Public Schools of Robeson County

On October 13, 2026, with virtually no advanced warning or discussion, the Robeson County Partnership for Children (“Partnership”) Pre-K Committee voted 5-3 (including an abstention counting as an affirmative vote) to terminate its relationship with the Shining Stars-Lumberton Pre-K program of the Public Schools for Robeson County (“PSRC”), citing perceived safety concerns. Multiple members of the Committee were excluded from voting or speaking, despite guidance from the N.C. Pre-K Program stating that members should be allowed to speak even if they cannot vote.

Both Shining Stars Programs (Lumberton and Pembroke) are Five Star Centers (the highest possible rating) according to North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (“DCDEE”). On the DCDEE program rating scale for Program Standards, Education Standards, and Quality, the programs were both rated 15 out of 15 points. Each program received a perfect sanitation score of 235 out of 235. PSRC was just notified that Shining Stars - Lumberton has been awarded the highest possible rating by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Shining Stars - Pembroke also maintains this highest national standard.

PSRC acknowledges there have been five isolated incidents in the programs over the past three years, four of which were self-reported by PSRC to DCDEE. Swift and decisive action was taken to address each incident, including updates to procedures, trainings, and staff terminations. All incidents were resolved to the complete satisfaction of DCDEE. The latest incident was on the first day of school for the Lumberton Shining Stars and was the only incident in nearly 20 months.

Shining Stars provides necessary Pre-K services for vulnerable students, serving families with low income, and those who are homeless, military, limited English proficient, and children with chronic health conditions and developmental delays. Over 40% of currently enrolled students at the Lumberton site are students with identified disabilities. Early Pre-K services have been shown to reduce learning deficits and increase educational outcomes. For some students with disabilities who have been kicked out of other Pre-K programs, Shining Stars is their only (and best) option. The decision to withdraw funding from this program will disproportionately impact the educational outcomes and futures for students with disabilities in PSRC.

The Partnership provides PSRC with over one million dollars annually of passthrough funding for the Shining Stars programs operated by PSRC in Lumberton and Pembroke. PSRC deeply disagrees with the Partnership’s action to eliminate this funding and end its relationship with Shining Stars and PSRC. This decision will also result in the loss of other grant funding. This decision is bad for children, families, and staff. It will eliminate vitally needed pre-K services and programs to nearly 100 families. Over 40 employees will potentially have their jobs impacted by this decision. PSRC is currently evaluating all avenues to protect the many students, families, and staff who will be impacted by this hasty, unfortunate, and unwarranted decision.

The Partnership has a special called meeting to reconsider this decision on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 210 E. Second St., Lumberton, in the Board Room. Public comment will be permitted and speakers must sign up at least 15 minutes before the meeting. WE URGE ALL FAMILIES, STAFF, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IMPACTED BY THIS DECISION TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD. Interested speakers can email tlittle@rcpartnership4children.org to sign up before the meeting.