# 9/15/26 Board Meeting

The Craven County School Board of Education held a work session on September 15, 2026, focusing on various district updates including construction progress, budget status, and educational performance metrics. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the Freedom Middle School construction project, where contractors Smith Senate Architects and JMT reported the project was on schedule with materials and subcontractors in place, and a budget update showing $1.7 million spent year-to-date with a contingency balance of approximately $1.05 million. The board approved an addendum to the contract with ESS Southeast Substitute Service to provide clinical staff such as nurses and therapists to meet increased student needs, with the motion passing unanimously. Additionally, the board reviewed several policy revisions related to procurement and vendor management, which will proceed to a second reading. The meeting also covered academic performance data, attendance initiatives, and facility planning criteria, but no new contracts or capital projects were approved beyond the ESS addendum. The session concluded with a closed session and adjournment.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Sources
- [9/15/26 Board Meeting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmfWDHrlWVg) - CravenCountySchools