Harnett County public meetings in 2024

Board Work Session

The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session where they discussed a presentation on YONDER cell phone pouches and a potential cell tower. The board approved several action items including the purchase of a box truck and two Class A activity buses, a new district credit card services agreement, a memorandum of understanding with Harnett County EMS for EMT courses at Western Harnett High, and a memorandum of agreement with the UNC System for the Teaching Fellows District Pilot Initiative. The board also approved surplus equipment and a personnel report via consent agenda, and went into closed session to discuss personnel and litigation.

• Discussion of YONDER cell phone pouch presentation
• Discussion of cell tower
• Approval of purchase of box truck and 2 Class A activity buses
• Approval of MOA with UNC for Teaching Fellows pilot program
• Approval of MOU with Harnett County EMS for EMT courses at Western Harnett High

The Board approved several equipment purchases and administrative agreements. Members discussed a pilot program for phone-locking pouches in three schools and a potential cell tower lease. Policy updates were reviewed for action at the January meeting.

• Approved purchase of Box Truck (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 2 Class A Activity Busses (5-0)
• Approved District Credit Card Services (5-0)
• Approved MOU between Harnett County Schools and Harnett County EMS (5-0)
• Approved MOA between Harnett County Schools and The University of North Carolina System (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
• Approved Surplus Items (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education conducts a closed session to interview principal candidates for Coats Elementary. The board then seats new members, elects Joseph W. Powell as chairman and Bradley J. Abate as vice-chairman (with a split vote for vice-chairman), and recognizes a cross-country state champion and Bright Ideas grant winners. The board also receives reports on student performance, membership, and other updates, and approves a consent agenda including a personnel report.

• Closed session to interview principal candidates for Coats Elementary
• Election of Joseph W. Powell as chairman (unanimous)
• Election of Bradley J. Abate as vice-chairman (2–2 split vote)
• Seating of new board members Joseph W. Powell Jr. and John E. Hairr
• Recognition of Bright Ideas grant winners at multiple schools

The Board of Education conducted its reorganization of officers, electing a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. The board also held a closed session regarding principal interviews for Coats Elementary and recognized several student and staff achievements.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for Coats Elementary principal interviews (4-0)
• Elected Joseph W. Powell as Chairman of the Board of Education (5-0)
• Elected Bradley J. Abate as Vice Chairman of the Board of Education (3-2)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education holds its regular meeting, including recognition of staff who assisted Buncombe County after Hurricane Helene and a teacher award. The board discusses a proposed year-round middle school for the 2025-2026 school year and approves a consent agenda containing personnel reports and prior meeting minutes.

• Recognition of 13 Harnett County Schools social workers and counselors who traveled to Buncombe County to help reopen schools after Hurricane Helene
• Recognition of Lori Perry, a Harnett Central High School exceptional children's teacher, as a First Bank Out of This World Educator award recipient
• Discussion of a Year-Round Middle School proposal for the 2025-2026 school year
• Approval of consent agenda including Personnel Report and minutes from four prior meetings

Special Called Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting on October 24, 2024. The sole agenda item is a closed session under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss confidential personnel matters. The meeting includes procedural steps such as opening, invocation, pledge, and approval of the agenda before entering closed session.

• Closed session for confidential personnel matters pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6)

The Board approved the meeting agenda and entered a closed session to consider the initial employment of an individual employee. No further substantive actions were recorded in open session.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session to consider initial employment of an individual employee (5-0)

Board Work Session

The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session on October 21, 2024, discussing the preliminary District Improvement Plan, personal care assistant information, and school board policy updates. They approved a consent agenda including a personnel report, an SRO reimbursement agreement with the Town of Lillington, a telework day for staff, and a renewal of the Brady Trane annual service agreement. The board also approved a bid award and contract to O'Connor and Company NC Inc. for the Lillington-Shawtown Gymnasium Addition and appointed Ms. Dawn Young as Principal of Star Academy following a closed session.

• Approved bid award and contract for O'Connor and Company NC Inc. for Lillington-Shawtown Gymnasium Addition
• Approved SRO Reimbursement Agreement for the Town of Lillington
• Approved renewal of Brady Trane Annual Service Agreement for chillers and boilers
• Discussed preliminary District Improvement Plan for 2024-2025
• Appointed Ms. Dawn Young as Principal of Star Academy

The Board approved a contract with O'Connor and Company NC Inc. for the Lillington-Shawtown Gymnasium addition. It also approved personnel actions, including the appointment of Dawn Young as Principal of Star Academy and principal assignments for low-performing schools. Additionally, the board coordinated the deployment of counselors and social workers to assist Buncombe County Schools following flooding.

