BURGAW, NC - The Pender County Board of Education met on March 10, 2026, for its regular monthly meeting, taking action on construction items for the new J.H. Lea K-8 school, approving the district’s 2026 summer programming plan, and receiving updates on district events and operations.
J.H. Lea K-8 Construction and Facilities Items Approved
The Board approved several items connected to the ongoing J.H. Lea K-8 project, all by unanimous vote. These included a request for contractors to study the engineering requirements to add four canopies to the new school for inclement weather protection. The cost of the study is $1,500 and will provide an accurate proposal cost for the full project.
Board members also approved a package of construction change orders tied to the project. Items included the conversion of a pre-planned dance/drama room change to a school requested STEM lab, sidewalk modifications at bleacher areas, additional design work related to NCDOT requirements, off-site sanitary sewer improvements, stormwater revisions required through DEQ review, updated shower alcove finishes, and the return of unused concrete allowance funds to owner contingency. District staff noted that the change orders would be covered through existing allowances, contingencies, credits, or reimbursements, with no increase to the total contract value.
In addition, the Board approved:
Pay Application #6 for project management services in the amount of $18,924
J.H. Lea K-8 Pay Application #20 for monthly construction costs in the amount of $6,284,975.19
Both items will be paid from allocated bond funding.
2026 Summer Programming Plan Approved
The Board unanimously approved the 2026 Pender County Schools Summer Programming Plan, as required by the State of North Carolina. The plan includes end-of-course and end-of-grade re-administration and remediation, Read to Achieve support for second and third (priority) grade students, high school credit recovery during June, and various summer camps offered across the district in June and July.
Audit Contract Approved
Board members also unanimously approved the audit contract for the 2025–2026 school year. During discussion, district staff noted that the contract could be modified in the future if the district chose to expand auditing services (e.g. Booster Clubs).
Consent Agenda Approved
The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included attorney expenses, fuel and electric expenses, the board financial report by purpose and summary/PRC, budget amendments, board minutes, a 2026–2027 calendar adjustment for Pender Early College High School and Penderlea School, and monthly Pre-K/Head Start reporting.
Recognitions and Superintendent Updates
The meeting opened with a performance by the South Topsail Elementary chorus, which led the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and an additional musical selection. The Board also recognized Pender High School JROTC academic students who advanced to the national championships in Washington, D.C.
No public comments were submitted for the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Detailed information on agenda items may be found in the Board Packet, and the meeting may be viewed on the district’s "Meetings" page.
The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held April 14, 2026.