Summary of HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING JUNE 2, 2025

The Harnett County Board of Education meeting on June 2, 2025, covered a range of updates, recognitions, and administrative actions reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to student success, staff appreciation, and operational excellence.

Key Highlights:

  1. Opening and Ceremonial Activities:
    The meeting began with an invocation and pledge led by board members, followed by approval of the amended agenda.
  2. Special Presentations:
    • Purple Star Legacy Award: Harnett County Schools received the prestigious Purple Star Legacy Award for the sixth consecutive year, recognizing outstanding support for military-connected students. The district is the first in North Carolina to achieve this legacy status.
    • 25-Year Service Recognition: The board honored numerous staff members with 25 years of service, celebrating their dedication amidst a trend of shorter job tenures.
    • Bus Driver Perfect Attendance: Several bus drivers were recognized for perfect attendance, highlighting the critical role and challenges of transportation staff in ensuring student safety and reliability.
  3. Curriculum and Instruction:
    Educators who developed pacing guides, assessments, and instructional resources for various grade levels were acknowledged for their collaboration and excellence. Updates included successful completion of state end-of-year testing with positive preliminary results and ongoing professional development opportunities. Summer school and specialized camps for reading and math were also announced.
  4. Superintendent’s Update:
    Superintendent Matthews reflected on recent year-end events, including graduations across all high schools, and noted the smooth operation of the last full school day. Summer work schedules and professional development plans were shared. He congratulated staff members accepted into Leadership Academies and celebrated upcoming birthdays.
  5. Auxiliary Services:
    • Summer meal programs offering free meals to all children aged 1-18 at four community centers began, aiming to support community nutrition.
    • Preparations for the upcoming school year, including custodial summer cleaning and construction updates for Flatwood and Lillington Shawtown schools, were provided.
    • Athletics successes were highlighted, including playoff appearances and a state championship in triple jump.
  6. Human Resources:
    Significant improvement in teacher recruitment was reported, with classroom vacancies nearly halved compared to the previous year. The district continues to support international hires with mentorship programs and is actively training bus drivers despite challenges in certification timelines. Upcoming professional development and leadership training sessions were announced.
  7. Student Services:
    Graduation coordinators and school counselors were recognized for their contributions. Awards were given to outstanding counselors, social workers, and nurses. The district named its first honorary school social worker, a custodian who provided exceptional support to students. Updates on reassignment periods and virtual academy enrollment were provided.
  8. Financial Services:
    The finance department is managing year-end closeout processes, summer program funding, and preparing the next fiscal year’s budget amid uncertain state funding. Board members expressed optimism about potential increases in supplement funding following recent discussions with state officials.
  9. Public Information:
    The district highlighted Mental Health Awareness Month and a new partnership providing free virtual mental health services to students. Other recognitions included School Nurse Day, school visits by state education advisors, and celebrations of academic and athletic achievements. The district reported a record number of graduates and scholarship awards.
  10. Action Items:
    • Approval of child nutrition bid renewals for groceries and beverages for the 2025-2026 school year.
    • Approval of the alternative schools’ modified accountability system for the upcoming year.
  11. Closed Session:
    The board entered closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters and legal consultations. Upon returning to open session, teacher contract recommendations and closed session minutes were approved.
  12. Adjournment:
    The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

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