Summary of "Harnett County Board of Education Meeting October 6, 2025"

The Harnett County Board of Education held its regular meeting on October 6, 2025, with a full attendance of board members, staff, and community members. The meeting included invocation and pledge, approval of the agenda, special recognitions, public comments, superintendent and department updates, consent agenda approval, action items, and closed session.

Key Highlights and Reports:

Special Recognitions:

Several administrators and leaders were honored for completing professional development programs at regional and state levels, including the North Carolina Principal and Assistant Principals Association academies and Sand Hills Regional leadership programs. The board expressed appreciation for their commitment to leadership growth benefiting students.

Public Comments:

Larry Mitchell, a community volunteer and veteran, praised school bus safety and encouraged greater citizen involvement in school board meetings.
Alan Longman emphasized the need for education to shift from memorization to critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills to prepare students for a rapidly changing future dominated by technology and AI.
Mr. Spears discussed concerns about student support, school policies (such as smoking areas), and community divisions, urging unity and reflection on how to better serve students.

Superintendent’s Update (Mr. Matthews):

Principal interviews are underway for Anderson Creek Primary and Highland Middle schools, with finalists to be presented in the October 20 work session.
Leadership conferences with principals are ongoing to review student achievement and set goals.
Collaboration with Central Carolina Community College and Lee County Schools continues to support student transitions to higher education and workforce readiness.
Attended a groundbreaking ceremony honoring the late Deputy Chris Johnson, a former school resource officer, with a home being built for his family through a charitable program.
Celebrated board member Hair’s birthday.

Auxiliary Services (Mr. Pearson):

Installation of GPS systems on school buses is nearly complete; parent app expected to launch by October 20.
Additional mini buses have arrived to support high schools for athletics and CTE activities.
Free and reduced lunch participation continues to rise positively.
Fall safety updates and lockdown drills are underway in coordination with law enforcement.
The Rave mobile panic button app has been successfully used for emergency response.
Calendar committee for the 2026-27 school year will meet on October 21.

Curriculum and Instruction (Miss Ferguson):

Presented the 2024-25 academic accountability update showing overall positive trends:
- Hornet County Schools improved proficiency from 42.6% to 44.2%, outpacing the state’s increase.
- Graduation rate is 89.4%, higher than the state average.
- Six schools exceeded growth; fewer schools designated as low performing.
- Gains noted in reading and math proficiency, especially in grades 4-7.
- Subgroup improvements among economically disadvantaged, Hispanic, Black, students with disabilities, and English language learners.
- Science scores reflected new standards and tests; some declines consistent with statewide trends.
- ACT composite scores rebounded slightly but remain below the state average.
- Detailed school-by-school performance data showed many schools trending positively, with plans for targeted support in lower-performing schools.
- Virtual Academy enrollment is over 115 students; efforts underway to improve virtual instruction quality and student engagement.
- Emphasis on retaining teachers and deploying additional math coaches at elementary and middle schools to sustain growth.

Human Resources (Ms. Thompson):

Classroom vacancies remain low at six; classified vacancies decreased from previous years.
Flex drivers program expanded with 27 drivers to address transportation needs.
New bus driver training ongoing with 40 participants.
teacher evaluations nearly complete with 590 observations done and only 20 outstanding, reflecting strong leadership engagement.
Growing Greatness program continues to support teacher recruitment and retention, including outreach to college students and tutoring initiatives.
Advertising efforts on Indeed successful; ongoing efforts include substitute recruitment and targeted outreach.
International teacher hiring remains active, though some visa delays persist.

Student Services (Mr. White):

Winter graduation may require relocation due to high participation (~300 graduates).
New district military liaison hired, Mr. Khalil Shaquille, a veteran and experienced social worker.
Ongoing school counseling audits to ensure consistent support for all students.
Successful hosting of the annual college fair for juniors and seniors, providing valuable post-secondary information.

Financial Services (Mr. Cox):

Federal government shutdown ongoing but no immediate impact on funding access for key programs like Title I.
Impact Aid survey scheduled for October 17, led by new military liaison.
Open enrollment for state health plan coverage runs October 13-31.
Working on FY 26 budget and salary scales, with possible presentation at October or November board meetings.