OCS Board News | January 2025

News from the Board - January 7, 2025

 

The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on January 7 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included a presentation on the general responsibilities of the Board of Education, a presentation from Instructional Services on continuous improvement and Raising the Bar, and a closed session pursuant to open meetings law.  

After a Good News Spotlight segment, which recognized student and staff achievements, and a public comment period with 2 speakers, Board Attorney Katie Cornetto took to the podium to provide an overview of Board responsibilities.  

With recent changes to the Board’s make-up, including three new members, Ms. Cornetto provided information to ensure that members and the public are aware of Board responsibilities. She shared that the Board is a “corporate body” which holds power and makes decisions as a unit. Individual Board members have no authority to govern, supervise, or control the local school system or its students and staff.  

Cornetto also shared the role and responsibilities of individual Board members when it comes to handling complaints, avoiding conflicts of interest, and upholding their code of ethics.  

The next presentation came from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Chris Barnes and other instructional staff. Dr. Barnes shared information about the OCS Instructional Framework and how it informs the district’s decisions and priorities when planning for the future and assessing progress.  

He also shared the district’s continuous improvement model, which informs the district’s strategic plan, school improvement plans, and accreditation.  

Instructional Services ended their presentation with information about Parent Academy. Upcoming opportunities for students and their families include sessions on the FAFSA, the Controlled Enrollment Fair on January 23, the Magnet and Opportunity Expo on February 10. Future opportunities will include information sessions on college planning, high school scheduling, college finances, scholarships, and more.  

The meeting ended with a closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 143- 318.11(a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(6), and (c): To consult with the Board attorney to preserve the Board’s attorney-client privilege; To consider confidential personnel matters pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 115C-319 through 321.