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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Facing serious budget problems and potential position reductions and layoffs, board members discussed asking both New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment for additional support. One board member also raised concerns that some employees had already been notified their position was being cut — even though Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust and other top administrators have denied this was happening.
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The New Hanover County Commissioners are proposing an additional $7.6 million in school funding. That announcement was unveiled at a commissioners’ budget work session on Thursday, April 12. Initially, the New Hanover County Schools district had asked for a lower amount — $4.5 million — in additional funding.
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Last year, we reported on the abrupt closing of the Career Readiness Academy at Mosley — a little-known but beloved program in the New Hanover County Schools district. Public pushback saved the Mosley program, but developed into a debate over a 'newcomer school' for immigrants who had recently arrived in the United States, introduced as a possible replacement for Mosley. On this show, we unpack some of the narratives and misinformation that became part of that debate.
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At Tuesday’s New Hanover County School Board meeting, members voted unanimously to conduct a districtwide climate survey of all employees. The board is working on some suggestions for questions, including topics such as discipline, safety, and overall morale.
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On Monday, Chief Financial Officer Ashley Sutton sent a memorandum about local budget restrictions to the district’s principals, senior leadership, and directors.
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Last month, the New Hanover County Schools Turn Around Task Force, a group created to support the district’s lowest-performing schools, heard from around a dozen parents. Top concerns included proposed job cuts and supporting student mental health and multi-language learners (MLLs). Politicians have paid a lot of lip service to parents’ voices — so will they be listened to?
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After the New Hanover County School district's administration proposed a newcomer school, significant pushback shelved the idea. But the conversation left the idea of who would be served by such a school fairly abstract.
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On Wednesday, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released draft figures about school personnel attrition for the 2022-2023 school year. So, how did the Cape Fear region districts fare?
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In honor of Sunshine Week — an annual event focused on government transparency and reporters who work to hold governments accountable for being open to the public — WECT, Port City Daily, and WHQR took a look at warrants and domestic violence protection orders. WHQR also took a closer look at a new policy aimed at giving New Hanover County school board members first crack at public documents — something that definitely isn't in keeping with the spirit of Sunshine Week.
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At Thursday’s New Hanover County Schools budget work session, the Board of Education said they’re still working on their submission to the county commission — which they hope to send by April 15. They’re asking the county for $107 million for operating expenses and capital costs ($8.7 million).