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KENANSVILLE — January’s school board meeting started in a buzz about the recent acquisition of grant money for revisions at East Duplin High School. Angela Best Maynard, a constituent from Warsaw, addressed the board and asked them to explain why East Duplin was getting the money when James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill are in greater need.
Board Vice-Chairman Reginald Kenan responded that he had the same question.
“Please understand that we can’t afford to create brand new high schools, but what we are trying to do, with the help of our community, is revamp them,” Kenan said.
Board Chairman Brent Davis shared more about the application process for the grant.
“Prior to making the application, we did a lot of research to try to figure out which way would be the best way to get the most funds for the school system. After learning about their ranking system, it was determined that East Duplin and James Kenan were the two most favorable projects. East Duplin had the top number of modular replacement classrooms … it probably ranked a little higher. From a county’s standpoint, it was $2 million more to Duplin County to do East Duplin versus James Kenan,” Davis said.
Board member Pam Edwards added, “that does not mean that we have forgotten the other three schools. We are still looking for funds for the other three high schools. We know that we need renovations at all four high schools, and we have a plan in place for all four high schools.”
Shifting gears, the board then honored Coach Aaron Murray and the Wallace Rose-Hill men’s soccer team for winning the 3A state championship. The board presented the team with a plaque, and the coach addressed the board. He shared advice he was given early on to pour into the younger players and “not stress the first season.” He shared some of his coaching journey and thanked the board for hiring him and trusting him to do the work.
“This season is an attestament to that work,” Murray said.
Farm Bureau then shared two teacher grants it is awarding to Duplin County Schools. Rena Patrick from the Center of Opportunity was awarded a grant to continue work on its greenhouse project. A second grant was awarded to Victoria Newkirk, Media Coordinator at Kenansville Elementary.
Employee of the Quarter was awarded to Jacquetta Smith, who started her career in the kitchen and now works as a purchasing specialist for the district.
Davis thanked the people who work hard every day to make the school system run smoothly. “It’s really an amazing machine,” he said. “Ya’ll are invaluable; we couldn’t do it without you.”
The board went into closed session to discuss personnel and closed shortly thereafter.
