Harnett County public meetings in 2023
23 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education is meeting to discuss updates to school board policies (to be voted on in January) and approve a consent agenda that includes a personnel report, minutes, a Participate International Education agreement renewal, field trip requests, and adoption of several board policies. The board will also receive updates from the superintendent and department heads, and recognize a staff member with a Shining Star award.
- Discussion of board policy updates (6401/9100 Ethics and Purchasing; adoption pending January meeting)
- Consent agenda approval includes Participate International Education agreement renewal
- Consent agenda includes adoption of policies: 1310/4002 (Parental Involvement), 3610 (Counseling Program), 4040/7310 (Staff-Student Relations), 4110 (Immunization), 4130 (Discretionary Admission), 4150 (School Assignment)
- Recognition of Ms. Monica Tyson-Crawford (Benhaven Elementary) with Superintendent Shining Star award
- Government Finance Officers Association Award for financial reporting for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022
The Board approved the meeting agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of administrative updates regarding school staffing, facility repairs, and student achievements.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education entered closed session to hear a student appeal under state law protecting confidential records. The board also discussed a proposed policy on fair and consistent discipline (Policy 4303) for potential adoption in December. Consent agenda items including personnel reports, minutes, field trips, and an advisory council replacement were approved.
- Closed session for confidential student appeal hearing
- Discussion of proposed Policy 4303 on fair and consistent discipline
- Approval of personnel report (details not in agenda)
- Approval of field trip requests
- Approval of Coats-Erwin Middle School Local Advisory Council member replacement
The Board approved the meeting agenda, a personnel report, and minutes from four previous sessions. The meeting included administrative updates on school security systems, staffing vacancies, and budget considerations for master's degree salaries.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved motion to enter closed session for confidential student records (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
- Approved September 11, 2023 Open Session minutes (5-0)
- Approved October 2, 2023 Open Session minutes (5-0)
- Approved October 16, 2023 Open Session minutes (5-0)
Board Work Session
The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session on Oct 16, 2023. They approved a revised classified salary scale as presented. They also discussed administration of Narcan (Naloxone) in schools and received a presentation on myFutureNC local attainment goals. The board moved into closed session for personnel matters and later approved personnel items.
- Approved revised classified salary scale (motion carried 4-0)
- Discussion of administration of Narcan (Naloxone) in Harnett County Schools
- Presentation on myFutureNC local attainment goal — 24,501 or 59% for Harnett County
- Moved into closed session for confidential personnel files and attorney consultation
- Approved personnel items discussed in closed session
The Board approved a revised classified salary scale. Additionally, the Board moved school board policy updates to the November 15 consent agenda.
- Approved Revised Classified Salary Scale (4-0)
- Moved School Board Policy Updates/Adoptions to November 15 consent agenda (4-0)
- Approved meeting agenda
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education approved several action items, including new educational software (Achieve3000 for middle schools and FuelEd for K-12), a calendar amendment for high school exams and graduation, and facility maintenance contracts. The board also discussed policy updates on conflict resolution and citizenship education, with action planned for November. Departmental reports were received.
- Approved Achieve3000 learning platform for middle schools
- Approved FuelEd personalized learning platform for K-12
- Approved removal and replacement of chiller at Highland Elementary
- Approved FSI Mechanical for complete filter change service for all schools and buildings
- Approved 2023-2024 school calendar amendment for high school exams and graduation
The Board approved moving the last day of the 2023-2024 school year to May 29 to accommodate graduation ceremonies. Other approved actions included educational software for students and mechanical repairs for school buildings.
- Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar Amendment to move last day of school to May 29 (5-0)
- Approved Achieve3000 for Middle Schools (5-0)
- Approved FuelEd for K-12 grades (5-0)
- Approved removal and replacement of Chiller at Highland Elementary (5-0)
- Approved FSI Mechanical for filter change service for all schools and buildings (5-0)
- Approved Delegation of Authority with Martin Edwards and Associates, Inc. (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report, Field Trip Requests, and School Advisory Council members (5-0)
- Rescheduled November Regular Board meeting to November 15 (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education approved the agenda, entered closed session to consider a complaint against an individual employee, and later heard departmental updates. They discussed 2022-2023 school accountability and performance grades and reviewed multiple policy updates, with action on the policies deferred to October. The consent agenda, including the personnel report and board minutes, was approved.
- Closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) for a complaint, charge, or grievance against an individual employee
- Discussion of 2022-2023 School Accountability and Performance Grades
- Review of 50+ school board policy updates (action to be taken in October), including adoptions of policies on Business Advisory Council, Use of Personal Technology, Discrimination and Harassment, and Nonrenewal of Non-Career Status Teachers, plus rescission of several policies
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel report and minutes from August 7, 21, and 29 board meetings
- STAR Reports (disciplinary and parent request reports) and monthly reassignment report
The Board approved an amended meeting agenda to include a one-time bus driver bonus from the ESSER II Fund. The meeting primarily consisted of administrative updates regarding school staffing, enrollment, and budget status.
- Approved amended meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved motion to enter Closed Session to discuss employee grievance (5-0)
Special Called Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education is holding a special called meeting primarily for a conversation with Congressman Wiley Nickel. The board will also approve the agenda and adjourn.
- Discussion with Congressman Wiley Nickel
The Board held a special called meeting to facilitate a conversation between Congressman Wiley Nickel and the Board regarding the concerns and needs of the school system. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made.
- Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Board Work Session
The Harnett County Board of Education approved $4.6 million in weapon detection systems (Evolv and Open Gate) and awarded a legal services contract to Morris Duke Stewart PA. The board also extended Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming's contract through June 2027 and approved a distribution from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund. Discussions included the 2024-2025 school calendar and bids for legal services.
- Approved $4,027,750 for Evolv weapon detection systems from Alliance Technology Group and $607,608.16 for Open Gate from A3 Communications
- Awarded legal services contract to Morris Duke Stewart PA (Timothy C. Morris, Jason L. Duke, Vernon K. Stewart)
- Extended Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming's contract through June 30, 2027
- Approved EC Related Service Contracts for the 2023-2024 school year
- Discussed 2024-2025 school calendar early start option
The Board approved a contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming and selected Morris Duke Stewart PA for legal services. Several school-related contracts and funding requests were also approved.
- Extended Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming's contract through June 30, 2027 (5-0)
- Approved bid for Board of Education Legal Services from Morris Duke Stewart PA, subject to a retainer agreement (5-0)
- Approved EC Related Service Contracts for 2023-2024 (5-0)
- Approved distribution request from Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (5-0)
- Approved Volunteer Coaches (5-0)
- Approved JFL Enterprises for Failure-Free Reading (5-0)
- Approved Alliance Technology Group and A3 Communications for weapons detection systems (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss procedures for hiring a new board attorney following the death of Charles P. Bullock. Other discussion items include funding for a walk-in freezer for Child Nutrition and the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The board will also vote on a consent agenda covering personnel, surplus property, facility use, and a Frontline Education contract renewal under $90,000.
- Discussion on retaining a local board attorney after the death of Charles P. Bullock
- Options for funding a walk-in freezer for Child Nutrition to eliminate third-party storage
- Presentation and discussion of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for Harnett County Schools
- Consent agenda includes renewal of Frontline Education software contract (under $90,000) for applicant tracking and substitute management
- Facility use requests from Armed Services YMCA, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Sandhills YMCA for before/after school programs
The Board approved the meeting agenda, the personnel report, and several consent items including surplus items and facility use. Members received updates on school openings, construction delays at Johnsonville Phase I, and current staffing vacancies.
- Approved meeting agenda as amended (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
- Approved Open Session Board Minutes (5-0)
- Approved Surplus Item(s) (5-0)
- Approved Facility Use (5-0)
- Approved Frontline Education Contract renewal (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss and potentially take action on standardized school bell schedules. The board also added an action item to review and approve the current salary schedule for the school board as approved by the county commissioners. The meeting includes updates from the superintendent and various departments, as well as approval of prior meeting minutes and a personnel report via consent agenda.
- Discussion and possible action on Standardized School Bell Schedules (Item 9A, with attached ThoughtExchange community feedback)
- Addition and approval of Action Item E: Review and Consider Approval of Current Salary Schedule for School Board as approved by the County Commissioners
- Approval of Personnel Report as part of consent agenda
- Approval of minutes from June 5 (regular), June 8 (special called), and June 21 (work session/principal interviews) meetings
- Public comment session with 3-minute speaker limit and 30-minute total cap
The Board approved the Interim Budget Resolution and budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Members also approved a personnel report, field trip requests, and additions to the THS Barn Project. The Board discussed standardized school bell schedules based on stakeholder surveys.
