LUMBERTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has met its deadline to file an appeal in the prosecution of more than $ 87 million, the Robeson County Public Schools Board of Education said Tuesday.
The appeal was filed Tuesday, which was the deadline for the school district to send it to North Carolina Emergency Management, Hugh McIlwain, director of internal affairs and finance, told school committee members.
“So now it’s in the hands of the State Department,” said McIlwain. “You have 60 days to reply.”
The school board has hired the Washington, DC, law firm Baker Donelson to help track the money spent on the recovery effort of Hurricane Matthew. FEMA declined more than $ 87 million in funding and offered the school district approximately $ 4.5 million to restore Hurricane Matthew.
McIlwain said the state will include the appeal and letter of support for the school district’s efforts in a package that will be given to FEMA. The roll call contains about 55 pages of information, and the exhibits on the charter are 1,000 to 2,000 pages, he estimated.
“FEMA will then have 90 days to respond,” he said.
But the 90-day clock starts after every question the federal agency asks, McIlwain added. The best scenario is a reaction in late January or early February.
School board attorney Grady Hunt said hiring the law firm was one of the board’s best decisions in more than 27 years of serving them.
“The past seven weeks have been pretty incredible after listening to the roll call and seeing the work that went into the call,” said Hunt. “… I think our appeal is good, I think you showed the inconsistencies in the way certain things were handled along the way.”
“I’m not nearly stupid to tell you we’re going to get $ 87 million, but I’m crazy enough to tell you we’re going to get a hell of a lot more than $ 5 million,” Hunt added.
At the moment the board is “in a wait and see” situation, he said.
“It’ll just be interesting to see what twists and turns it takes,” said Hunt.
McIlwain said his department was not done with work even though they had mailed appeal papers.
“We’re going to be filing the 2021 build cost add-on because everything is so bloated compared to the 2019 reports,” said McIlwain.
It is in the hands of the state and the PSRC hopes for the best, he said.
Hunt praised Erica Setzer, Chief Finance Director, McIlwain and Superintendent Freddie Williamson for “the work of the yeoman” in the appeal process.
“I want to compliment Hugh,” said Mike Smith, chairman of the school committee, before applause broke out in the room.
Smith said he felt good when something positive came out of the situation.
“Maybe someday we’ll have this new high school for career tech,” he said.
McIlwain also thanked the board members for their support.
In other areas, Superintendent Williamson said the meetings will remain virtual due to COVID-19 metrics.
“My recommendation is that we still do not open the sessions to the public,” said Williamson.
District health service director Stephaine Locklear also gave an update on COVID-19, saying Robeson County has a positivity rate of 12.7% and is hovering around 30% of the population who are fully vaccinated.
“Our governor has asked us to adjust our re-entry plan and decisions will be made based on our ward or county metrics,” she said.
She will soon attend a meeting to gather information on the North Carolina Department of Health’s free offering of COVID-19 testing at each school, Locklear said.
“As soon as we get more information, we will be able to provide more complete details on what this looks like for our district,” she said.
Bobby Locklear, assistant superintendent for administration and auxiliary services, told board members that he is in the process of getting a quote for the order of 2,100 air purifiers to be installed in areas such as classrooms and gyms in the coming school year.
The school board on Tuesday approved a math employment contract that allows certified middle and high school math teachers to video tutor other students during their planning phase. A substitute teacher will be in the room, but the arrangement ensures that all students are taught by a certified teacher.
The agreement will also prevent teachers from “teaching additional courses and not receiving compensation,” said Robert Locklear, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and accountability.
The agreement is priced at $ 5,000 per semester, or about $ 40 an hour, he said.
“I think it’s a benefit for the teachers. It’s a win for the students. It’s also a win for poor principals who are really hard looking for teachers, ”said Anthony Barton, principal of Pembroke Middle School.
The board also approved a proposal from Charlene Locklear, director of child nutrition, to offer meals to the Old Main STREAM Academy in Pembroke.
The nutrition program for children and adults was also approved.
Board members also approved minor revisions to policies regarding drugs, the use of unmanned aircraft, the records of student discipline and long-term suspension.
“There were no significant changes,” said William Gentry, chairman of the school committee.
The board also approved the use of the sole providers Learning AZ and Digitalis Education Solutions.
Before the meeting began on Tuesday, everyone in attendance observed a minute’s silence for Tammy Wynne, an exceptional child teacher assistant and bus driver at Purnell Swett High School, and Central Office Administrator Derick Locklear, both of whom recently passed away.
After leaving the closed session, the board of directors approved personnel matters, with Dwayne Smith casting the only no.
Even after the closed session, Williamson announced to board members that the process of interviewing and hiring principals at Red Springs Middle School and Rowland Norment Elementary School will continue. A recruitment recommendation should be given and approved on Thursday.
The sitting was adjourned until 5 p. M. On Thursday.
You can reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or by email at [email protected]
