New Hanover County school board discusses misconduct, the passage of the school bond, and new members following midterm election
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County School District held their first board meeting following an intense midterm election, to which unofficial election results show four new members will take the dais.
Statement regarding board member misconduct
While board member David Perry was notably absent from Thursday’s meeting, that didn’t stop the rest of the board from unanimously passing a statement on recent misconduct and cyberbullying.
“We’ve been talking about use of social media and the ethics in what we’re doing and the example that we’re setting for young people,” said Pat Bradford. “And yet, cyberbullying is going on on the board by one member.”
“This board has suffered in reputation from a lack of civility or a lack of collaboration,” said Tim Merrick.
“My only point of discussion is considering five of us will not be here very soon,” said Josie Barnhardt. “It might be a better opportunity for the board moving forward to have this discussion and see if they believe the same thing.”
It follows a political website Perry created using artificial intelligence depicting fellow board members Josie Barnhardt and Pat Bradford as witches. That website was a hot topic at the board’s October 27 meeting, but Perry left part way through after telling his colleagues he had business in Concord. Perry had also been censured at the prior meeting on October 9.
Thanking the community for passage of the school bond
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes took the time to thank the board, school district staff, and voters for the passage of a $320,500,000 school bond.
The bond will fund a new Trask Middle School, replacements for Williams and Pine Valley Elementary Schools, and improvements and repairs at New Hanover High School.
“I appreciate the time and commitment you gave our district and our community,” said Barnes. “And to our new board members who are coming in next month, I look forward to building strong relationships with you folks, working together and continuing the important work that we have started.”
New board members set to join
Democrats Margie Gewirtzman, Jerry Jones Jr., Brittnei Larue, and Wendy Dale are expected to join the New Hanover County school board according to unofficial election results.
Pat Bradford and Josie Barnhardt lost their reelection bid, and board chair Pete Wildeboer is set to retire once the new members are sworn in.
“I have been blessed to sit in this chair for three years and on this dais for six years,” said Wildeboer. “I know her term ends next month, but with so many of us moving on, I want to take a moment now to thank some really important people who have supported me as a board member and for half the time on the board as chair.”
The canvas to finalize election results takes roughly ten days after election night.
