Denise Magwood - Stakeholder in Craven County Schools

Current weather forecasts are predicting the possibility of a significant winter storm this weekend. With temperatures expected to remain very cold into next week, there is 𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 that snow or ice could create unsafe travel conditions on Monday and potentially additional days next week.

Out of an abundance of caution, Craven County Schools is taking the following proactive steps to ensure families are prepared:

𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓
Our School Nutrition team is working to ensure qualifying families continue to have access to healthy meals. We plan to provide two breakfasts and two lunches for students who may need meals in the event that remote learning becomes necessary.

𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
Students will be bringing home remote learning information today so families are prepared SHOULD inclement weather impact school operations.

Please note that 𝐍𝐎 official decision has been made regarding school operations for the week of February 2nd at this time. A decision will be made Sunday afternoon, once we have clearer and more accurate information regarding weather conditions and road safety.

As always, the district will communicate all updates and decisions through email, text messages, social media, the district and school websites, and local media outlets.

Thank you for your patience and partnership as we plan ahead to keep our students and staff safe. We truly appreciate your continued support of Craven County Schools.

Almost time to head back to school!!

Continued prayers to the Doss Family!

Funeral arrangements for NBHS Bear Lamichael Andre Doss Jr are as follows:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 @ 530pm
Two Rivers Church
3321 Neuse Blvd #13
New Bern NC 28562
Visitation will be from 430pm-530pm with the service to follow.

Please help us welcome Dr. Matthew Cheeseman to Craven County Schools:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2025

Craven County Board of Education Approves Dr. Matthew Cheeseman as New Superintendent

New Bern, NC-The Craven County Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Matthew Cheeseman as the district’s next superintendent during its Work Session held on December 16, 2025. Dr. Cheeseman will officially assume the role on February 1, 2026.

Dr. Cheeseman brings more than 31 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a superintendent. He currently serves as Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools, a position he has held since January 2019. He was recently named the 2025–2026 Southeast Region 2 Superintendent of the Year and was selected as a finalist for North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.

“Dr. Cheeseman stood out during the interview process because of his passion in wanting to serve Craven County Schools and his clear commitment to moving our district forward as THE CHOICE for families, students, and staff,” said Board Chairman Lee Kirkman. “The Board looks forward to working with him as we continue building a strong future for our schools.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Cheeseman has held a wide range of leadership and instructional roles in districts across North Carolina and the country, including superintendent, chief academic officer, curriculum leader, administrator, athletic director, and classroom teacher.

Dr. Cheeseman holds a Doctorate from East Carolina University, a Master of Arts from San Jose State University, a Bachelor of Science from Delaware Valley University, and Principal Certification from Gardner-Webb University.

To ensure continuity in leadership, the Board of Education has approved Dr. Stuart Blount to serve as Interim Superintendent effective January 1, 2026, as Mr. Richard Stout completes his term as the current Interim Superintendent. Dr. Blount will serve in this role until Dr. Cheeseman officially begins on February 1, 2026.

Dr. Cheeseman has been married to Dr. Lisa Cheeseman for 29 years. They have one daughter, who will graduate from high school in May 2026.

The Craven County Board of Education looks forward to Dr. Cheeseman’s leadership and his continued commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.

The next Superintendent of Craven County Schools is Dr. Matthew F Cheeseman, contract Feb 2025 - June 2029.

Reading up on him he has an extensive background in education leadership; more than 31 years.

Read up on him here:

Dr. Matthew Cheeseman - Superintendent Dr. Matthew Cheeseman - Superintendent - Beaufort County Schools NC

With there being 2 HR reports on the agenda for today’s work session coupled with the special called meeting last week, we may be getting info on a new Superintendent but that’s just my theory!
You can stream the session here:

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There are school board meetings this week.
The work session on Tuesday (8:30 a.m.) includes public input and is in the Central Services Building on Trent Road.
Thursday's meeting (6:00 p.m.) is a recognition meeting at Grover C. Fields Middle School on MLK Blvd. There is NO public input at Thursday's meeting.