- Approved Interim Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (5-0)
- Approved Budget Amendments (5-0)
- Approved additions to the THS Barn Project (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
- Approved field trip requests (5-0)
- Approved Local Advisory Council renewal and replacement members (5-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from June 5, June 8, and June 21 (5-0)
Board Work Session- Followed by Principal Interviews
The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session covering the Growing Greatness in Leadership paid internship program, school start times, and year-round elementary school updates. They approved John Bonardi for the Lee County seat on the Central Carolina Community College Board of Trustees and a year-round bell schedule of 7:45 AM to 2:50 PM. After closed session, the board approved Jeffrey Booker as Principal of Overhills High School for a two-year contract starting July 1, 2023.
- Approved Jeffrey Booker as Principal of Overhills High School (two-year contract, effective July 1, 2023)
- Approved John Bonardi for the Lee County seat on the CCCC Board of Trustees (four-year term)
- Approved year-round bell schedule: start 7:45 AM, release 2:50 PM
- Discussed Growing Greatness in Leadership cohort with Campbell University (12 paid MSA interns)
- Discussed school start times and year-round elementary school updates
The Board approved two-year contracts for principals at Angier Elementary, North Harnett Primary, and Overhills High School. Members also approved a specific bell schedule for the year-round school and a trustee appointment for Central Carolina College.
- Approved Daisy McDonald as Principal of Angier Elementary (5-0)
- Approved Amanda Moore as Principal of North Harnett Primary (5-0)
- Approved Jeffrey Booker as Principal of Overhills High School (4-1)
- Approved Year-Round School Bell Schedule: 7:45 A.M. to 2:50 P.M. (5-0)
- Approved John Bonardi for Lee County seat on Central Carolina College Board of Trustees (5-0)
Special Called Meeting (Principal Interview)
The Harnett County Board of Education held a special called meeting for a principal interview. The board voted to enter closed session to discuss confidential personnel files and initial employment of an individual employee. After closed session, the board considered and approved personnel items. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
- Approved agenda as presented before closed session
- Closed session under NC General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1) and (a)(6) for personnel and employment matters
- Considered and approved personnel items discussed in closed session
- Noted upcoming dates: early release/last day of school June 9, graduations June 9-13, board work session and next principal interview June 21
The Board met for a special called meeting to conduct a principal interview in closed session. No personnel items were approved following the session.
- Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
- Entered closed session to discuss personnel files and initial employment (4-0)
- No personnel items approved following closed session
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education meeting on June 5, 2023, is largely procedural, featuring recognitions for 25 and 50 years of service, a presentation on school bus safety from the Adam Kempf Memorial Fund, and updates from the superintendent and assistant superintendents. The board will also vote on the consent agenda, which includes approving previous meeting minutes and a personnel report. No major policy changes or financial contracts are listed.
- Recognition of 25 and 50 years of service for staff
- Adam Kempf Memorial Fund presentation on school bus safety
- Board to approve consent agenda including personnel report and May 1, 2023 minutes
- Monthly financial report for May 2023
- Monthly membership and reassignment reports presented
The Board approved the meeting agenda. The session primarily consisted of staff commendations, student recognition, and administrative updates regarding the upcoming school year and strategic planning.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Special Called Meeting (Principal Interview)
The Harnett County Board of Education held a special called meeting to interview and appoint a principal. The board voted unanimously (with one abstention) to approve Nick Weeks as Principal of Western Harnett Middle School, effective July 1, 2023, with a two-year contract.
- Approved appointment of Nick Weeks as Principal of Western Harnett Middle School effective July 1, 2023
- Closed session held to discuss confidential personnel matters and initial employment
- Meeting livestreamed for public access
The Board approved the appointment of two middle school principals on two-year contracts effective July 1, 2023. These decisions followed a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- Approved appointment of Dr. Benika Thompson as Principal of Overhills Middle School (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Mr. Nick Weeks as Principal of Western Harnett Middle School (4-0, 1 abstain)
Board Work Session
The Harnett County Board of Education approved a pest control contract, a milk bid for the 2023-2024 school year, and K-5 ELA instructional materials (Benchmark Advance). The board also discussed an enrollment forecast, teacher turnover, and board policy updates, and appointed an interim principal for Angier Elementary in closed session.
- Approved Integrated Pest Management contract with Holloman Exterminators, Inc.
