OCS Board News Archives

The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular meeting on June 3 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included presentation and approval of the 2025-2026 OCS County Career & Technical Education Local Application and Title I plan. The Board also considered approval of the 2025-2026 Licensed Personnel recommendations. 

Following the Good News Spotlight recognitions, which highlighted the achievements of our students and staff, there was one speaker during the public comment period. The Board then moved into their General Business for the evening. 

The Career & Technical Education Local Application was presented by Mr. Will Laine, executive director of secondary education and director of career & technical education, along with Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinators Mr. Ken Brown and Mr. Lenny Westmoreland. 

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Local Application is an annual funding proposal which public school districts submit to receive federal CTE funding under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act for the 21st Century (Perkins V). Districts use North Carolina's Comprehensive, Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP) to apply, and the application must be approved by both the local Board of Education and NCDPI. 

The application encompasses several key components vital for its comprehensive framework. It begins with a detailed Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), which involves analyzing student performance, evaluating the quality of programs, and assessing workforce requirements. Additionally, it incorporates performance data that captures various student outcomes, including graduation rates, academic proficiency, and the attainment of professional credentials. Furthermore, the application outlines strategic program plans aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of CTE programs. Finally, it provides a breakdown of the funding allocation, detailing how federal and state CTE funds will be utilized to achieve these goals. 

For Onslow County's 2024-2026 application, the total funding allocation was $415,520 in state supplemental funds. The application serves as both a planning document and accountability measure, ensuring CTE programs meet federal requirements while addressing local workforce development needs. 

Following the presentation, the Board unanimously approved the CTE Local Application. 

The Onslow County Board of Education received an important update on federal Title I funding from Dr. Mark Bulris, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Dwayne Snowden, Director of Federal Projects, presenting the district's comprehensive plan for the upcoming school year. The Title I program provides federal funding to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families, helping ensure all children have access to quality education regardless of their economic circumstances. 

One of the most exciting developments in the plan is the expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This USDA initiative allows all students at participating schools to receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. 

Onslow County is adding three schools to CEP: 

• Jacksonville Commons Elementary 
• Bell Fork Elementary 
• Blue Creek Elementary 

Thompson Early Childhood Center will continue in the program for its third year. The district expects nearly 100% reimbursement for meals at these schools, making this a win-win for families and the budget. 

The district is working with a planning budget of $7.03 million in Title I funds, plus $2.5 million in carryover funds. About $7.4 million will go directly to schools, with the remainder supporting district-wide initiatives. Each Title I school will incorporate federal funding into their strategic improvement plans, tailoring services to meet their specific needs. 

The district will also continue providing services to three participating private schools. These schools receive educational services (not direct funding) as part of federal requirements. 

While the current plan is based on 90% of expected funding, district officials expect to receive their final allocation by mid-June. Any necessary adjustments will be made once the official numbers come in, but the focus areas and overall strategy will remain the same. 

The Board approved the Title I plan, ensuring that Onslow County's most vulnerable students will continue receiving the additional support they need to succeed academically. 

The meeting concluded with a closed session of the Board in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.11 (a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(6), and (c). The purpose of this session was to consult with the Board attorney to maintain the attorney-client privilege, consider confidential personnel matters per NC General Statutes 115C-319 through 321, and discuss the handling of the case involving RR by parent or guardian DR and AR v. Onslow County Schools Board of Education, Case Number 25 EDC 01759. 

After the closed session, the Board voted on the 2025-2026 Licensed Personnel Recommendations. Board member Phillip Williams recused himself from voting due to his wife’s position with OCS. The report was approved with a vote of 6-0, and the meeting was adjourned.