Tuesday's agenda: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=250&MID=17700

Tuesday's Work Session
1. Public comment is after the superintendent's report.
2. The board is asked to approve the driver's education service contract. Two companies submitted bids: Motorpool Driving School, with a Gastonia mailing address, and Jordan Driving Schools of the Carolinas (JDS), with a Vanceboro mailing address. Dr. Gregory Monroe, Director of Student Services, requests that the board approve JDS's bid.
3. Dr. Boutwell, Director of Accountability and Exceptional Children, will ask the board to approve two calendar changes. The first change is because of the recent Dec. 9th inclement weather day---needs the board to make it a "No Day for Students and Staff"---Early Colleges add May 27th as an optional workday, and Traditional schools will add June 4th as an optional workday.
The second change request is for the 2026-2027 school calendar: to make Tuesday, Nov. 3rd (Election Day) a holiday for students and an optional workday for staff at traditional schools.
Early College 2025-2026 Calendar: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=456129&MID=17700
2025-2026 Traditional Calendar: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=456130&MID=17700
2026-2027 Traditional Calendar: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=456131&MID=17700
4. The board is asked to approve four field trips.
5. The board is asked to approve a generator being donated by Recore Energy--the generator is for the district's Nutrition Warehouse.
6. Mr. Jerome Williams, Director of Facilities, will update the board regarding the district's building/ maintenance projects. From the agenda:
New Bern High School Boiler: $155,615 anticipated completion 2/1/26 (90%)
Ben D. Quinn Elementary Unit #5 change out: $121,725 anticipated completion 12/18/25 (90%)
West Craven High School Band Room: $104,250 anticipated completion 1/30/26
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary Art Room: $147,450 anticipated completion 2/20/26
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary Gym: $72,840 anticipated completion 1/30/26
Trent Park Elementary Gym Roof: $125,000 Complete and Commissioned
West Craven High School HVAC Controls: $75,000
Havelock High School HVAC Controls: $64,000
7. Dr. Staurt Blout, Interim Assistant Superintendent, will update the board regarding the Havelock Middle & Tucker Creek consolidation.
Construction Schedule: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=456123&MID=17700
Budget: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=456124&MID=17700 (NC Lottery money is funding most of this expansion project) Lottery press release: https://nclottery.com/NewsBlogDetails/2024/5/6/Six-more-wins-for-education-thanks-to-your-play
8. There are nine policies under First Read--with most changes recommended by the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) or required by statute. The board will again review Policy 2120: Code of Ethics for School Board Members.
New version combining current and model policy: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=455361&MID=17700
Current policy: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=455360&MID=17700
NCSBA's model version: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=250&AID=454203&MID=17700
9. The meeting includes a closed session and two human resources reports--for the board to approve.

Troy Pennington will be at New Bern High School gym Tuesday-Thursday at 7am for anyone that needs prayer before the exams.

Wishing nothing but BLESSINGS to our
Craven County Schools high schoolers taking exams this week. I pray everything comes to remembrance and there is no anxiety, stress, or struggle. I pray for no overthinking!
Three words….YOU’VE GOT THIS!!

FYI‼️‼️

The Craven County Board of Education has scheduled a special called meeting on Wednesday, December 10th, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the Craven County Schools’ Administrative Building, 3600 Trent Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss personnel matters and to consult with their attorney.

Other than the opening and closing of the meeting, the meeting will be in closed session.

No action will be taken. This meeting will not be live-streamed.

🚨 UPDATE: SCHOOL CLOSED 🚨

Due to the forecasted wintry mix and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our travel routes, Craven County Schools will be CLOSED for all students and staff tomorrow, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

All after-school activities and athletics are cancelled.

We apologize for the change in plans from the earlier delay announcement, but safety is our number one priority. Stay warm and safe!

CCSD: Due to the forecasted wintry mix anticipated this evening and the potential for hazardous road conditions in the early morning, Craven County Schools will operate on a 2-Hour Delay for all students and staff on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025.

Safety is our top priority, and this delay allows daylight to break and gives our transportation team time to assess road conditions before buses begin running routes.

What this means for students:

Bus Transportation: All buses will arrive at their stops 2 hours later than the normally scheduled time.

School Start Time: School buildings will open for student drop-off 2 hours later than usual.

Breakfast: A grab-and-go breakfast will be available.

Dismissal: School will be dismissed at the regular time.

Monitoring Conditions: Please know that weather forecasts can change quickly. District staff will continue to monitor the roads and weather conditions throughout the night. If conditions worsen and a full closure is necessary, we will notify you immediately via email, text, and our district social media and website.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wagner

Director of Public Relations and Communications