• Approved bid award and contract for O'Connor and Company NC Inc. for Lillington-Shawtown Gymnasium Addition (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Ms. Dawn Young as Principal of Star Academy (5-0)
• Approved Principal assignments for designated low-performing schools (5-0)
• Approved dismissal of a classified employee due to job abandonment (5-0)
• Approved November 27 optional teacher workday as a telework day for staff (5-0)
• Approved Brady Trane Annual Service Agreement renewal (5-0)
• Approved SRO Reimbursement Agreement for the Town of Lillington (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (5-0)

Special Called Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education is meeting in a special called session on October 14, 2024. The only agenda item is a closed session for confidential personnel matters as permitted by state law. No public decisions or discussions are planned.

• Closed session for confidential personnel matters (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6))

The Board approved the meeting agenda and entered a closed session to discuss the initial employment of an individual employee. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session to consider initial employment of an individual employee (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss a proposed calendar change for November 27, 2024, and consider attendance at the NCSBA Annual Conference in Greensboro. The board will also hear updates from interim superintendent and department heads, and receive presentations on international educators and student organizations. A consent agenda including the personnel report and open session minutes is scheduled for approval.

• Discussion of proposed calendar change for November 27, 2024
• Consideration for attendance at NCSBA Annual Conference in Greensboro (Nov 18-20)
• Cancellation of NCSBA Fall Law Conference in Asheville due to Western NC devastation
• Presentation of Participate Learning Local Ambassadors (international educators) and recognition of Career & Technical Student Organizations (FFA, DECA, FBLA)
• Consent agenda includes personnel report and approval of Sept 16, 2024 meeting minutes

The Board approved the meeting agenda. No other substantive decisions were made during the session, which consisted primarily of administrative updates and student recognitions.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education will discuss adjusting attendance boundaries for the Benhaven and Boone Trail area, without affecting currently enrolled students. The board will also consider a consent agenda that includes a special warranty deed to convey athletic fields to the Town of Lillington, a utility easement expansion, and approval of personnel reports and field trip requests. Various administrative updates and a 2023-2024 school performance grade report are also on the agenda.

• Discussion of adjusting boundaries to Benhaven and Boone Trail area
• Special warranty deed to convey athletic fields to the Town of Lillington
• Town of Lillington 150 sqft utility easement expansion
• 2023-2024 School Performance Grade Report discussion
• Consent agenda including personnel report and field trip requests

The Board approved the meeting agenda and voted to add an action item regarding boundary adjustments for the Benhaven and Boone Trail areas. The remainder of the meeting consisted of administrative updates from district superintendents and a proclamation for Dr. Aaron Fleming.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved motion to amend agenda to add action item for Benhaven and Boone Trail area boundary adjustments (5-0)

Board Work Session

The Harnett County Board of Education held a work session where they heard presentations from three superintendent search firms (McPherson and Jacobson, NCSBA, and Hazard Young and Attea). The board also approved several action items including an amended budget resolution for the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2024, a policy update on workday and overtime, contracts for EC related services, a renewal agreement with Educational Partners International, and memoranda of understanding for School Resource Officers with the Sheriff's Department and municipalities. Additionally, the board approved Performance Services as the design-build firm for a school nutrition freezer/cooler project.

• Presentations from three superintendent search firms (McPherson and Jacobson, NCSBA, Hazard Young and Attea)
• Approval of amended budget resolution for 4th quarter fiscal year 2024
• Approval of SRO MOUs for 2024–2025 with Harnett County Sheriff, City of Dunn, Towns of Angier, Coats, Erwin, Lillington
• Approval of Performance Services as design-build firm for school nutrition freezer/cooler
• Approval of Educational Partners International renewal agreement for international staff

The Board approved the amended budget resolution for the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2024 and updated policy regarding workdays and overtime. Several service contracts and memorandums of understanding for the 2024-2025 school year were also approved. The Board heard presentations from three superintendent search firms.

