October 5, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Meeting Summary

Recognitions and School Presentations

The board recognized First Bank of Virginia for its partnership with the district’s Pack the Bus campaign. The bank donated $2,500 toward school supplies.

Kimberly Hackett, a business and marketing teacher at Triton High School, was named a finalist for the 2027 North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year award.

Students who completed Sanford Contractors’ summer Construction Academy were recognized. Since the program launched in 2023, 34 students have completed it. This year’s class included 14 students selected from more than 90 applicants. Students received paid, hands-on experience and college-credit opportunities. Three Western Harnett students were highlighted, with two present.

School leaders reported academic results and goals for the year:

• Anderson Creek Primary reported stronger math growth in kindergarten and first grade, along with a 7% decrease in chronic absenteeism. This year’s focus includes stronger data use, student ownership of goals, and school culture.
• Ben Haven Elementary reported that 75% of K–2 students were at or above grade level and that 72% were proficient in math and met growth. Chronic absenteeism fell 12%. The school aims to raise reading proficiency and improve outcomes for higher-performing students.
• Boone Trail Elementary increased proficiency across subjects by 5.2 points, with notable gains among Black and Hispanic students. Its priorities are consistent, high-quality core instruction and improved outcomes for student subgroups.
• Highland Elementary reported a C performance grade, 61% overall proficiency, and 82% growth in reading. It plans to raise proficiency in English, math, and science while continuing to support a diverse, global student community.
• Highland Middle moved from a D to a C. Seventh-grade ELA growth increased by 7.8 points, and science proficiency was 69.6%. The school will emphasize literacy across subjects, co-teaching, and staff collaboration.
• Johnsonville Elementary earned a B performance grade after a 15-point increase and exceeded overall growth. It aims to improve reading and raise its performance and growth measures further.
• Over Hills Elementary increased its achievement score by nine points to 62.2 and met growth across all subgroups, exceeding growth for students with disabilities. The school is targeting a B and stronger growth through consistent instruction and data-based small groups.
• Over Hills High reported that proficiency rose from 58% to 63%, the highest achievement score among county high schools, along with strong CTE credential results. Its priority is improving growth through more effective PLCs and intervention.
• Over Hills Middle described a difficult year and a decline in growth compared with the previous year, while noting gains in proficiency, seventh-grade performance, and English-learner achievement. Its plans include stronger curriculum access, student progress monitoring, and collaboration.
• South Harnett Elementary moved from a D to a C, exceeded growth for a second consecutive year, and increased proficiency from 43% to 52%. Goals include reaching 60% proficiency, improving attendance, and pursuing Lighthouse School status.
• Western Harnett High reported increased proficiency across its end-of-course assessments, strong math and CTE results, and the highest attendance among traditional county high schools. Its focus is on small-group instruction, rigor, and improving growth.
• Western Harnett Middle moved from a D to a C, raised its composite score from 52 to 67, met its reading, math, and science goals, and exceeded expected growth across subgroups, grades, and subjects. It aims to reach a B.

Public Comment

• Jerry Hardaway proposed “Project Sweet Potato,” a farm-to-school initiative to buy locally grown sweet potatoes for school cafeterias. She said it could support local farmers, student nutrition, food-insecure families, and agricultural learning.
• John Long urged the district to scrutinize books he considers obscene, proposed additional screening of certain authors, criticized reliance on the American Library Association, and encouraged greater use of classic books.

District Updates

• The superintendent reported that Over Hills Elementary was named among the state’s top 10 elementary schools for serving students with disabilities and other special populations.
• Facilities work at Flatwoods was back on schedule, with interior painting underway. The district was finalizing plans for Harnett High School’s freezer/cooler project and assessing land for a new Bush Creek Elementary School. Nutrition and custodial departments still had vacancies.
• District professional development brought teachers together by subject area. New state ELA standards are expected next school year, while revised math standards will eventually give high-school students more choice in later math courses. Computer science is now a graduation requirement for incoming freshmen.
• The district plans to open several 2027–28 enrollment and school-choice processes earlier than usual, beginning in November. It also highlighted October bullying-prevention activities and plans to expand targeted counseling support with NC State.
• The district is exploring moving the western Early College program to Highland Middle School and discussing a possible Early College partnership with Campbell University.
• Human Resources reported 17 vacancies in base allotments, including 14 regular classroom positions, and continued work on teacher recruitment and training. The district is evaluating whether to partner with an outside substitute agency, citing a district fill rate below 60% compared with the agency’s reported 97%.
• The district will distribute state-funded bonuses in October and begin collecting federal Impact Aid surveys, which historically generate about $750,000 to $1 million for the district.
• Public Information reported a $19,000 contribution from the Dunn Police Department to the district’s public-school fund and highlighted a summer electrical careers academy in which 15 students earned college credit.

Board Business

• The board reviewed a proposed low-performing-schools plan for the six schools still carrying that designation. Priorities include protected 90-minute PLC time, small-group instruction, standards-based planning, district benchmarks, and additional support for school leaders. The plan will be open for staff and family feedback before returning for board approval.
• The board approved the consent agenda.
• Approval for board members to attend the national COSA conference in Dallas passed 4–1. The stated registration cost was about $775 per person, plus hotel.
• The board increased the student field-trip cost threshold requiring board approval from $20 to $30.
• The board approved Curlingway Mechanical LLC for the Over Hills Elementary chiller project and its associated contract.
• After closed session, the board appointed Melody Williams and Holden Thorp as assistant principals at Harnett Central High School.

Presenters and Contributors

• Opening and board: Chair Powell; Sharon Gay/Gaty (invocation and recognition); John (pledge; surname unclear in subtitles).
• Recognition presentations: Dr. Sumner; Kimberly Hackett; Lindsay Hardy; Marshall Jones; Trey Michael; John Kirkman; Zach West; Mark Rose; Lauren Banker; Clayton Holder; Parker Wild/While; Britain Sullivan; Kevin Davis; Deanna Goins; Evan Maynard; Lindsay Matthews (name as heard; role unclear).
• School presentations: Mr. Justice (Anderson Creek Primary); Emily McNeel (Ben Haven Elementary); Miss Matt (Boone Trail Elementary; first name unclear); Miss Pope (Highland Elementary); Mr. Carver (Highland Middle); Renee Gilmore (Johnsonville Elementary); Tracy Labowski (Over Hills Elementary); Fred Clara (Over Hills High); Dr. Thompson (Over Hills Middle); Mr. Backus (South Harnett Elementary); Miss Sullivan (Western Harnett High); Miss Cuadra-D (Western Harnett Middle; name spelling unclear).
• Public commenters: Jerry Hardaway; John Long.
• District reports: Superintendent Matthews; Dr. Murphy; Mr. Pearson; Miss Thompson; Mr. White; Mr. Cox; Miss Frell.