✨ Board Meeting Highlights – May 13, 2025
At the Public Schools of Robeson County’s Board of Education meeting held on May 13, 2025, a number of exciting developments were shared, with key recognitions, updates, and decisions made for the district’s future.
Pledge of Allegiance Leaders: Orrum Middle School students led the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting.
🤝 Key Recognitions:
🥈 Blue Ribbon Awards: Jessica Sealey presented the district's Blue Ribbon Awards, recognizing excellence in school communications. The district’s ongoing efforts to engage with families and the community were acknowledged with multiple accolades from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association.
🎤 Governor's School Recipients: Two exceptional students were recognized for their acceptance into the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School:
- Jakayla Morgan (Lumberton Senior High)
- Garrett Merlo (Lumberton Senior High)
Both students were praised for their academic excellence and commitment to learning.
🍎 Teaching Fellows: The district honored an educator and several high-achieving seniors selected for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which supports students pursuing careers in education:
- Nicole Galvez-Hernandez (Lumberton Senior High)
- Kinley McIlwain (Lumberton Senior High)
- Kaitlyn Woodell (Lumberton Senior High)
- Daniela Dial (Purnell Swett High) (Educator)
- Anna McMillian (St. Pauls High)
- Alena Oxendine (Red Springs High)
🎊 Gates Scholarship Recipients: The district also celebrated two students who received the highly competitive Gates Scholarship:
- Carlos Eumaná Carranza (Early College High School)
- Tionna Richardson (Lumberton Senior High)
🍏 Leadership Appointments:
The Board approved several 2025-2026 principal appointments to help lead various schools:
-Tawanna Curry to Townsend Elementary
- Portia Brazelton to Pembroke Elementary
- Aaron Lowery to Fairgrove Elementary
- Martha Locklear to Deep Branch Elementary
- Rebecca Chavis Nolley to Shining Stars Preschool of Lumberton
- Thomas Zach Jones to Carroll Middle School
These appointments were met with enthusiasm, with multiple principals expressing gratitude and a commitment to student success in their new roles.
Also approved was the selection of Melissa Freeman to serve in the position of executive assistant to superintendent. She will serve in a position left vacant by the retirement of Pattie Mitchell after a career of 40+ years in education.
📝 Other Updates:
💼 2025 Summer Work Schedule: The district announced a four-day workweek for the summer, starting June 30, 2025. The hours are 7:30 am to 5 pm on Monday through Thursdays. District offices and facilities will be closed on Fridays.
💰 ESSER III Fund Update: The state filed an appeal for ESSER III Funding after the abrupt cut off of funds from the US Department of Education. A letter dated May 8, 2025 expressed a denial of all projects for school districts across the state stating that projects do not enhance learning. The letter gives an opportunity to appeal by no later than June 7, 2025. The district has $14 million impacted and plans to explore additional legal options. On March 28, the USDOE revoked previously approved ESSER III liquidation extensions and PSRC is the hardest hit district of the 4 districts involved in North Carolina.
📆 Testing Calendar for 2025-2026: A preview of the district’s testing calendar was shared.
💵 Financial Report: The monthly financial report was presented and approved, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to financial stewardship.
Also approved was:
📌 Summer Related Services Contracts
📌 Duke Energy Gas Easement at Rowland-Norment Elementary
📌 Sole Source (Instructure/Edmentum/Enome)
📌 Closed Session Minutes
📌 Personnel Report
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and an invitation to the upcoming Thursday Driven 2 Excel event and Tuesday Employee Retirement Recognition Banquet, further reinforcing the district's ongoing efforts to engage and celebrate its community.
This productive meeting reflects a strong commitment to student achievement, leadership, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring the continued success of the Public Schools of Robeson County.
For more photos taken during the meeting, click here.
📱 Watch the meeting here: