Q.  How can I address the Board of Education?

A.  Time for public comment has been established by the Board during the period noted on the Board Agenda. In order to address the Board, you must register prior to 6:30p.m. Comment involving concerns with school system personnel not involving the Superintendent should be presented to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will schedule a time for comment on personnel matters at the first available closed session after the Superintendent has time to review the concerns. Comments involving concerns with the Superintendent should be scheduled through the Board Chairperson. The Board is not required to respond to any public comment received at a meeting.  (Northampton County Board of Education Policy No 1310)

Discussion will be limited to three (3) minutes per presenter and fifteen (15) minutes on any given topic. The discussion period shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes at any regular Board meeting, except by permission of the Board. Items for discussion must be appropriate for open session. The Chairperson reserves the right to limit discussion on any topic to designated spokeperson(s).

As the Northampton County Board of Education enters into the regular business meeting, the public should respect the Board as it conducts its business in an orderly manner.

Members of the public must have prior approval from the Board to address items on the agenda once the Board has gone into regular business session. 

Q.  How many people are on the school board?

A.  There are seven members on the school board.

Q.  What does a school board do?

A.  They develop policy and direction for the school system. They approve the budget and priorities for the school system. They approve all hiring in the school system. They do not manage the daily operations of the school district. That is the job of the superintendent and the staff.

Q.  Is this a paid position?

No, it is an elected position. However, members are paid a monthly stipend.

Q.  If I'm interested in being on the school board, what should I to do?

A.  Take the time to attend board meetings; this would give you an idea of the scope of the issues they deal with. In any given meeting they could be talking about curriculum issues, energy management, school buildings, technology. You name it - if it happens in our schools, they will be discussing it. If after a few visits you would like to run for the board, then you may file to be a candidate at the Board of Elections office during the designated filing period. Elections are held every two years.

Q.  Once elected, how long is the term?

A.  Board members serve for four years.

Q.  Can I be an employee of the Northampton County Schools and a member of the school board at the same time?

A.  No, you cannot serve as a member of the Board while employed in the system.

Q.  If my child is having a problem in school, should I call a school board member?

A.  Because they are policy makers, not principals or administrators, you may find that calling a board member may not be the most productive first step in addressing your concern.

If the concern is in the classroom or in an extra-curricular activity, first contact the teacher or activity leader. If that doesn't help, contact your child's principal. If you feel the problem is still unresolved, then you could contact someone in Curriculum and Instruction at Central Office or the Superintendent at 252-534-1371. If after trying all those options, you still feel the need to contact a school board member, please do so.

If the concern is in our afterschool program, contact the program coordinator at your child's school, or the Community Schools Office at 252-534-1371.

Q.  If I'm a Northampton County Schools employee and have a concern, can I contact a school board member?

A.  Because they are policy makers, not managers or supervisors, you may find that calling a board member may not be the most productive first step in addressing your concern. First speak with your supervisor. If that does not resolve the situation, then speak with someone at Central Office in Human Resources or with the Superintendent. If after trying those options, you still feel the need to contact a school board member, please do so.

Q.  How can I contact a member of the school board?

A.  Phone -- Numbers listed on the website and in the phone book
Regular post - Board of Education, Central Services, 701 N. Church St., Jackson, NC  27845