Our School Board up to its old tricks still. Oh, when will they ever learn? | Eastern North Carolina Now

Ray Leary, Chair of the Beaufort Better Government Committee, and a member of the Beaufort Observer Team covered the April 4, 2023 Beaufort County School Board meeting.  Ray filed this report from his notes:

Beaufort County School Board Meeting

Notes from Meeting – Not Official Minutes

April 4, 2023 School Board Meeting 5:30 PM

Upon entering the meeting room, the first thing noticed is that the front section of the room was cordoned off to prevent the public from interacting with the board members before the meeting starts. No one explained this change, but it is obviously cordoned off to prevent anyone from setting up a video camera close enough to record the meeting.

Another issue is that the front row of seating is reserved for school principals and staff, farther distancing the public from seeing and hearing all the board members. A sound system was installed in February. Everyone speaking has a microphone. Some do not make an effort to switch them on when speaking or position the microphone to enable everyone in the room to hear the conservation. There is also a microphone for presenters. There were two presenters at the April 4, 2023 meeting. The first one did not sit in front of the microphone and the other moved it but not close enough to hear his presentation. The chairman, the superintendent, nor any board member made an effort to correct this. Our tax dollars were wasted on the sound system.

Agenda Item 4.1 – 22-23 Budget Update

There were two budget amendments. One for an increase in retiree benefits based upon the anticipated teacher pay increase (4.5%) in the state budget.

Another increase in Utilities cost prompted by a notice from Duke Energy advising of a 15% increase.

Agenda Item 4.2 – Needs Based School Grant Application

Dr. Cheeseman presented this item. The grants are based on facility needs which will cover a percentage of the cost for facility upgrades. Grant submission is due later this year and will be further detailed at future meetings. (Dr. Cheeseman’s microphone was not on or malfunctioning, so I missed part of this discussion)

Agenda 5.1 – Gov Deals for Transportation Department – Transportation Director – Jeff Miller

Presentation to sell two old school buses on Gov Deals – Approved

A board member asked the age and mileage of the buses. One is a mid-1990s model. (I could not hear the details on the second as the presenter was two feet from the microphone.)

Agenda 5.2 – Capital Project Approval – Jamie Stokes - Approved

Two Projects

(I could not hear the first one)

The second is an upgrade to a field house. (Not sure at which school)

Agenda 5.3 – Auditor Contract – Tammy Lewis, Chief Finance Officer - Approved

The auditor was approved with minimal discussion.

Agenda 5.4 – Technology Purchase Approval – Chief Technology Director – Andrea Lilley – Approved

This is for new computers and work stations for central office staff.

Agenda 5.5 – Field Trip Approval – Dr. Cheeseman – Approved

There were four or five field trips approved. (Could not hear the details)

 Agenda 6.1 – Closed Session for Personnel Discussions

Agenda 7.1 – Open Session - Personnel Approval

Agenda 8.1 – Superintendent Updates – Dr. Cheeseman

I did not stay for this. (Why are the closed sessions not at the end of the meeting?)

Agenda 9.1 – Calendar

April 18 Board of Education Meeting

5:30 p.m. Monthly Meeting

BCS PD Center

845 North Pierce Street

Washington, NC 27889

April 25 Board of Education Meeting

11:00 a.m. Special Called Board Meeting

Joint Meeting with the Beaufort County Commissioners

BCS PD Center

845 North Pierce Street

Washington, NC 2788

Adjourned