Regular Board Meeting

The Bladen County Schools Regular Board Meeting held on September 22, 2026, focused extensively on educational performance data, budget updates, and procurement-related issues. Key procurement discussions included the approval of the 2026-2027 initial budget resolution, which detailed allocations across state, local, federal, capital outlay, and child nutrition funds. The board addressed challenges with funding timing, particularly the need to float capital expenses before reimbursement and the impact of charter school funding on local budgets. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the ongoing funding shortfall for School Resource Officers (SROs), with the board expressing concern over stagnant county contributions and the sheriff's office only partially funding SRO positions. The board declined a proposed change to SRO event staffing agreements due to financial constraints. Additionally, the board discussed the disposal process for surplus property at East Arcadia School, including the handling of bids and the disposition of school trophies and awards. The meeting concluded with recognition of academic improvements, plans for increased communication of successes, and a call for stronger collaboration with county commissioners to address funding and capital needs.