A staff reportThe Bladen County Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, with key members and administrative staff in attendance. In this article are the highlights from the meeting as provided by the minutes submitted by Crystal Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board.Board Members Present:– Mr. Tim Benton (Chairman)– Mr. Harfel Davis– Mr. Dennis Edwards– Mr. Steve Kwiatkowski– Mr. Keith Locklear– Mr. Mackie Singletary– Mr. Chris ClarkAdministrative Staff Present:– Dr. Jason Atkinson (Superintendent)– Ms. Crystal Johnson (Executive Assistant)– Ms. Ann Brown (Deputy Superintendent)– Ms. Susan Harrison (Executive Officer of Finance and Business Services)– Ms. Cheryl White-Smith (Executive Officer of Instruction and Specialized Services)– Mrs. Deborah Guyton (Executive Director of Human Resources)– Dr. Robert Heavenridge (Transportation Director)– Ms. Dana Mills (CTE Director)– Ms. Crystal O’Briant (School Nutrition Coordinator)– Mr. Bennie Lennon (Maintenance Director)– Mrs. Amy Reeves (Instructional Technology Coordinator)– Mr. Jerry Faulkner (Information Technology Coordinator)– Mr. Brendan McCarthy (Accountability and Title I Director)The meeting commenced with Chairman Benton calling the session to order and expressing gratitude for attendance. Mr. Clark delivered the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Bladenboro Primary School.Dr. Atkinson proposed adding Action Item 9.04, Supplemental Funds for Teacher Compensation Administrative Plan, which was unanimously approved by the Board.Approval was granted for various items including meeting minutes, school calendars, and contract renewals.Several groups and individuals were acknowledged for their achievements and contributions to the school community. Under Spotlights and Recognitions, the following groups and individuals were recognized:Southeastern All-District Band, Students from West Bladen High School and Elizabethtown Middle School, Bladen Early College, Math EOC Perfect Score student, Jamie Labre-Hernandez, Bladenboro Primary School Beta Club Students, Bladen Early College High School Beta Club Students, East Bladen High School Beta Club Students, West Bladen High School Beta Club Students, Schools that met or exceeded growth measures for 2022-2023 – Bladen Early College, Bladen Lakes, Bladenboro Primary, Bladenboro Middle, Dublin Primary, East Bladen High, Elizabethtown Middle, Elizabethtown Primary, West Bladen High.There was no citizen participation during the meeting.Updates were provided on the Tar Heel Construction Project, School Calendar changes, and a proposed mental health grant.The Board deliberated on matters such as a fieldhouse project, committee nominations, and the Supplemental Funds for Teacher Compensation Administrative Plan, all of which were approved.The Board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by approval of personnel action items upon return to open session.Dr. Atkinson shared updates on various educational initiatives and upcoming events.The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a productive session aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and staff within the Bladen County school system.For more detailed information, the full minutes of the meeting can be obtained through the Bladen County Schools administrative office.
For more detailed information, the full minutes of the meeting can be obtained through the Bladen County Schools administrative office.Watch the Bladen County Board of Education meeting held on March 11, 2024, on Bladen Livestream’s YouTube Channel linked below.
Board of Education Meeting – Open Session (youtube.com)
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