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Rachel Keith
Reporter/HostRachel is a graduate of UNCW's Master of Public Administration program, specializing in Urban and Regional Policy and Planning. She also received a Master of Education and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and French Language & Literature from NC State University. She served as WHQR's News Fellow from 2017-2019. Contact her by email: rkeith@whqr.org or on Twitter @RachelKWHQR
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These four stories represent WHQR reporter Rachel Keith's work covering the Turnaround Task Force, created to help support and improve some of New Hanover County's low-performing public schools.
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Over a dozen students and alumni came to the board room to hear what CFCC President Jim Morton and the trustees had to say about the recent reorganization of the marine tech program. That included effectively removing chair Jason Rogers after almost twenty years of leading the program.
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After nearly two decades, Jason Rogers, the head of Cape Fear Community College's marine technology program, was pushed out, leaving students, faculty, and alumni confused and concerned. For only one example, the recent bid for a new research vessel was, initially, for the Pacific Ocean — evidence to some that the program is rudderless without Rogers' leadership.
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On Tuesday, the New Hanover County Board of Education voted unanimously to initiate the search for the interim superintendent through the North Carolina School Boards Association, which will provide candidates. They also got an update on the construction work at New Hanover High School.
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At Tuesday’s New Hanover County school board meeting, members voted unanimously to ask the commissioners for around $300,000 to fund a facility study and master plan for New Hanover High School. They also voted to schedule a work session to begin planning for the next school bond.
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Board members voted to amend policies 3200 and 7300, which govern what teachers can display in their classrooms. Teachers and staff are now allowed to display family photos, student art, and military flags in addition to materials that represent the United States, the state of North Carolina, New Hanover County, the school name and mascot, post-secondary institutions, school-sponsored events, sponsorships, and/or the approved curriculum.
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The board emerged from closed session just before 11:00 p.m. to announce the unanimous vote to terminate his contract immediately. Board members Stephanie Kraybill and Josie Barnhart were absent from the meeting. The board named Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Christopher Barnes, acting superintendent. The board did not discuss his termination. Foust walked out of the building before the board took the formal vote.
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On Tuesday, June 25, Jason Rogers sent a ‘farewell’ email to the students and staff of the Cape Fear Community College marine technology program. Rogers said his application to remain the program's leader was “unsuccessful.”
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The New Hanover County Board of Education unanimously passed the district’s budget on Thursday. Board members agreed that the new information presented by the district helped them decide, including specific numbers on which jobs are currently active, frozen, or will be phased out before the next school year. Board member Melissa Mason was absent from the vote.
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The New Hanover County Board of Education did not pass a budget on Tuesday. They’re now set to hold an emergency meeting late Thursday morning to revisit the vote. After a long bout of silence, with members not wanting to introduce a motion to approve the budget, Board Member Stephanie Kraybill reluctantly made the motion to approve it. Only she and Board Chair Pete Wildeboer voted to approve. Member Josie Barnhart was absent from the meeting.