📘 PSRC Board of Education Meeting Highlights | August 11, 2026
The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education met Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The meeting included celebrations of student and staff achievements, updates on major district initiatives and action on several items ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
🌟 NCSBE Student Advisor Recognized
The Board recognized Keely Deal, a rising junior at Purnell Swett High School, following her appointment to serve as a Student Advisor to the North Carolina State Board of Education. Student advisors provide an important student perspective as the State Board discusses policies and issues affecting public education across North Carolina. Deal will serve a two year term and attend the NCSBE September board meeting.
🌾 FFA Excellence Celebrated
The Board celebrated outstanding accomplishments by FFA students and advisors from Purnell Swett and Lumberton high schools.
Purnell Swett High School FFA was recognized for earning National Chapter Gold Tier status following its performance at the North Carolina FFA State Convention.
Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor Taleek Harlee was also recognized for being selected as a National FFA Teacher Ambassador for the 2026-2027 school year, one of 88 agricultural educators from 38 states selected for the national leadership role.
Lumberton High School FFA was celebrated after being named the Top Overall FFA Chapter in North Carolina through the National Chapter Award Program. Students also shared additional state and national accomplishments, including a Top 10 national finalist project and upcoming national competition opportunities.
FFA Advisor Candace Grimsley was recognized for receiving the Honorary State FFA Degree for her contributions to agricultural education and FFA.
📱 Communications Year-End Report
The Board received the district's Communications Year-End Report, highlighting continued growth in audience engagement, social media reach, impressions, website traffic and video performance. Looking ahead, the district will continue prioritizing strategic storytelling, short-form video, major district milestones and authentic stories that highlight PSRC students, employees and schools.
💰 Additional Funding for Athletics
The Board received an update regarding $165,000 in state funding directed to the Purnell Swett Booster Club. Of that amount, $90,000 is expected to be distributed among middle school athletic programs, with $75,000 remaining with the Purnell Swett Booster Club toward future athletic facility needs.
The district also received news of an additional $450,000 allocation benefiting athletic booster clubs across the county. Under the allocation presented during the meeting, Lumberton would receive $225,000, including $75,000 designated for soccer facilities and $150,000 for other sports, while Fairmont, Red Springs and St. Pauls would each receive $75,000.
🏫 Facility Needs & Energy Savings
District leaders provided an update on the NCDPI Facility Needs Survey, which examines facility priorities for the coming years. The district's final report is due August 31 and will help document school facility needs while also providing information that may be used in future conversations regarding school capital funding.
The Board also continued discussions regarding an Energy Saving Performance Contract aimed at identifying facility improvements that could generate long-term savings, including lighting upgrades, building automation/HVAC controls and water conservation measures.
The Board later approved LLJ as the third-party independent reviewer for the energy-saving performance contract process.
🏗️ PSRC CTEC & Planetarium Update
Excitement continues to build for the opening of the Public Schools of Robeson County Career and Technical Education Center and Planetarium and Science Center (also known as Robeson CTEC).
District leaders shared that the facility is nearing completion and emphasized the tremendous impact the new campus is expected to have on students and the future workforce of Robeson County.
The Board also received an update regarding dedication plaques for the new facility. Plaques honoring individuals associated with the CTEC and Planetarium will be installed at designated locations within and outside the facility. Because of the production timeline, the plaques are not expected to be installed in time for the grand opening.
👏 Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson Honored
The Board recognized Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson as he prepares to retire following 40+ years of service in public education.
“I really believe in one team, one goal. No question about that. It really, really makes a difference,” Dr. Williamson said. “I love all of you. I love students, and it’s just been my honor to serve… Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been fun.”
Current Board members and former Board member Randy Lawson reflected on Williamson’s leadership, dedication, work ethic and commitment to students and employees. Board members thanked Dr. Williamson for his service to PSRC and to public education throughout North Carolina and wished him well in retirement.
“I wrote him a card today, and the last sentence of it said, ‘Once my superintendent, always my friend.’ And I’m going to stand by that,” PSRC Board Member Tre’ Britt said.
Interim Superintendent Dr. William Harrison also shared words about Dr. Williamson’s retirement.
“The numbers speak for themselves, how they’re moving in the right direction. But to watch this guy interact with his people and the amount of respect he has for them, and they have for him, is exactly what an organization deserves and needs,” Dr. Harrison said.
✅ Board Action
During the meeting, the Board also took action on several operational items, including:
Approved contracted transportation providers.
Approved Exceptional Children contract services.
Approved school fundraisers.
Approved the monthly financial report.
Following closed session, approved the certified/classified personnel report.
Watch the meeting livestream here: