Pender County BOE will not file suit against BOC

Pender County, NC (Press Release) — On August 3, 2015, the Pender County Board of Education instructed its attorneys not to file a funding dispute lawsuit against the Pender County Board of Commissioners. The decision was by a 4-1 vote. The Board of Education is disappointed that mediation did not result in any additional resources for the school’s funding request for the 2015-16 school year, and remains convinced that the County’s 2015-16 appropriations are inadequate to meet the needs of the children of Pender County.  The Board of Education had hoped that mediation would provide an opportunity for both boards to carefully review the school system’s needs and find creative ways to address those needs without a tax increase.

The Commissioners’ recent approval of advance funding of the approved bond projects was a very positive development that will enable the school system to move forward together to provide desperately needed school facilities for its growing population.  That funding is greatly appreciated and will provide long-term benefits for Pender County.  The Board of Education looks forward to the Commissioners’ prompt approval of the architectural and construction manager contracts that will be presented at the upcoming Commissioners’ meeting on August 10 for the following much needed school projects: Penderlea K-8 School, the Surf City schools, the additions at Cape Fear Elementary School and Cape Fear Middle School, and the additions and renovations at Burgaw Middle School, West Pender Middle School, and Pender High School.

The Commissioners also have expressed willingness to discuss a possible school funding formula. The Board of Education welcomes the opportunity to start this discussion immediately.

It is hoped that these two positive developments can form a basis for more discussion and collaboration between the two boards.  Litigation has always been viewed as a last resort.

The Board of Education’s decision not to file a lawsuit in no way diminishes the need for increased funding from the County.  The Commissioners’ appropriation for the school system’s 2015-16 current expense fund is lower now than it was six years ago (2009-10), while the number of students has increased dramatically and inflation has eroded buying power.  The situation is untenable and funding will have to increase or the children’s education will suffer.

Although there will not be a funding lawsuit this year, the Board of Education implores the Commissioners to invest in the teachers of Pender County by amending the 2015-16 budget. The Board firmly believes that it is essential to provide additional funding this year to increase teacher supplements by 2% to a more competitive level. Current funding by the Commissioners does not even maintain existing supplements. Additional funding will allow the school system to recruit and retain a high-quality teacher in every classroom to address the needs of each and every child.