New Hanover School Board member speaks out against censure vote

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County School Board is preparing for a special vote to censure board member Dr. Tim Merrick at a meeting later this week.

In an email sent to school board members, board chair Melissa Mason accuses Merrick of violating board policies and a state statute.

According to Mason, Merrick violated Policy 2175, which pertains to confidential information, and Policy 2120, which outlines the code of ethics for school board members.

The state statute she cited, Article 21A of Chapter 115C, relates to the unlawful access of information in a personnel file.

The accusations stem from an alleged conversation Merrick had with a teacher about a district policy, during which Merrick expressed disagreement with the policy.

In several response emails, Merrick denied wrongdoing.

He also said Mason’s request to hold a meeting on short notice violated board policy, which requires 30 days to prepare a defense.

Merrick said Mason acted outside her authority as board chair by calling for the meeting.

“Because the chair did not get a motion from the board, a vote from the board, a committee to investigate, an interview with the accused, none of that took place,” Merrick said. “It means that she was not working for the board; she was working as an individual.

While a censure vote is considered a formal reprimand by the board, it would not remove Merrick from his position as a school board member.

The special meeting will be held at 2 pm Friday.

WWAY reached out to Board Chair Melissa Mason for comment but have not heard back at this time.