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KENANSVILLE — Awards and recognitions were acknowledged at the March school board meeting. Nicole Murray, chief officer for STEAMA curriculum and instruction professional development recognized district STEAMA gold medal winners who represented Duplin County at the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UNC Wilmington last month.
“These students represent through their work inside and outside the classroom the very best of Duplin County Schools,” Murray said. Though most students were not present to be recognized, 11 were named from Wallace Elementary, Warsaw Elementary, Beulaville Elementary, North Duplin Elementary, East Duplin High School, and Duplin Early College. Ronald Moore and Sandra Gurganus then recognized the winner of the Clean School Award: North Duplin High School.
The board approved several contract agreements, school calendars, field trips and fundraising requests in its consent agenda. Some small improvements to schools districtwide were approved in the consent agenda as well. For example, the purchase of 154 security cameras for all schools using lottery funds was approved. A proposal from Hite Associates was approved to complete the work on the East Duplin High School renovation and addition project. The board approved $69,200 for a new awning at Chinquapin Elementary. It also approved $325,184 to purchase two new 72-passenger Thomas buses.
The board discussed where students would meet when their classrooms — seven modular units — are removed as construction begins at East Duplin High School. Plans were explained to show how students will be reassigned throughout the campus to use different spaces temporarily.
“There are approximately 11 classrooms that we have to relocate, and we have found 11 areas,” said Scott Ballard, East Duplin principal. The board approved selling the units through Floyd’s Auction after the end of the 2025-26 school year at a scheduled time before the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The board moved into a closed session to discuss confidential student information and personnel. When members returned to open session, they approved the Superintendent’s recommendations concerning personnel.
Duplin County Schools Superintendent Daren Tyndall shared that the North Carolina School Boards Association requested that a Duplin County board member be selected to serve on its legislative committee. Board member David Jones was nominated and approved by the board to fill the position. Tyndall also shared dates for upcoming activities across the county. The meeting adjourned thereafter.
