WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wayne County Board of Education convened for its September 8, 2025, meeting, addressing key initiatives focused on student wellness, teacher development, and infrastructure improvements across the district.
Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives Take Center Stage
Christy White, Title IV Enrichment Facilitator, presented the annual Healthy Active Children & School Mental Health Policy Report to the board. The comprehensive report, which is submitted annually to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, highlighted the district’s strategic use of Opioid settlement funds to support early intervention education initiatives.
White outlined several district priorities, including staff wellness programs, K-8 recess requirements, and dedicated class time for health education programs. These efforts reflect the district’s commitment to addressing both physical and mental health needs of students and staff throughout Wayne County schools.
Beginning Teacher Support Program Receives Board Approval
The Wayne County Public Schools Human Resources Team provided a detailed overview of the district’s Beginning Teacher Support Program Plan, focusing on comprehensive support for new educators entering the profession. The presentation covered standards for mentorship, professional development opportunities, and program assessment protocols designed to ensure new teachers receive adequate guidance during their initial years.
Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved the Beginning Teacher Support Program Handbook, which will serve as the official guide for supporting new educators. This document will also be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as part of the district’s annual reporting requirements.
Committee Reports Drive Board Decisions
The board received updates from several standing committees, each presenting recommendations for approval:
Curriculum & Instruction Committee led the way with multiple contract approvals, including agreements with Community Supporting Schools of Wayne County and a memorandum of understanding with NC Advise. The committee also approved various purchase orders and contracts to support educational programming.
Finance Committee reported acceptance of $250 in monetary donations, bringing the year-to-date donation total to $250. The committee also approved routine purchase orders and contracts necessary for district operations.
Facilities Committee addressed significant infrastructure needs, approving surplus requests for an activity bus and maintenance trailer. Major facility projects received approval, including architect services for the RWM Gym project, an owner/architect agreement for the RWE Classroom Addition, and a fencing project contract for Southern Wayne High School.
The Policy Committee did not convene during the August meeting period.
Board Leadership and Representation
The Wayne County Board of Education operates under the leadership of Chair Willie Joyner II (District 4) and Vice-Chair J. Tommy Sanders III (At-Large). The seven-member board represents six geographical districts plus one at-large position, ensuring comprehensive representation across Wayne County.
Board members and their contact information include:
- District 1: Don Christopher West – christopherwest@wcps.org
- District 2: H. Len Henderson – lenhenderson@wcps.org
- District 3: Bridgette Cowan – bridgettecowan@wcps.org
- District 4: Willie Joyner II (Chair) – billjoyner@wcps.org
- District 5: Craig Foucht – craigfoucht@wcps.org
- District 6: Wade Leatham – daleleatham@wcps.org
- At-Large: J. Tommy Sanders III (Vice-Chair) – tommysanders@wcps.org
Meeting Resources Available to Public
Citizens interested in viewing the complete board meeting can access the full video recording through the district’s website. Additionally, the September 8, 2025, meeting agenda and all associated materials presented to the board are available for public review online.
The Wayne County Board of Education continues to meet regularly to address the evolving needs of the district’s students, staff, and community members. The next board meeting is scheduled according to the district’s published calendar, with meeting information available through the district’s official website.
