Bladen County Board of Education Packet Summary — 08-24-2026
Key Items on the Agenda
The Bladen County Board of Education packet is for the Regular Board Meeting - April 2026. The agenda materials identify consent agenda items, information items, and action items scheduled for board consideration.
The agenda includes items related to district finances, policies, facilities, student attendance zones, staffing, community partnerships, and informational presentations.
Major Financial Items
2025-2026 Budget Amendment #2
The packet includes a proposed 2025-2026 Bladen County Schools Budget Amendment #2 covering multiple funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. The document includes revised appropriations and proposed budgets for instructional services, support services, federal grants, capital outlay, child nutrition, and other special revenue funds.
The budget materials include a proposed State Public School Fund total of $37,017,034.71 and a Local Current Expense Fund total of $9,601,107.06.
The financial report included in the packet provides a March 31, 2026 snapshot of district funds, listing total funds of $65,393,675.46, with $46,101,161.64 in expenses and $19,292,513.82 remaining budget.
Policy and Governance Items
Reduction in Force Recommendation
The agenda includes a recommendation for a Reduction in Force (RIF) for certified, administrative, and classified staff under Board Policies 7920 and 7921. The packet states that the recommendation is based on financial exigency and is intended for the 2026-2027 school year.
The recommendation identifies potential reductions across administrative, instructional support, and classified positions. The packet states that the estimated annual savings associated with the recommended reduction is $2,230,168.52.
Board Policy Updates
The packet includes proposed changes to Board Policy 2330 regarding Board Meeting Agenda procedures. The policy addresses agenda preparation, public availability of agendas, additions to agendas, and expectations for board member review of meeting materials.
The board is also scheduled to consider a modification of Policy 3525 regarding credit card and procurement card usage. The proposed materials describe procedures for card issuance, authorized uses, receipts, security, purchase limits, and consequences for misuse.
A proposed modification of Policy 2230 regarding Board Committees is also included. The packet states that the changes are clerical changes to committee names and includes updated descriptions of standing and ad hoc committees.
Community Partnerships and Programs
The packet includes Memoranda of Understanding related to the Community Schools Program. The materials describe a partnership involving Bladen County Schools, the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, Student U, and Duke University-related evaluation activities.
The Community Schools materials describe a proposed Full-Service Community School model at Elizabethtown Middle School, including coordination, community partnerships, family engagement, and evaluation activities.
Classroom Closet MOU
The packet includes a Memorandum of Understanding with Classroom Closet, a nonprofit organization, for providing classroom supplies to teachers serving students in Bladen County Schools. The agreement proposes allowing Classroom Closet to use designated space at Elizabethtown Middle School for a teacher resource store.
Facilities and Property Items
East Arcadia School Property
The agenda includes a resolution regarding East Arcadia School property. The packet states that the proposed resolution would declare East Arcadia School as surplus property effective 6/15/2026 and would offer the property first to the Bladen County Commissioners as required by law.
HVAC Projects
The board is scheduled to consider HVAC project contracts for the Bladenboro Middle School Gym, Bladenboro Middle School Gym Lobby, and Clarkton School of Discovery Gym. The recommendation identifies Odyssey HVAC as the lowest bidder for the three projects.
The packet includes contracts for these projects, including a contract amount of $155,255.00 for the Bladenboro Middle School Gymnasium project.
Roofing Projects
The packet includes a recommendation concerning roofing projects at East Bladen and West Bladen High Schools outside buildings. The materials state that sealed bids were accepted and recommend consideration of a contract with Pope Metals as the lowest responsible bidder.
The engineer recommendation identifies a base bid from Pope Metals, Inc. in the amount of $138,975.00.
Plain View School Property
The agenda includes consideration of the upset bid process for Plain View School Property. The packet states that the district is considering starting the upset bid process with a minimum bid threshold of $200,000.
Student and Instructional Items
Attendance Zone Modification
The board is scheduled to consider a student attendance zone modification for Clarkton School of Discovery grades K-4. The proposal would return students living in Clarkton’s original attendance zone from Bladenboro Primary School and Elizabethtown Primary School to Clarkton School of Discovery as it becomes a K-8 school.
Exceptional Children Program Update
An information item in the packet provides an update on the Exceptional Children (EC) program and budget status as of March 31, 2026.
The EC funding summary states that expenditures across funding sources were on track and that no funding shortfalls were anticipated through June 30.
Substitute Teacher Management Program
The packet includes an informational presentation regarding a potential Kelly Education substitute teacher management program. The presentation describes a program intended to support substitute teacher recruitment, payment, assignment, and professional development.
What to Watch at the Meeting
- The board is scheduled to review financial actions, including Budget Amendment #2 and recommendations related to district staffing and expenditures.
- Policy discussions include proposed updates to board agendas, procurement card procedures, and committee structures.
- Property-related items include East Arcadia School surplus property procedures and consideration of the Plain View School upset bid process.
- Facility projects include HVAC and roofing contract recommendations.
- Community-focused items include Community Schools partnerships and the Classroom Closet resource program.
