Board of Education - August 2026 Meeting Highlights

This is an unofficial summary of the meeting prepared by the Dare County Public Information Department and does not include all items discussed. For complete meeting details, please review the meeting agenda packet or watch the meeting recording on our YouTube channel.

Official meeting minutes are posted after they are approved by the Board of Education, typically at the board’s next monthly meeting. View the Agenda

• Superintendent Steve Basnight was selected as a finalist for the 2026 Top 10 Superintendents in North Carolina distinction by Education Insider Magazine.
   
• Director of Human Resources Oliver Holley was selected to serve on the N.C. State Board of Education's Task Force on Educator Licensure and Advancement.
   
• Dare County Director of Health and Human Services Dr. Sheila Davies shared an update on a new pilot program offering telehealth services to students in grades 6–12 through a partnership with the county, Surf Pediatrics, and school nurses. Families can opt in to this service through the annual update process in Infinite Campus.
   
• Director of Transportation Alex Chandler provided an update on the district's transportation department. The department received a 100% efficiency rating from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, which impacts state funding. Congratulations!
   
• Director of Maintenance Ian Adam highlighted preventative maintenance and capital improvement projects completed throughout the summer. With just nine maintenance employees serving the district, the team continues to accomplish a tremendous amount of work to keep our schools and facilities operating smoothly.
   
• Early Dismissal Schedules: Secondary school early dismissal times have been adjusted to accommodate the state's testing window. On early dismissal days, middle schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m., and high schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.
   
• Exam Exemptions for High School: Students who have 3 or less absences and maintain a course average of 80% or higher may be exempt from final teacher made exams.
   
• Teaching and Learning: Directors Holly King, Mary Bridgers and Denise Fallon shared how schools are strengthening student learning across the district, including the role of technology and intentionally designed lessons.
   
• Board Vice-Chairman Ron Payne shared an update on the Dare Housing Foundation. The group is working with architects to develop housing plans on existing sites.
   
• Hatteras Satellite Location Plan: Superintendent Steve Basnight presented the Hatteras Island Satellite Location Plan, which will provide students with access to in-person instructional support closer to home when coastal flooding or ocean overwash makes travel to school unsafe or impossible.