Summary of Harnett County Board of Education

The Harnett County Board of Education meeting covered a wide range of updates, presentations, and action items focused on advancing the school district’s programs, staffing, budgeting, and community engagement.

Key Highlights:

1. Teaching Fellows Grant & Growing Greatness program:
   Michelle Vancan presented an update on the district’s recruitment pilot through the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. Harnett County was selected as a pilot district due to high teacher attrition and recruitment challenges. With a $55,000 grant, the district enhanced its existing Growing Greatness program, which builds a local teacher pipeline by engaging high school and college students interested in education careers. Participants receive professional development, summer stipends ($150/day), and opportunities to observe and work alongside master teachers. The program has successfully increased Teaching Fellows applicants (10 applicants with 8 recipients this year) and hired 13 alumni since 2021. A binding agreement was introduced this year to improve retention, requiring participants to commit to returning to the district for a year per year of participation. Participant Kaylee Stewart, a current Growing Greatness member and NC State education student, shared how the program has positively impacted her preparation and commitment to returning as a teacher.
2. Superintendent’s Update:
   Superintendent Matthews reported that the county commissioners fully funded the Board of Education’s budget request for the 2025-26 school year, a historic achievement allowing for a targeted 12% teacher supplement increase. Leadership toured new high school construction sites in neighboring counties to inform plans for Harnett’s Highland High School and a potential Career and Technical (CT) high school in partnership with Central Carolina Community College. The groundbreaking for Flatwoods Middle School was celebrated, with appreciation expressed for county leadership support. State Superintendent Mo Green’s strategic plan and policy changes, including allowing growth scores from retests to count this year, were discussed.
3. Auxiliary Services Update:
   Mr. Pearson highlighted ongoing summer feeding programs, the use of the anonymous “Say Something” reporting system (181 tips received this year), and completion of a school safety grant project that installed vape detectors in middle and high schools and secured elementary school offices with buzz-out systems. Summer bus maintenance and new camera system installations are underway. Athletic programs are in the offseason with preparations for fall sports starting July 30. Conference realignments were also reviewed.
4. Curriculum and Instruction:
   Miss Ferguson reported on summer professional development, planning for the upcoming school year, and the success of summer school in increasing proficiency scores. Reading camp for grades 1-3 and transitional kindergarten camps are scheduled for July. The district continues to support dual language programs and AIG (Academically or Intellectually Gifted) summer events. Work continues on customized walkthrough platforms for principals and updating the parent guide to student achievement.
5. Human Resources:
   Miss Thompson shared encouraging hiring updates: classroom vacancies reduced from 42 last year to 12 this year, and other vacancies similarly decreased. Efforts include recruiting international teachers (53 arriving in July) and improving bus driver training. A new classified staff evaluation tool aligned with teacher/principal evaluations is being implemented, and the employee handbook and compliance training are being updated for the new school year.
6. Student Services:
   Mr. White discussed reassignment periods, virtual academy enrollment (closing July 16), and the integration of Hornett County teachers into virtual programs for K-12. Enrollment efforts for the Early College program were reopened. The district is moving toward a comprehensive school counseling program, removing counselors from classroom teaching rotations at elementary schools and conducting a district-wide review to align with national standards. New initiatives include hosting a district-wide college fair and the first AVID conference for students. The Hazel Health telehealth partnership has seen over 60 referrals in two months, providing mental health services remotely. Yonder, a student engagement platform, will be implemented in middle and high schools for 2025-26.
7. Financial Services:
   Mr. Cox expressed gratitude to county commissioners for fully funding the budget request and filling recent shortfalls. The district is closing out the 2024-25 fiscal year amid challenges with state reporting systems but looks forward to smoother processes next year.
8. Public Information Office:
   Miss Frell highlighted recent leadership events, including Summer Leadership 2025 and the Flatwood Middle School groundbreaking. The 8th annual “Pack the Bus” school supply drive is underway in partnership with First Bank and Trust Company of Virginia, collecting supplies and non-perishable food items for community distribution. The district continues to hire for various positions and announced that all schools will offer free breakfast and lunch for the 2025-26 school year under the Community Eligibility Provision.
9. Pack the Bus Initiative:
   Representatives from First Bank and Trust discussed their community partnership in the Pack the Bus campaign, emphasizing community involvement to support students with school supplies and food security.
10. Service Learning Diploma Proposal:
    Mr. White presented a proposal to formally adopt a service

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