Board of Education Meeting Highlights
Public Schools of Robeson County
Date: July 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
I. Organizational Business
Call to Order & Invocation:
Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson opened the meeting with heartfelt prayer, lifting up flood-impacted families and reminding all present of their shared mission of student success and support.Pledge of Allegiance: Led by staff.
Election of Board Chairman and Vice Chair for the 2025-2026 Academic Year:
Chairman: Vice Chair Tre’ Britt was elected to serve as Board Chair.
With gratitude, Britt said, “I appreciate the board’s support—and I want to thank Mr. Vonta Leach for his leadership this past year.”Vice Chair:
Melissa Ocean was elected to serve as the Board Vice Chair:
“Thank you for your support and for believing in me. I thank the previous leadership for everything they did.”
Adoption of Agenda & Approval of Minutes:
Both items were unanimously approved without discussion.
II. Information Items
A. Richard A. Schwartz Honored Educator Scholarship Recognition
PSRC Board of Education Attorney Richard Schwartz, who is also the president of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Education Foundation presented Anna Gudauskas, ESL teacher at St. Pauls High, as the recipient of the NCCAT Honored Educator Scholarship in his name. Though the scholarship is in his name, Schwartz honors the legacy of his father Dr. Norman Schwartz and his passion for education. The scholarship is awarded annually to individuals who embody the same values and attributes of Dr. Schwartz, who served as a lifelong educator.
Schwartz said Gudauskas stood out among applicants across the state.
“Mrs. Gudauskas, I’m very very proud to name you the winner of this year’s scholarship and I am glad that you’re a Robeson County teacher,” Schwartz said.
Gudauskas humbly accepted:
“I am extremely grateful to be recognized for my achievements and contributions and to receive this opportunity to continue growing professionally so I can give back more to my students, to my community and to our district. Thank you very much.”
B. NCCAT Endowed Scholarship Proposal
Schwartz proposed that PSRC invest in a $25,000 endowment to send one local teacher per year to NCCAT each year. Schwartz said NCCAT’s goal is to have at least one scholarship in every school district across the state.
Dr. Williamson supported the idea and recommended using contingency funds:
“This is an investment in our people and our future. I encourage the board to think about who this should be named after.”
No action was taken, but Dr. Williamson said the proposal will be revisited at the next board meeting.
C. ESSER Update
The legal battle over ESSER III reimbursements continues—but there's hope. Schwartz shared:
“The U.S. Department of Education backed down—for now. That means funding is flowing again, though we must act fast.”
PSRC Chief Finance Officer Erica Setzer confirmed that over $2.6 million in invoices have already been submitted to NCDPI (which dispenses federal funds once received from the US Department of Education):
“Once funds are received, we’ll immediately begin paying additional vendors. It's a write-check, get-reimbursed cycle for now.”
PSRC Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services Bobby Locklear reassured the board that all HVAC and window projects will be complete by the time students return—except for switchgear installation, which requires a full power shutdown and will be completed over Christmas break.
D. Federal Programs & Funding Withheld
Setzer and Jennifer Freeman, PSRC Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Intervention and Support, explained how the sudden federal hold on $6.8 billion in Title funding impacts PSRC:
20 staff positions are funded through affected grants
Carryover funds will allow temporary coverage
If delays continue, programs—particularly Migrant Education and some academic enrichment services—could halt.
Attorney Schwartz clarified that the federal move is likely illegal and lawsuits are expected:
“Congress authorized this money. The Department of Education cannot impound it—it’s not their call.”
E. Exceptional Children Occupational Therapy Services
Dr. Windy Dorsey-Carr, PSRC Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability, delivered an update on the district’s need for additional Occupational Therapists:
309 students require occupational therapy (OT) services
The district needs additional OT services to ensure students receive services
A proposed contract with PTS, a management company, would bring in additional OT staff and support services. No action was taken on the matter Tuesday.
PSRC Board Member Dr. Linda Emanuel urged the district to see if a partnership with the local hospital can be explored to help address needs.
III. Action Items
All items were approved unanimously:
Meals for Old Main STREAM Academy (Pre-K)
Disposal of Public School Property (Shaw Mill Road)
Sole Source Vendor Approval (N2Y – Unique Learning System)
FY 2024–25 Budget Amendments
Monthly Financial Report
IV. Closed Session
The board entered closed session to discuss:
Personnel (Certified/Classified)
Legal Issues
Closed Session Minutes
V. Open Session Decisions
Personnel Report: Approved
New School Leadership Appointments: As part of the Personnel Report, board members also approved appointing Christine Trasente as principal of Parkton Elementary School for the 2025-2026 academic year. Trasente served most recently as an assistant principal at the school. Also approved was the appointment of Bobby Evans, Jr. as an assistant principal at Lumberton Junior High School. He served most recently as a Health/PE teacher at South Robeson Middle School.
Closed Session Minutes: Approved
Watch the meeting below: