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From the Boardroom

Wayne County Board of Education Meeting Recap [11-4-24]

From theBoardroomWayne County Board of Education Meeting Recap[11-4-24]
On November 4, 2024 the Wayne County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Upon returning from Closed Session, the Board approved its Meeting Agenda.

Board member honored for service

Prior to the start of the meeting, a reception was held to honor Wayne County Board of Education District 3 representative, Patricia Burden, for her dedicated service to Wayne County Public Schools, the Wayne County Board of Education, and the citizens of District 3. Friends, past staff members, district staff and leadership, and the members of the Wayne County Board of Education honored her with cards, plaques, and flowers to recognize her dedicated service to District 3 over the past decade. Ms. Burden began serving December 5, 2014. She is not seeking re-election and her current term will expire November 30, 2024. During closing comments, Board members also thanked Ms. Burden for her more than 50 years of service to public education as a teacher, principal, and Board of Education member.

United Way of Wayne County holds special WCPS campaign drawing

Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of the United Way of Wayne County, was given the opportunity to hold two special campaign drawings for WCPS staff. The first was for a cruise, which eligible WCPS staff who gave their Fair Share (e.g. 1 hour pay per month) were entered into. Carver Heights Elementary Exceptional Children (EC) Instructional Assistant, D'angelo Greenfield, won the drawing for the cruise. The second drawing was for a school to receive a $5,000 grant, which was awarded to Norwayne Middle School.

Board proclaims Apprenticeship Week

The Wayne County Board of Education proclaimed November 17-23 as “Apprenticeship Week.” Prior to the proclamation being read, Kristie Sauls, Wayne Community College Director of Apprenticeships, highlighted the college’s apprenticeship program and its ability to address local workforce needs. She recognized eight current youth apprenticeships, which included a number of fields including teaching.

Board proclaims Family Engagement Month

The Wayne County Board of Education proclaimed November as “Family Engagement Month.” Andrea Freile, Family Engagement & Communications Coordinator, along with members of the Title I Parent Advisory Council stood in support of the proclamation while it was read.

Board learns about new WCC Instructional Assistant courses

Dr. Yvette Smith Mason, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Professional Development, informed the Board that the district is working with Wayne Community College (WCC) to update its job descriptions for Instructional Assistants, Exceptional Children Instructional Assistants, and Behavioral Specialists. As part of the updates, WCC will work with the school district to offer pathways to these positions for staff. Dr. Patricia Pfeiffer, WCC President, and Renita Dawson, Vice President-Workforce Continuing Education & Community Engagement shared information about two new hybrid courses, which are designed to lead to a national career readiness certificate and give participants the necessary skill sets to enter the Instructional Assistant positions.

Board receives committee updates and approves recommendations

Each Board of Education committee gave an update along with any recommendations that came out of the associated committee meeting:


  • Donation Report - The Board accepted $8,851.32 in monetary donations and $13,465.00 in non-monetary donations, bringing year to date donation totals to $14,351.32 in monetary donations and $24,470.00 in non-monetary donations.

Board hears and/or approves MOUs & Agreements

Public Comment

One individual signed up to address the Board during its Public Comment period.


  • Shauna Baker - Bus driver vacancy concerns

Board approves Consent Agenda

Prior to the Board Comment period, the Board approved its Consent Agenda, which included minutes, Student Reassignments, and a General Personnel Report.

Board Meeting Resources

The full November 4, 2024 Board Meeting video can be viewed by clicking on the following Board Meeting Video link. The November 4, 2024 Meeting agenda and associated materials presented to the Board can be viewed by clicking on Meeting Link.

DISTRICT 1: Mr. Don Christopher West - christopherwest@wcps.org

DISTRICT 2: Mr. H. Len Henderson - lenhenderson@wcps.org

DISTRICT 3: Ms. Patricia A. Burden - patriciaburden@wcps.org

DISTRICT 4: Mr. Willie Joyner, II - billjoyner@wcps.org

DISTRICT 5: Mr. Craig Foucht (Chair) - craigfoucht@wcps.org

DISTRICT 6: Mr. Wade Leatham - daleleatham@wcps.org

AT LARGE: Mr. J. Tommy Sanders III (Vice-Chair) - tommysanders@wcps.org

Wayne County Public Schools

Located in Goldsboro/Wayne County, North Carolina