A staff report
The Bladen County Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Tim Benton, saw active participation from board members and administrative staff.
Board members present were: Mr. Tim Benton, Chairman Mr. Harfel Davis Mr. Dennis Edwards Mr. Steve Kwiatkowski Mr. Keith Locklear Mr. Mackie Singletary Members attending virtually: Mr. Glenn McKoy, Vice-Chairman Mr. Chris Clark Members absent: Mr. Gary Rhoda
Administrative staff members present were: Dr. Jason Atkinson, Superintendent 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
Here’s a detailed recap of the proceedings:
Attendance and Opening:
The meeting commenced with Chairman Benton welcoming all attendees and expressing gratitude for their presence. Dr. Jason Atkinson, the Superintendent, delivered the invocation, followed by students from Bladen Lakes Primary School leading the Pledge of Attendance.
Agenda Amendment and Approval:
Dr. Atkinson proposed amendments to the agenda, which were unanimously approved by the board. These adjustments aimed to streamline discussions and prioritize agenda items effectively.
Consent Agenda:
The board reviewed and approved items on the consent agenda, including meeting minutes and distribution requests related to capital funding.
Spotlights and Recognitions:
Several groups and individuals were recognized for their achievements, including various school sports teams and Coach Patty Evers, highlighting the diverse talents within Bladen County Schools.
School Board Appreciation Month:
Dr. Atkinson shared a resolution declaring January as School Board Appreciation Month. Each board member was acknowledged for their dedication, with schools presenting gifts of appreciation as a token of gratitude.
Information Items:
Dr. Atkinson provided updates on the Tar Heel Construction Project and discussed the memorandum of understanding with UNC Health, addressing concerns raised by the board members.
Action Items:
Discussions ensued regarding proposed projects and conference attendance, with motions made and unanimously approved by the board.
Closed Session:
The board went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters and student reassignment/discipline, adhering to statutory requirements.
Personnel Updates:
A comprehensive list of personnel actions, including new hires, resignations, and contracted services, was presented and approved by the board.
Matters of Interest:
Board members shared reflections and discussed future conference attendance, emphasizing collaboration and rotation for equitable participation.
Superintendent’s Update:
Dr. Atkinson provided updates on various initiatives, including the Parent’s Bill of Rights, a three-year graduation plan, and upcoming public hearings.
Community Request:
A request to utilize the Elizabethtown Middle School Gym for a basketball program was discussed, pending submission of necessary documentation and board approval.
The meeting adjourned with a reminder of the next scheduled session on February 12, 2024, concluding a productive session focused on advancing educational initiatives and fostering community engagement within Bladen County Schools.
Crystal Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board, submitted the minutes. View the meeting minutes in this PDF
View the February Board of Education meeting on the Bladen Live Stream YouTube channel linked below.
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