School Redistricting

Come back here at 7 p.m. for a live blog by Free Press Education Reporter Chris Lavender featuring Redistricting Committee Chairman Mike Moseley answering questions from the crowd.

6:45 p.m .. Nearly 50 people have showed up so far for tonight’s discussion on Lenoir County Schools redistricting efforts. Among those in attendance are Lenoir County Commissioner Linda Sutton and Lenoir County Board of Education member Billy Davis. Lenoir County redistricting committee chairman Mike Moseley will answer questions tonight from the public.

Hello Lenoir County!!!!

7 p.m. - The meeting has started now. Southwood Church member David Hodges is adressing the audience. Moseley is set to begin the discussion soon. Nearly 200 people have turned out for the meeting.

7:10 p.m. - Moseley said there are alot of different perceptions about what is happening with redistricting. Recognizes issue is very controversial and humbled to be elected as committee chairman.

7:13 p.m -Moseley said that the committee was asked to study redistricting issue for Lenoir County Schools. Committee is looking at what if scenarios based on data provided by N.C. State University Consultant Jeff Tsai. Committee is not at  a point to make any formal recommendations.

7:20 p.m. - Significant challenges in study include Neuse River as a natural barrier only have certain areas where you can cross the river. Locations of school sites optimal for city and county schools no longer optimal, building capacities for city and county are no longer optimal for combined system and new Northeast Elementary School may be underutilized when it opens in August, Moseley said.

Lenoir County Schools and Kinston City Schools merged in 1992, lines were never redrawn by district.

7:24 p.m. - Moseley wants to see students attend schools closest to their homes. Moseley said he feels compelled to bring about positive change to community. Whether study continues or not does not reside with advisory committee but with school board.

7:25 p.m. Question and Answer session has started. Joe Thompson asked how much has been spent and if capacity figures are accurate and when they will be provided. Moseley responded he didn’t know how much has been spent yet and that accurate capacities figures would be provided if committee meets again.

Moseley explained to the audience that he asked Superintendent Terry Cline during the last redistricting meeting to ask the current school board if the study should continue. The school board is scheduled to meet again on March 2.

7:35 p.m. Several questions posed regarding if the public can see proposed redistricing maps. Moseley responded there are no maps ready to view.

7:40 p.m. Question posed from audience member why not spend the fees on redistricting instead on improving current school programs. Several people asking questions have chosen not to identify themselves.

7:50 p.m. Ruth Hollowell stressed need to address transfer policy if redistricting is adopted. Moseley said school board has opportunity to look at transfer policy whether lines are redrawn or not.

8 p.m. Clay Howard former school board member from Pink Hill area asked why there are few people from Pink Hill on committee. Over 60 percent of committee attached to school system not a fair playing field, Howard said. Howard looked at committee list and did not find any Pink Hill residents. Moseley responded “I did not form the committee.”

8:05 p.m. - Two people just left the meeting, unidentified man said “Lets go we are wasting our time”

8:10 p.m. - Moseley still talking to audience. “At some point we are going to have to do something different than what we are doing now.” The chairman acknowledged potential growth coming from Sanderson Farms and Spirit AeroSystems in the coming years. Moseley said growth will likely be an issue in years to come as well.

8:13 p.m.- Previous school board asked committee to study redistricting but Moseley wants to find out what current school board wants committee to do now.

8:14 p.m.- Jeanne Grady said families are in limbo on what is happening during the redistricting study process.

8:20 p.m. - “Why the rush? Terry Cline wants this done by May. Packaged up with a bow on it by May,” audience member quips. Moseley said public hearings would be held before decision made by school board on redistricting.

8:30 p.m. - Moseley said he wants to reach consensus among committee members and not get into forced votes. “We are a community and we need to try and get on the same page,” Moseley said.

Ruth Hollowell said she has a problem with consensus vote in developing redistricting recommendation because not everyone is represented on the committee.

8:33 p.m. - Public questions will end in about 10 minutes.

8:34 p.m. Moseley said he plans to attend March 2 meeting but does not plan to speak. Cline will take committee’s request whether to continue study to the school board.

8:35 p.m. - Most of the audience has stayed for the entire meeting. Commissioner Linda Sutton just left the building.

8:40 p.m. - Clay Howard encouraged audience members to contact school board to voice opinions about redistricting process.

8:41 p.m. - C.L. Braxton serves on the redistricting committee. Braxton asked Moseley if he feels compelled to push redistricting. Moseley said he decided to not be very open about his position. He does think the issue should be studied. “There are some compelling reasons to study this.” Moseley said.

“Helpful to look at broader issues but that was not given to us,” Moseley said. 

The committee is not looking at school demographics during the first phase of the study.

8:49 p.m.- Audience member said redistricting issue should be resolved quickly. Lines should remain the same audience member said - audience applauds comment that lines should remain the same.

8:50 p.m. - Moseley making closing comments.

“We need to address this issue one way or another, “Moseley said. “I am hearing it is not one way or another. It’s a tough and challenging issue.”

“Have to take a honest look,” Moseley said. “Asking people to maintain an open mind.”

8:55 p.m. meeting is over, good night.

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