• Approved Amended Budget Resolution for 4th Qtr. Fiscal Year 2024 (5-0)
• Approved Board Policy 7500 - Workday and Overtime (5-0)
• Approved EC Related Services Contracts for 2024-2025 (5-0)
• Approved Educational Partners International Renewal Agreement (5-0)
• Approved County and Municipality SRO 2024-2025 MOUs (5-0)
• Approved Performance Services as Design-Build Services Firm for School Nutrition Freezer/Cooler (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions, charter transportation carriers, facility use requests, and teacher service renewals. Members also reviewed informational updates on workday overtime policies and received interim guidance on Title IX compliance pending federal rule changes. Routine administrative reports from district leadership were presented for record.

• Approved consent agenda items including personnel reports, field trip requests, charter transportation carriers, and facility use requests
• Reviewed interim Title IX policy guidance pending federal regulatory clarity
• Received informational updates on workday and overtime policies for action at a future work session
• Presented STAR Reports and July monthly student reassignment data

Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming submitted his resignation effective September 17, 2024. The Board approved amendments to the meeting agenda, including adding an item regarding Board of Education attendance at the COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference.

• Approved amended meeting agenda (5-0)
• Removed Character Strong (Renewal) from Consent Agenda to August 19 Work Session (5-0)
• Added Board of Education attendance at COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference to agenda (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with department updates and a consent agenda. Discussion items include teacher working conditions survey results and a state budget update. The consent agenda includes personnel reports, field trips, facility use, surplus items, and two contract renewals: Bullseye District Walkthrough/Teacher Coaching Package and Achieve with McGraw-Hill. Public comments are also scheduled.

• Consent agenda includes 2024-2026 Bullseye District Walkthrough, District Peer Package and Teacher Coaching Package Contract (Renewal)
• Consent agenda includes Achieve with McGraw-Hill two-year Contract (Renewal)
• Discussion on Teacher Working Conditions Survey Results
• Discussion on State Budget Update
• Personnel report and other consent items approved by single motion

The Board approved the Interim Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and the Amended Budget Resolution for the 4th Quarter. Other approved items included the District Local Wellness Triennial Assessment and several contract renewals. The meeting also included updates on staff vacancies and bus driver shortages.

• Approved Interim Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (5-0)
• Approved Amended Budget Resolution for 4th Quarter (5-0)
• Approved District Local Wellness Triennial Assessment (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
• Approved Open and Closed Session Board Minutes (5-0)
• Approved Field Trip and Facility Use Requests (5-0)
• Approved Surplus Items (5-0)
• Approved contract renewals for Bullseye District Walkthrough and Achieve with McGraw-Hill (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education met to discuss an enrollment forecast, an opioid task force update, and to approve a consent agenda. The consent agenda included personnel reports, field trips, summer camp requests, insurance policy renewals, and policy updates on foreign exchange students and emergency administration of Naloxone. The board also approved an added item adjusting the year-round calendar at LaFayette Elementary.

• Presentation on OREd enrollment forecast for Harnett County schools
• Presentation on Harnett County Opioid Task Force
• Renewal of district insurance policies
• Adoption of policy updates for foreign exchange students and emergency Naloxone administration
• Approval of LaFayette Elementary Year-Round School calendar adjustment

The Board approved a series of consent agenda items including the personnel report, field trip requests, and summer camp requests. Members also approved the renewal of district insurance policies and previous meeting minutes. No substantive discussion items were recorded.

• Approved addition of LaFayette Elementary Year-Round School Calendar Adjustment to agenda (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (5-0)
• Approved May 6, 2024 Regular Board Meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved May 14, 2024 Joint Meeting with County Commissioners minutes (5-0)
• Approved Field Trip Requests (5-0)
• Approved 2024 Summer Camp Requests (5-0)
• Approved renewal of District Insurance Policies (5-0)
• Approved School Board Policy Updates (5-0)

Joint Meeting with County Commissioners

This joint meeting with county commissioners includes discussions on the 2024-2025 local funding request for Harnett County Schools, along with updates on recruitment and retention, low wealth allotment, the BusPatrol program, and a calendar clarification for the last day of school.

