School Board mulls policy changes
7:59 p.m. Aug. 11, 2025
Moore County Observer
The Moore County Board of Education met Monday, Aug. 11, tackling policy revisions, approving surplus property measures, making staffing decisions, and hearing about a promising enrollment increase for the 2025-26 school year.
Director of Schools Chad Moorehead presented three proposed policy amendments for the board to consider in September.
• Administrative Reports: The board considered shifting the timing of specific annual reports to when complete data becomes available – such as teacher evaluation scores and tenure eligibility lists – rather than reviewing incomplete information in August.
• Revenue Policy: The proposed change would permit the district to pay processing fees for digital payments at school events, removing a ban that no current vendor can meet.
• Student Search Policy: Moorehead recommended adding “school administrator/designee” to the list of personnel authorized to search students. The change would address situations on athletic trips or when gender-specific needs arise and no administrator is present.
Enrollment Growth
Moorehead reported that district enrollment stands at 922 students – 397 at the high school and 525 at the elementary school – an increase of about 65 from last year. Only eight students are enrolled but not attending, suggesting the boost may hold and could increase funding.
Bus Surplus and Donation
The board voted to declare Buses 7 and 8 surplus. Members approved selling Bus 8 and donating Bus 7 to the Moore County Emergency Management Agency for conversion into a triage vehicle. EMA will return an older bus, which the district will sell.
Supplement for Student Council Sponsor
Board members approved a $750 annual supplement for the elementary school’s student council sponsor. The funding will come from eliminating one grade-level leader position, saving approximately $300.
Emergency Operations Plan
The state approved the district’s updated emergency operations plan, but board policy also requires local approval. Members chose to review the confidential document before voting. The district will meet with emergency responders next week to discuss the plan.
Staffing Updates
• The board hired temporary custodian Tyree Dunn, who will serve until he leaves for the U.S. Marine Corps on Aug. 20.
• Elementary library assistant Sue Waller retired, and instructional assistant Trista Hammers accepted a position in another district.
• The board plans to fill a federally funded position now that delayed funds have been released.
Other Business
• The district may receive donated materials and labor to build a handicap-accessible section for the high school band.
• Staff continue rolling out the Parent Square communication system, which will replace Remind.
• The board renewed its contract with Clark Schaefer Hackett for internal audits.
