School Board close to finalizing new budget

School Board close to finalizing new budget

Moore schools Superintendent Tim Locklair presented his proposed operating budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Board of Education at its March 11 meeting. The updated projections would require an increase in funding from the county of $1,340,200 — increasing the local contribution to a proposed $3,540,200 — while pulling money from existing cash and using other methods, including leaving some vacant positions unfilled, some technology expenses being covered by a federal rural grant and other measures help to offset the extra spending. The superintendent noted that, thanks to staff vacancies, unspent funds were reallocated over the year to…
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MCS bans four books, restricts several more in contentious hearing

MCS bans four books, restricts several more in contentious hearing

CARTHAGE – The Moore County Schools Board of Education considered recommendations from the District Media and Technology Advisory Committees reviews in regards to nine books that were challenged, at the Jan. 16 board meeting. The challenged books were: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Looking for Alaska by John Green Crank by Ellen Hopkins City of Heavenly Fire: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare The board agreed with committee recommendations on three books, which will…
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Moore County Schools ‘potential school shooting’ threat deemed not credible

Moore County Schools ‘potential school shooting’ threat deemed not credible

RALEIGH — On Jan. 18, Moore County Public Schools (MCPS) announced the district had received a threat to its schools which later was deemed to not be “credible” or “actionable.” “On Tuesday, at approximately 11:40 a.m., we received a notification from the Southern Pines Police Department regarding an anonymous threat call made to a local business, pertaining to a potential school shooting,” a MCPS update on the incident stated. “However, the call did not provide specific information about any particular time or school in Moore County.” The update said MCPS continued its typical operations but had initiated precautionary measures such…
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Moore school board reviews calendar, endorses grant application

Moore school board reviews calendar, endorses grant application

CAMERON – The Moore County Schools Board of Education convened on Monday, Nov. 6, to discuss multiple items, including a review of the 2024-25 school calendar and an endorsement of a grant application for school renovations. The board revisited the previously approved 2024-25 school calendar, which adheres to the state’s traditional calendar law. Board member David Hensley expressed his dissatisfaction with the mandated schedule, stating, “Everyone knows that I’m not a fan of this politically driven school calendar. I’ve advocated for this board to exhibit civil disobedience and do what’s best for the education of our children, not what’s best…
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Board of Education approves extension to Superintendent’s contract 

Board of Education approves extension to Superintendent’s contract 

CARTHAGE – The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, August 14, with a few budgetary matters as well as an update on the Superintendent’s contract on the agenda.  The first action item the board approved was the purchase of three new activity buses from White’s IC Bus at the price of $130,758 per bus.   According to the plan presented by Assistant Superintendent for Operations Jenny Purvis, two of the buses would be purchased with ESSER funds, and the third bus will be funded through Transportation 706 funds.  “We’re moving forward with the purchase of three activity buses to…
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Frustrations boiler over again between Board of Education members

Frustrations boiler over again between Board of Education members

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, July 10, as animosity continued amongst board members. During discussions regarding the prioritization of the Master Facility Plan projects, emotions seemed to reach a boiling point as verbal clashes between Board Chair Robert Levy and Vice Chair David Hensley increased. Emotions had been running high between the two Republican members dating back to last month’s meeting when the two engaged in a verbal spout regarding what Hensley saw as an overstep by Levy as the Board Chair struck down three of Hensley’s added agenda items. The most recent point…
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MCS approves bids focused on higher quality food

MCS approves bids focused on higher quality food

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, June 12, with several items on the agenda, including bids for food and updates to bus technology. The board approved the 2023-24 Child Nutrition bid awards for groceries, supplies, beverages, produce, milk and ice cream. The companies that will be providing these supplies are Sysco Raleigh, Pepsi, Honeycutt Produce, Hershey Creamery, Maola Dairies, and Saffelle. “This is a total projected cost of $2,506,331.45. However, keep in mind that the actual cost will be based on the amount of product used, and any increase is projected to fit within the…
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Board of Education approves traditional calendar for 2024-25 school year

Board of Education approves traditional calendar for 2024-25 school year

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, May 8, with a full agenda of action items, including a vote on an upcoming calendar for the 2024-25 school year. The board’s first report was a proposal for a potential Student Uniform Policy. According to board member Shannon Davis, who presented the policy, the reason behind looking into the policy is mainly for safety and education. “It creates cohesion, expectations are removed and a sense of equality is available, children from all socio-economic backgrounds are on a level playing field and it creates a standard that we are…
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Moore County Schools reports bomb threat to middle school

Moore County Schools reports bomb threat to middle school

PINEHURST — Moore County Public Schools received a bomb threat on one of its middle schools, according to an April 26 press statement by the district. “This afternoon, a bomb threat was reported at New Century Middle School. The school immediately evacuated all students and staff following the procedure for this situation,” the statement said. “Currently, authorities are conducting a full search of the campus. All students and staff remained in their designated safe areas.” The district said it appreciated the support of the Moore County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, and Moore County Schools Police. The statement also said…
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New quotes for gym repairs to save Moore County Schools over $6 million

New quotes for gym repairs to save Moore County Schools over $6 million

WEST END — The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, March 13, with multiple endorsements and financial requests on the agenda.  The board recognized McDeeds Creek and Pinehurst Elementary Schools for their national recognition as model Professional Learning Communities. “Professional learning communities recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults that serve those students,” said board member Ken Benway. “The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results orientation. Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including a…
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