- Approved Child Nutrition Milk Bid for 2023-2024 school year
- Approved K-5 ELA instructional materials (Benchmark Advance)
- Discussed OREd Enrollment Forecast and teacher turnover/beginning teacher audit
- Named Daisey McDonald as Interim Principal of Angier Elementary effective May 15 to June 30, 2023
The Board approved contracts for pest control and child nutrition milk, as well as K-5 ELA instructional materials. Following a closed session, the Board approved several teacher and administrative contracts, one employee dismissal, and an interim principal appointment.
- Approved Hollomon as Pest Control Company (5-0)
- Approved Child Nutrition Milk Bid for 2023-2024 school year (5-0)
- Approved K-5 ELA Instructional materials (5-0)
- Approved 1-year Teacher Contract list (5-0)
- Approved 2-year Teacher Contract list (4-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved Administrative Contract list (5-0)
- Approved dismissal of a classified employee (5-0)
- Named Daisey McDonald Interim Principal of Angier Elementary (5-0)
Joint Session with Board Of Commissioners
This is a joint session of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. The main item is a presentation of the FY 2023 Budget Request from Harnett County Schools by Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming. The rest of the agenda consists of procedural items such as call to order, invocation, pledge, approval of agenda, and adjournment.
- Presentation of FY 2023 Budget Request by Harnett County Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming
The meeting was procedural in nature. The Board approved the meeting agenda and subsequently adjourned.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting Followed by Joint Meeting with County Commissioners - 9:00 AM
The Harnett County Board of Education held a regular meeting followed by a joint meeting with county commissioners. The board approved the consent agenda (personnel report, April 3 minutes, field trip requests) and discussed a policy update on Student Promotion and Accountability (3420), which will be acted upon in June. Departmental updates were presented by the superintendent, HR, student services, and financial services.
- Approved consent agenda: personnel report, open session minutes from April 3, 2023, and field trip requests
- Discussed Board Policy 3420 Student Promotion and Accountability (action to be taken in June)
- Received superintendent update and monthly membership report
- Received student services updates including STAR disciplinary and parent request reports, and monthly reassignment report
- Joint meeting with county commissioners scheduled for 11:00 AM
The Board approved several administrative items including budget amendments, child nutrition bid renewals, and the replacement of a chiller at South Harnett Elementary. The Board also appointed a new assistant principal and approved various consent agenda items.
- Approved Budget Amendments (5-0)
- Approved 2023-2024 Bid Renewals for Child Nutrition (5-0)
- Approved removal and replacement of Chiller at South Harnett Elementary (5-0)
- Approved calendar change for Boone Trail Elementary for September 22, 2023 (5-0)
- Appointed Brittany McNamara as Assistant Principal at Harnett Central Middle School (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report, April 3 minutes, and field trip requests (5-0)
- Approved school numbers for Northwest Harnett Elementary and LaFayette Year-Round School (5-0)
- Approved surplus items and 2023 Summer Camp (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss a potential partnership with Fort Bragg during its regular meeting. The board will also receive updates from the superintendent and various departments, and vote on a consent agenda including personnel and meeting minutes.
- Fort Bragg and Harnett County Schools Partnership presentation by School Liaison Officer Gerhard V. Guevarra
- Personnel Report as part of consent agenda
- Monthly Membership Report for 2022-2023 Month 6
- Student Services disciplinary and parent request STAR reports
- Monthly Reassignment Report for March 1-28, 2023
The Board of Education met to receive administrative updates and present awards. The only formal action taken was the approval of the meeting agenda. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Board Work Session
The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session discussing the 2023-2024 local appropriations funding request and school facility needs list. They also viewed demonstrations of two weapon detection systems (OpenGate and Evolv) for potential use in schools. The board approved school calendars for Harnett County Early College and Lafayette Year-Round Elementary, and approved attendance at a school boards conference. The meeting included a closed session for personnel matters and a tour of the new Northwest Harnett Elementary School.
- Discussion of 2023-2024 local appropriations funding request
- Discussion of school facility needs list to be forwarded to county by May 1
- Demonstration of OpenGate weapon detection system
- Demonstration of Evolv weapon detection system
- Approval of 2023-2024 school calendars for Early College and Lafayette Year-Round School, and approval of attendance at COSSBA conference
The Board approved the 2023-2024 school calendars for Harnett County Early College and Lafayette Year-Round Elementary School. Members also approved attendance at the COSSBA Inaugural Conference. The Board requested a funding search for the Opengate Weapons Detection system.
- Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar for Harnett County Early College (5-0)
- Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar for Lafayette Year-Round School (5-0)
- Approved attendance at COSSBA Inaugural Conference for Board members (5-0)
- Approved motion to enter Closed Session (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss the options and cost of a weapon detection system for schools, as well as parent conduct during athletic events. They will also receive a presentation on the 2021-2022 financial audit and review policy updates on contracts and internet safety. The meeting includes a consent agenda with a personnel report and reports from various departments.
- Presentation of the 2021-2022 Financial and Compliance Audit Report by Forvis CPA
- Discussion of weapon detection system options and costs (Informational Packet attached)
- Discussion of parent conduct during athletic events and a sportsmanship pledge
- Review of policy updates: 6420 Contracts with the Board (state procurement thresholds) and 3226/4205 Internet Safety (E-rate compliance)
- Review of the previous fiscal year's local appropriation funding request
The board approved the meeting agenda. The remainder of the session consisted of administrative reports regarding school construction budgets, staffing vacancies, and student achievements.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education recognized teachers with National Board Certification and approved providing insurance for Campbell MSA cohort interns. The board discussed a policy update on gifts and bequests, which will be voted on in March, and also discussed year-round school enrollment options. The meeting included procedural items like approval of the consent agenda and minutes.
- Recognized 11 teachers for National Board Certification (initial or renewal)
- Approved insurance coverage for Campbell MSA cohort interns
- Discussed Board Policy 8220 Gifts and Bequests; action deferred to March meeting
- Discussed year-round school enrollment options
- Approved consent agenda including personnel report and meeting minutes
The Board approved the MSA Program Benefit for Campbell cohort interns and passed the personnel report and previous meeting minutes. Other business included updates on school construction, teacher recruitment, and year-round school enrollment applications.
- Approved MSA Program Benefit for Campbell cohort interns (5-0)
- Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
- Approved Open Session Board Minutes (5-0)
- Approved amended meeting agenda (5-0)
Board Work Session
The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session on January 23, 2023. They discussed a high school instructional update and heard a presentation on press box projects for Harnett Central and Western Harnett High Schools. The board approved an amendment to the contract to audit accounts. After a closed session, they approved the appointment of Kayla Byrd as assistant principal at Harnett County Early College.
- Discussion of press box projects for Harnett Central and Western Harnett High Schools; motion to proceed once funding approved
- Approved amendment to contract to audit accounts
- Closed session for personnel and legal consultation
- Approved appointment of Kayla Byrd as assistant principal at Harnett County Early College (two-year contract effective Feb 1, 2023)
The Board approved proceeding with press box projects for Harnett Central and Western Harnett High Schools and appointed a new Assistant Principal for Harnett County Early College. They also approved an amendment to a contract for auditing accounts.
- Approved proceeding with Harnett Central and Western Harnett High School press box projects (5-0)
- Approved Amendment to Contract to Audit Accounts (5-0)
- Appointed Kayla Byrd as AP for Harnett County Early College on a two-year contract effective February 1, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Regular Board Meeting
The Harnett County Board of Education will hear departmental updates, discuss pressing issues including bus driver shortages, and consider bids for press boxes at Harnett Central and Western Harnett High Schools. The board will also vote on a consent agenda covering personnel, field trips, and charter transportation carriers.
- Discussion of press box bids for Harnett Central and Western Harnett High Schools
- Discussion of bus driver shortages with Director of Transportation
- Policy update on Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators (Board Policy 7241)
- Consent agenda includes personnel report, field trip requests, additional charter transportation carriers, and surplus items
The Board approved the meeting agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of administrative updates regarding school construction, staffing vacancies, and student services.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Special Called Meeting (Principal Interview)
The Harnett County Board of Education held a special called meeting to interview and discuss a principal candidate. After a closed session, the board approved the appointment of Tiffany Artis as Principal of Lillington-Shawtown Elementary School with a two-year contract effective February 1, 2023.
- Approved appointment of Tiffany Artis as Principal of Lillington-Shawtown Elementary with a two-year contract effective Feb 1, 2023
- Entered closed session under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1), (a)(3), and (a)(6) for confidential personnel and legal matters
- Motion to approve the personnel recommendation passed unanimously (5-0)
The Board approved the appointment of Tiffany Artis as the Principal of Lillington-Shawtown Elementary. The appointment includes a two-year contract effective February 1, 2023.
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Entered closed session to discuss personnel matters (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Tiffany Artis as Principal of Lillington-Shawtown Elementary with a two-year contract effective February 1, 2023 (5-0)