New Hanover School Board member David Perry facing censure, board approves student mental health policy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Another New Hanover County School board member is facing possible censure.

During the board’s agenda meeting on Tuesday, board member Pat Bradford called for a special meeting, saying fellow member David Perry broke board confidentiality and policy.

Perry said he told a parent about an appeal the board had approved that involved the parent’s child.

He acknowledged he overstepped, but felt the parent deserved to know.

The board voted 6-1 to hold the special meeting for further discussion before their next board meeting on August 5th.

Fellow member Tim Merrick was censured by the board back in April for violating policies related to personnel policy.

The board also unanimously approved a district-wide mental health policy to ensure every school has its own plans to encourage and support student mental health.

Each plan will include a variety of required aspects, including annual training for staff, bullying prevention and substance use prevention programs.

Starting this year, a new plan to support student mental health must by reviewed by the board every 5 years, according to state law.