• Recruitment and Retention Overview presented by Assistant Superintendent Monica Thompson
• Low Wealth Allotment and Supplement Updates presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrew Cox
• 2024-2025 Harnett County Board of Education Local Funding Request presented by Superintendent Aaron Fleming
• BusPatrol Updates presented by Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Transportation Director
• Clarification that the last student day (May 29) is a half-day

The Harnett County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting to review school district data and funding. Discussions focused on a potential $5.7 million loss in state low-wealth funding and a local appropriation request for the 2024-2025 year. No substantive policy or budget votes were taken other than the approval of the agenda.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education held a regular meeting that included a closed session for a personnel appeal, recognition of staff with 25 years of service, and reports from multiple departments. A discussion was held on the Low Wealth Allotment and Supplement, and proposed policy updates on foreign exchange students (4140) and emergency administration of naloxone (5023/6128/7268) were presented for action at the June meeting. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included the personnel report and minutes from the April 15 meeting.

• Closed session for a personnel appeal under General Statute 143-318.11 (a)(1) and (a)(6).
• Recognition of 41 staff members for 25 years of service, including Deana Bentley, Linda Brown, Crystal Brown, and others.
• Discussion of the Low Wealth Allotment and Supplement, presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrew Cox.
• Proposed policy updates: Policy 4140 on Foreign Exchange Students and Policy 5023/6128/7268 on Emergency Administration of Naloxone (action scheduled for June).
• Approval of consent agenda including personnel report and open session board minutes from April 15, 2024.

The Board approved a series of consent items including the personnel report, field trip requests, and summer camp requests. Members also discussed a projected $5.7 million loss in state low-wealth funding due to property value re-evaluations.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved move into closed session for personnel appeal (4-0)
• Approved personnel report (5-0)
• Approved April 15, 2024 open session minutes (5-0)
• Approved closed session board minutes (5-0)
• Approved field trip requests (5-0)
• Approved 2024 summer camp requests (5-0)
• Approved Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant Final Report (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education discussed a request from the Board of Elections to consider a no-in-person student day for the May 14 primary runoff election; no decision was made. The board also discussed nominating a new trustee to the Central Carolina Community College Board, with a vote scheduled for May 6. The board approved a consent agenda that included a personnel report, minutes, field trip requests, a list of surplus huts, and a Frontline Education renewal.

• Discussion of a no-school day for the May 14 primary runoff election
• Discussion of nominating a new CCCC trustee representative; vote set for May 6
• Approval of surplus 15 huts (ages 24–58 years) for disposal
• Approval of Frontline Education renewal (no dollar amount listed)
• Approval of field trip requests and personnel report

The Board approved the Superintendent's local budget request for the 2024-2025 school year. Several service contracts for cabling, connectivity, and exceptional children's services were also approved. The Board decided to maintain the current school calendar for the May 14 runoff election.

• Approved Superintendent's 2024-2025 Local Budget Request (5-0)
• Approved WAN Service Contract (5-0)
• Approved structured cabling contract (5-0)
• Approved School Bus Connectivity (5-0)
• Approved EC Related Service Contracts for 2024-2025 (5-0)
• Approved Harnett County Schools Teacher Scholarship Plan (5-0)
• Approved updated SRO Reimbursement Agreements for Angier, Dunn, and Erwin (5-0)
• Decided not to change the school calendar for the May 14 primary runoff

Board Work Session

The Harnett County Board of Education will hold a work session discussing classified staff, a classified salary study presentation by Pontiflex Consulting, and the 2024-2025 capital outlay budget. The board also entered closed session for personnel, student records, and attorney consultation. The meeting is largely procedural and discussion-based, with no final votes scheduled on substantive items.

• Closed session under GS 143-318.11(a)(1),(3),(6) for confidential personnel files, student records, and attorney consultation
• Discussion of classified staff with Assistant Superintendent Monica Thompson
• Classified Salary Study presentation by Pontiflex Consulting Group
• Review of 2024-2025 Capital Outlay Budget by Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming
• Approval of personnel items from closed session

The Board held a work session featuring presentations on classified staff turnover and a salary study. The Superintendent discussed the 2024-2025 capital outlay budget, noting a draft will be presented for a vote in April. No substantive personnel actions were taken following the closed session.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education will hold a closed session for student appeal hearings and then reconvene in open session. The agenda includes public comments, updates from the superintendent and assistant superintendents, and a consent agenda with personnel reports, minutes, field trip and facility use requests, and a technical policy update on duties of officers. No significant financial decisions or new proposals are listed.

• Closed session for student appeal hearings under N.C. General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1), (a)(3), and (a)(6)
• Technical correction to Board Policy 2210 Duties of the Officers recommended by Board Attorney Jason Duke
• Monthly membership report for 2023-2024 (month 5) and STAR reports presented
• Personnel report and field trip / facility use requests approved via consent agenda
• Open session minutes from February 5 and February 19, 2024 meetings approved

The Board approved moving district banking to Local First Bank effective July 1. Other actions included approving a roof replacement for Lafayette School and several construction-related resolutions. The board also approved the 2024-2025 meeting schedule.

• Approved moving banking to Local First Bank beginning July 1 (5-0)
• Approved roof replacement contract for Lafayette School (5-0)
• Approved purchase of roof supplies and materials for Lafayette School (5-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 Board of Education Meeting Schedule (5-0)
• Approved Design-Build Construction Delivery Method for Child Nutrition Freezer Project (5-0)
• Approved Construction Management At Risk Resolution (5-0)
• Approved 179D Tax Credits (5-0)
• Approved Central Office Change Order 001 (5-0)

Board Work Session

The Harnett County Board of Education discussed the 2024-2025 budget, including proposed new certified positions, local supplement increases, and classified staff salary increases. They also discussed recruitment and retention trends for certified staff and a comparison of local supplements. The board approved a distribution request from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund and lease agreements with the Town of Lillington for a PD Hut and STAR Academy. The meeting included closed sessions for a student appeal and personnel matters.

• Discussed 2024-2025 budget development including proposed new certified positions, local supplement increases, and classified staff salary increases
• Approved distribution request from Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund
• Approved PD Hut Lease Agreement with the Town of Lillington
• Approved STAR Academy Lease Agreement with the Town of Lillington
• Discussed recruitment and retention trends for certified staff

The Board approved lease agreements for the PD Hut and STAR Academy with the Town of Lillington. It also approved a distribution request from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund and various consent items. Staff presented discussions on recruitment, local supplements, and the proposed 2024–2025 budget.

• Approved PD Hut Lease Agreement with the Town Of Lillington (5-0)
• Approved STAR Academy Lease Agreement with the Town of Lillington (5-0)
• Approved distribution request from Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (5-0)
• Approved volunteer coach for Coats-Erwin Middle Softball (5-0)
• Approved field trip requests (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education meets to recognize National Board Certified teachers and schools receiving academic growth awards, receive the 2022-2023 financial and compliance audit report, and discuss allowing classified employees to drive buses. Consent agenda items include personnel reports, meeting minutes, and field trip requests.

• 2022-2023 financial and compliance audit presented by Forvis CPA Josh Puryear
• Discussion item: Classified Employees Driving Buses
• Recognition of eight teachers for National Board Certification
• Academic growth awards presented to multiple schools including Harnett County Early College for 100% graduation rate
• Consent agenda includes personnel report, board minutes, and field trip requests

The Board met for a regular session primarily consisting of administrative reports and staff recognitions. The only formal action taken was the approval of an amended agenda to include a discussion on classified employees driving buses.

• Approved amended agenda to add Discussion Item A: Classified Employees Driving Buses (5-0)

Joint Meeting with the Board of Commissioners

The Harnett County Board of Education held a joint meeting with the Board of Commissioners to discuss the New Flatwoods Middle School and the Draft 2024-2025 School Facilities Needs List. The meeting concluded with the approval of the agenda and a motion to adjourn.

• Approval of meeting agenda
• Discussion of New Flatwoods Middle School
• Review of Draft 2024-2025 School Facilities Needs List
• Joint meeting with Board of Commissioners
• Adjournment of the meeting

Regular Board Meeting

The Harnett County Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 Budget Calendar and a consent agenda including personnel reports, field trip requests, surplus property declarations, and updates to multiple school board policies. The board also recognized student artwork and received updates from various district departments. Public comment guidelines were reviewed.

• Approval of 2024-2025 Budget Calendar for school district planning
• Surplus declaration of eight classroom huts (ages 25–57 years)
• Policy updates: 13 policies adopted, rescinded 3 (e.g., Beverage Vending Sales, Use of Computers)
• Consent agenda included personnel report, field trip requests, and board minutes
• Students awarded certificates for artwork displayed in Board of Education foyer

The Board of Education met for a regular session where the only formal action taken was the approval of the meeting agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of administrative updates regarding school construction, staffing vacancies, and student achievements.

• Approved meeting agenda as presented (4-0)