the addition of classrooms and new facilities supported by the 2022 bond, as well as the installation of a new fire alarm system funded by the 2024 bond. Updates were provided on the new Wilson's Mills High School, which is progressing toward a Fall 2026 opening. Furthermore, the board unanimously approved the Clayton High School rebuild project during a Special Session on October 28, 2025, which entails a large, modern facility expected to be completed by Fall 2028. Other bond-funded activities mentioned were the buildout at Thanksgiving Elementary, HVAC overhauls at Cleveland and Four Oaks Elementary Schools, and planned additions and upgrades at McGee Elementary, East Clayton Elementary, and North Johnston High School. The document also featured segments discussing career readiness for 8th graders via the Jookco Works Career Fair.

The document features presentations and updates on various educational programs and construction projects. Discussions included the Ideal Academy, a choice program at South Johnson High School focused on agricultural and environmental studies, highlighting student success, career pathways, and soft skill development. The presentation also covered major construction and bond projects across Johnston County Public Schools, including renovations at Cooper Academy (funded by the 2022 bond and improvements from the 2024 bond for a new fire alarm system), the opening of Swift Creek Elementary, and rapid progress on Wilson's Mills High School (WHS) for a Fall 2026 opening. Additionally, there were updates on removing mobile units and reducing overcrowding at Cleveland High School, and the unanimous approval of the Clayton High rebuild project during a Special Session meeting on October 28th, 2025. Upcoming projects mentioned include buildouts at Thanksgiving Elementary, HVAC overhauls at Cleveland and Fork Oaks Elementary, and design phase projects like additions at McGee Elementary and track upgrades at North Johnston High.

The meeting included discussions and updates regarding student engagement, particularly noting high excitement from students regarding science exhibits, such as one involving bead separation using a salad spinner mechanism. There were multiple segments focused on construction and bond projects within Johnston County Public Schools. Updates covered renovations at Cooper Academy, the addition of Swift Creek Elementary (the district's 25th elementary school), and rapid progress on the new Wilson's Mills High School, scheduled for a Fall 2026 opening. The completion of a fast-paced project at Cleveland High School, which allowed for the removal of all mobile classrooms, was noted. A significant action was the unanimous approval during a special session on October 28, 2025, for the Clayton High School rebuild project, which will result in a 278,000 sq ft facility with extensive learning and athletic spaces. Furthermore, ongoing bond projects include the buildout of Thanksgiving Elementary, HVAC overhauls at Cleveland and Four Oaks Elementary Schools, and design phases for additions at McGee Elementary, roof replacement at East Clayton Elementary, and track/tennis court upgrades at North Johnston High. There were also reports highlighting the positive impact of the Jookco Works Career Fair on 8th graders, preparing them for future careers in areas like biopharma.

The agenda includes several renewal contracts for the 2023-24 school year, encompassing elementary and secondary education. These contracts facilitate services such as universal screening and progress monitoring (NWEA MAP Renewal), learning management systems and interim assessments (Instructure Renewal), single sign-on application management (ClassLink Contract Renewal), supplemental digital instructional resources (Discovery Education and Nearpod Contract Renewals), math intervention programs (DreamBox Learning Contract Renewal), intensive intervention resources (Lexia), and AVID membership contracts for multiple schools. Approval is recommended pending fund availability, with funding primarily from the local 897 budget and Title II budget for AVID.

The Johnston County Board of Education is set to discuss and potentially approve the renewal of the Amplified contract for Google Services for the 2022-2023 school year. The contract includes Google Workspace Suite for Education, Gopher, Group Gator, and Lil Sis, with a total renewal cost of $116,677.75. The administrative consideration is for the board to approve this contract renewal, which has fiscal implications as indicated by the budget code 2.6400.815.418.000.000.00.