New Hanover County School District

The committee meeting focused on several key policy discussions and amendments. Topics included the strategic initiative for agenda reviews, the tabling of policy 7720 until the next meeting, and the adoption of changes to policy 4318 regarding student cell phone usage and whistleblower protections. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and approved minor editorial and legal reference updates for policies 5071, 7351, and 7130, and confirmed the status of several existing policies for upcoming amendments.

The Board discussed and voted on various agenda items, including the renewal of contracts, the use of the Dragonfly Athletics application for managing student athlete information and scheduling, and the approval of budget amendments due to state and federal funding increases. Additionally, the board deliberated on the micro-purchase threshold, potential policy revisions regarding board member background checks, and the use of software in high school computer labs.

The board meeting included a variety of recognitions for student achievements and staff excellence. Topics included the introduction of the Murray Middle School Chorus and Ashley High School NJOTC, the reporting of the finance, capital, and bond committee, and the celebration of the 2026-2027 Keenan Fellows program recipient. Additionally, the board recognized students for their performance in National History Day competitions, Superintendent and Board of Education Art Choice Awards, and state athletic championships. The meeting concluded with the announcement of educator of the year recipients for the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

The document lists speaker sign-ups for a public board meeting covering various topics including school funding and resource allocation, student behavior policies and alternatives to suspension, the reintroduction of instructional supports and teacher aids, ethics code policies, and the implementation of religious instruction within school hours.

The board discussed the disposal of surplus property, the approval of school calendars for 2018-2019, the approval of executive summaries for school improvement plans, and the selection of design firms for renovations at Noble Middle School, Trask Middle School, and Wrightsville Beach Elementary School. Additionally, the board approved the use of construction management at risk as a delivery method for these projects, an interlocal agreement with New Hanover County concerning the maintenance of athletic fields, and a joint resolution regarding an elementary school site at River Lights. The board also reviewed training credits for the North Carolina School Board Association, received information on a new safety trail at Ogden Elementary School, and heard announcements about future meetings.