PSRC Board of Education Meeting Highlights

🏫PSRC Board of Education Meeting Overview

Date/Time: April 8, 2025, 6:00 PM
Location: Public Schools of Robeson County

🕊️ Moment of Silence

Pledge of Allegiance

Fairmont High School JROTC led the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.


📌 Key Information Items

👩‍🏫 Beginning Teacher Support Program Update

Presented by: Mr. Jamal Campbell, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at PSRC
🔍 NCDPI conducted a technical assistance visit on March 21.
✅The Program is being enhanced though the following measures:

  • Comprehensive training for mentors and academic coaches

  • Ongoing progress monitoring

  • Regular mentor support through PLCs

  • On-site instructional support

  • Monthly meetings and increased principal engagement

    🎯 Goal: Strengthen support system for new teachers across the district


Recognition of Distinguished American Indian Student

Honoree: Roderick Deese Jr., Senior at Fairmont High
🏅 Recognized for excellence in academics, leadership, and service

  • Active club member

  • Sports team captain

  • Gates Scholarship Finalist


📚 Battle of the Books Winners

Grades 2–3: 🥇 W.H. Knuckles Elementary
Elementary: 🥇 Carroll Middle (advancing to regionals)
Middle School: 🥇 Littlefield Middle (4th place at regionals)
High School: 🥇 St. Pauls High (1st in regionals, heading to state April 28)
👏 Celebrating student reading, collaboration, and critical thinking


🎓 Academic Focus: High Levels of Learning for All

Presented by: Dr. Debra Dowless, PSRC Director of Curriculum and Instruction
🎯 District-wide emphasis on college & career readiness
📌 Focus areas:

  • Equity in access to advanced coursework

  • Personalized student support and intervention

  • K–12 career development planning
    MajorClarity tool introduced in Grades 4–5


💰 ESSER III Funding Extension Cancellation

Presented by: CFO Erica Setzer & Board Attorney Richard Schwartz
🚨 On March 28, USDOE revoked ESSER III liquidation extensions
💸 Impact: Robeson County hardest hit in NC — $14.6M affected
🛠️ Projects impacted:

  • HVAC at Lumberton Senior High

  • Window replacements (3 schools)

  • Construction at Purnell Swett & St. Pauls
    📍 Next Steps:

  • NC DPI is appealing for 4 impacted districts

  • PSRC Board approved $2.2M from Capital Reserve for obligations

  • Superintendent & Attorney to contact congressional representatives


🧱 IEA Center Project Update

🏛️ Historic preservation grant funding improvements:

  • Masonry, windows, door repairs

  • Handicap-accessible ramp & parking
    📝 State review ensuring site compliance


🗣️ Public Comments

🌿 Mr. Marvin Ray urged preservation of the St. Pauls Community Garden, a valued community space on school property


📊 Action Items – Board Approvals

Approved:

  • 2025–2026 Academic Calendar

  • Use of $2.2M Capital Reserve for ESSER III project obligations

  • Letters to federal reps advocating for funding resolution

  • Revised Summer Testing Plan

Click here for more photos from the meeting.

Watch the meeting here: