Johnston Reporter

The Johnston County Board of Education convened for its regular session on January 14, 2025. The meeting included several agenda items that were presented for action.

Johnston County Public Schools announced that South Smithfield Elementary has been recognized as an Authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme school. The program focuses on inquiry-based learning and conceptual understanding at the elementary level.

The board approved the minutes from both the regular and closed sessions held on December 10, 2024.

Advisory appointments were made to various school councils. New appointees include Mandy Valiquette, Fred Foreman, Donald Pate, and Jada Whitley to the Corinth Holders High School Advisory Council for a three-year term. Kathleen Stuckey and Shaquita Blue will serve a two-year term on the same council. Anna (Katie) Bond Collins joins Rosilyn Moseley and Maria Butler for a one-year term. Wendy Scott and Kristina Ledford were appointed to the Dixon Road Elementary School Advisory Council for three years, while Rebecca Holtdorf and Israel Morrow will join McGee's Middle School Advisory Council for the same duration. Monica Villafranca, Majorie Ramirez, and Lizbeth Hoyas Montes were appointed to West Smithfield Elementary School Advisory Council for three years.

Several administrative reports and recommendations received approval during the meeting. These included superintendent reports on certified personnel, classified personnel, substitute personnel, Level III volunteers, and Participate Learning Teacher Ambassador Fees for 2025-2026.

Items from the Chief of Facilities Design and Construction related to furniture for new construction projects were approved. Budget Amendment #3 was passed following recommendations from the Chief of Finance. Personnel recommendations from the Chief of Human Resources also received approval.

Additional approvals included a request for voluntary annexation of West Smithfield Elementary by Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary and Administrative Services and an emergency window replacement project at Riverwood Elementary.