PSRC Board of Education Meeting Highlights ✨
August 12, 2025 🗓️
Board Policy Updated 📱
• Policy 4318 was revised to align with NC House Bill 959 regarding cellphone usage in educational settings.
• Smartwatches are now included as wireless devices in the board policy. ⌚
• Use during instructional time is prohibited unless approved for emergencies (health concerns, transportation, or other school specified need). 🚨
• May be used before/after school. Schools will determine usage outside of instructional time. 🕒
Academic Achievement & Student Recognition 🏆
• National Beta Club Success – Students from PSRC earned top national placements at the National Beta Convention in Orlando, FL. Those students were recognized during the board meeting. 🎉
National Elementary Beta Convention Winners
Pembroke Elementary School
• Onsite Art Drawing Elementary, 2nd Place: Olivia Hunt 🎨
• Painting Elementary, 10th Place: Olivia Hunt 🖌️
St. Pauls Elementary School
• Performing Arts Elementary - Solo, Duo, Trio - Instrumentalist, 1st Place: Tyco Villanueva Perez 🎶
Union Elementary School
• Recyclable Art Elementary, 1st Place: Dean Bowen ♻️
National Senior Beta Convention Winners
PSRC Early College at RCC
• Drawing Division I, 6th Place: Marley Pridgen ✏️
• Jewelry Division I, 4th Place: Nevaeh Bullard 💍
• Performing Arts Senior - Solo, Duo, Trio - Dancer, 3rd Place: Isabella Floyd 💃
• Poetry Division I, 1st Place: Vedika Zope ✍️
• Spanish 10th Grade, 3rd Place: Brian Diaz 🇪🇸
• District of Distinction – All PSRC Beta Clubs were honored for academic achievement, leadership, and service. PSRC has been named a National Beta District of Distinction for the 2024–2025 school year. 🌟
K–2 Literacy Growth 📚
• DIBELS 8 data shows steady improvement over four years.
• Kindergarten growth outpaced the state average (49% vs. 39%), though fewer students start school on grade level. 📈
• Ongoing focus on improving third-grade reading outcomes by strengthening comprehension and foundational skills.
ESSER III Project Updates 🏗️
• Updates on facility improvements, technology upgrades, and air quality measures funded by federal ESSER III resources were given.
• The HVAC replacement project at Lumberton High School is currently on schedule.
Communications Year-End Report 📢
• Showcased progress in transparency, branding, and public engagement efforts to strengthen district image and stakeholder trust.
Superintendent’s Advisory Council Launch 🤝
• Will include high school students, district award winners, and community representatives from each school.
• Will meet quarterly starting this school year to provide feedback to the Superintendent on district priorities.
Monthly Impact Award for Staff 🌟
• Beginning in September, one certified and one classified employee will be honored monthly for exceptional contributions.
Policy & Financial Approvals 💼
• NCCAT Honored Educator Scholarship approved — a $25,000 endowment in the PSRC Board of Education’s name to fund teacher professional development.
• Approved Spring Policy Updates ✅
• Approved school fundraisers for the year. 🎟️
• Monthly financial report presented and approved. 📊
Approved Items 📝
• Certified and classified personnel recommendations approved in closed session.
• District Mental Health Plan 🧠
🗓️ Prior to adjournment, board members scheduled a board work session for September 19 from noon to 5 p.m.
🎙️ Also during the meeting, Parkton Elementary Principal Christine Trasente shared her goals and greeted the board.
Click here for photos taken during the meeting.Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/R4_ETMsbHyo?feature=shared