OCS Board News | May 2022
Blog App
The Onslow County Board of Education’s Litigation Committee met at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 26 to receive results of an external investigation into matters surrounding the conduct of Board Member Eric Whitfield. Following presentation of the investigation’s results, all committee members in attendance unanimously recommended moving forward with the issuance of a petition for amotion to Board Member Eric Whitfield. Upon approval of this recommendation, the committee adjourned.
A special session of the Board of Education was then convened and the committee’s recommendation to move forward with the issuance of a petition for amotion to Board Member Eric Whitfield was considered by the full Board. This resolution was approved 5-0 with members Bill Lanier and Eric Whitfield not in attendance.
The Onslow County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on May 3 at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Agenda items included the Career and Technical Education plan, the FY2022-2023 budget proposals, the CCCC Board of Trustee Appointment, COVID-19 protocols, and the superintendent contract extension.
Immediately preceding the regular meeting was a public hearing regarding the FY2022-2023 Capital Outlay and Local Current Expense budget proposals. No one spoke at the public hearing.
After a Good News Spotlight segment, which celebrated the accomplishments of some of our high school students, and a public comment period with 4 speakers, Will Laine took to the podium to discuss the CTE plan.
Laine, executive director of secondary education, shared with the Board the CTE program’s goals and expectations for the coming year. He shared that the program’s main goals will be to increase opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credits, strengthen our relationships with regional businesses and industry partners, as well as increase opportunities for students to participate in work-based learning. Moving forward, our CTE leaders hope to implement new programs for students, including advanced manufacturing, boat manufacturing, early childhood education, IT & networking, medical assisting, and teaching as a profession.
The Board unanimously approved the CTE plan.
Next, the Board heard from Jeff Hollamon, OCS chief finance officer, who presented the FY2022-2023 Capital Outlay and Local Current Expense budgets. Highlights from the Capital Outlay budget included roofing and renovations, safety and security upgrades, furniture and equipment, transportation needs, and site improvements. The Capital Outlay budget would total $4.2 million.
The proposed Local Current Expense budget emphasizes the district’s priorities of instruction, mental health, and safety & security. The district realizes that the best way to reach its goals is to invest in OCS employees, so the budget also emphasizes recruitment and retention. The budget would increase the certified employee supplement from 10 percent to 12 percent and would feature an increase across all levels of the classified employee schedule. The budget would total $76.4 million.
The Board unanimously approved the budgets as presented. Next, it will go on to the Onslow County Board of Commissioners for their approval.
After the budget presentation, Chief Communications Officer Brent Anderson presented the Coastal Carolina Community College Board of Trustee Appointment for the Board’s approval. Dr. Robert Sheegog, a local veterinarian, was recommended to serve on the board for OCS. The BOE unanimously approved his appointment.
Due to legislation, the Board is required to vote on COVID-19 protocols each month. The Board unanimously voted to keep all protocols the same for another month.
Last on the agenda was discussion on the extension of Superintendent Dr. Barry Collins’ contract. The Board voted 5-2 to extend the contract until 2026.
Dr. Collins and the Board closed the meeting with comments to commend those who work for OCS in an Employee Appreciation Week recognition.