The Harnett County Board of Education reveals costly, unnecessary federal requirements

The Harnett County School Board’s $35,000 federal paperwork bill revealed the federal government’s costly oversight. Proof of healthcare is no longer required, but must still be reported, and it costs the district about $35,000 to complete.

Payroll is completing the Affordable Care Act (ACA)1095 forms.

Penalties for not supplying forms to employees have been reduced, but there is no set end date and requires congressional action to repeal. Thank President Barack Obama, who signed it into law on March 23, 2010.

Andrew Cox, assistant superintendent of financial services, said auditors will present the findings for the district’s budget in Feb.

The board approved Metcon, Inc as the construction manager at risk for the Highland High School project. Metcon, Inc scored the highest in evaluations among the other applicants.

In an unexplained event that reoccurs only during public comments, the board’s camera switched away from people during public comments. This ongoing problem deters public speakers with disrespect, so the board has shrunk the list of speakers.

The only speaker, Ed Simmermire, spoke first in his native Coharie language and reminded the board they had been on the land long before the whites. He said they were entering a program to serve Harnett County’s Native students as directed under Title VI Indian grant programs. Along with extra educational help, the program assists in preserving the culture and in providing intercultural exchange to prepare them for the future.

During updates, Superintendent Brooks Matthews said he will meet with the principals to review goals going into the second semester. He mentioned that Jan. was school board appreciation month, and the members received gift bags.

Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services Chris Pearson provided updates. High schools completed testing before the Christmas break, and they were optimistic as compared to last fall. Re-testing non-proficient students, as allowed by the state, allowed students to test as proficient, and 40 students participated.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brookie Ferguson said check-ins showed the teachers doing an excellent job. “We see lots of positive practices and growth.”

Monica Thompson, assistant superintendent for human resources, said they had 10 classroom vacancies now. Last year at this time, they had 40. Teacher evaluations had a 100% completion rate. They held a job fair on Jan. 12 with some certified teachers attending. They have 14 candidates ready for bus training beginning in mid-March. For the Jan. classes, 40 people will complete bus training. There are 26 full-time teachers, and they are compiling the nomination list for the teacher of the year.

Nearly 300 students will graduate in the winter program at Campbell University at 3 p.m. on Sunday. It is a ticketed event. Jermaine White, assistant superintendent of student services, said Dunn Elementary will open a resource center for families. The district selected two pilot programs for community service programs. Students can earn special service-learning certificates to accompany their diplomas.

Member Don Godfrey said he was so proud to be on the board and that the board worked together well. He wanted to recognize the administrative staff for their hard work.

Important Dates

Jan.19: No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Feb. 2: Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Boardroom, Central Service

Feb. 16: Telework Day—No School for Students

March 2: Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Boardroom, Central Service

March 16: Board Work Session, 9 a.m., Boardroom, Central Service

March 30: Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Boardroom, Central Service

April 3 – Holiday

April 6-10 – No School – Spring Break

April 20: Board Work Session, 9 a.m., Boardroom, Central Service

The next meeting is Feb. 2.

Jan. 13, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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