Monday night's school board meeting was standing room only. Many were there in reference a morning announcements made Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Pamlico County High School. A student announcer invited listeners to wear red the next day in memory of conservative activist, podcast host and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

The school's Turning Point club is a student-led club founded during the spring semester of 2025. Pamlico County Public Information Officer Elizabeth Harwick said in a statement to another news outlet that students are in the process of establishing charter recognition.

Vanessa Cole was the first parent to speak during the public comment period. She expressed concern that announcements with a political nature could be perceived as dangerous.

"When political figures are promoted through school-wide announcements," Cole said. "It risks creating division, confusion and emotional discomfort in children and staff. We have to remember what happened last week privately and quietly. Our children are hurting."

She posed a number of questions for the school board, which included how student clubs are approved and if there is a review process for student announcements.

Cole concluded by saying she was not there to silence students. "If anybody knows me, I promote being real and opening your mouths," said Cole. 

"Because in this climate that we're in, us parents often times hurt y'all the most. We have to be accountable for that. Never silence your voice. But we have to get back to understanding everybody," she said.

Carinna Smith started her remarks alluding to a list of views attributed to Charlie Kirk.

"When is this group taking place? Is it being held in the school? What are they listening to, why are they being held in this thing? Is my granddaughter going to walk by and hear that Black women are stupid, that we're incapable of comprehending how to be pilots or doctors or schoolteachers? What respect are they going to have for the Black members of our board? Or our Black coaches, our Black teachers, if they're listening to what this man preached?

"My husband died, so I understand for someone to lose a husband or lose a father for their children," Smith said. "I would never wish that on my worst enemy. But lets get it straight. He did not preach anything that had anything to do with bringing people together. And I'm so surprised at Pamlico County. I moved here because I thought it was a beautiful place to live. My children had family here. We had no issues. But I'm feeling scared for my children if this group is going to be allowed to talk in this school. Now I'm about to tell my grandson (to) be careful who you go home with."

The parents' full comments and other meeting topics can be heard in full at the Pamlico School Board's YouTube channel.

Helen Gibbs took a moment to address the members of the public who had come to attend the meeting. She was the only school board member to address the issue.

"Let me just say it has been a long week. So, please forgive me when I'm wrong. Forgive me. But let me also say I received your texts. I received your calls. I received your emails. I heard your concerns. I heard your thoughts. They came in very loud and they came in very clear. 

"So this is my response because I didn't get to speak with everybody or to answer everybody. But tonight, I'm going to do a long call. First, as an elected official of the people, I want to sincerely apologize to the community for an event that recently took place on one of our school campuses. The lack of concern by leadership on the division this caused has led to a significant loss of trust not only between our families and the school system, but also among staff and administration. The loss of trust from those we are sworn to serve is a serious matter and it must be addressed openly. Our mission as a school district is to create a safe, nurturing and positive environment for every student. 

"At least, that is a mission as presented to parents, community, students and staff. However, that mission was not upheld. I am disappointed that what took place fell short of our own stated values and as leaders, responsibility for that failure must be acknowledged.

"As a member of the Pamlico County Board of Education, I am committed to accountability at every level.

"Board, superintendent, principals and staff: Decisions that affect our students and our schools must always align with our mission and our responsibility to this community. When those decisions fall short, it is our duty to acknowledge it, to correct it and to ensure that it does not happen again. This board cannot ignore mistakes or excuse poor judgment. We must confront them directly, take corrective action and rebuild the trust that has been broken.

"That includes reviewing how this communication was approved, explaining the standards by which these decisions are made and holding leadership accountable for aligning with the mission we are sworn to uphold. To our parents, staff and students, you deserve better. It is my hope that we will use this as an opportunity to reaffirm to everyone that the purpose of Pamlico County Schools is not, I say it again, it is not division or distraction.

"The purpose of Pamlico County Schools is education, saving and an opportunity for every child served by this school. Thank you."

A portion of each school board meeting is dedicated to celebrating good news. The first of these good news announcements on Monday was from the Oriental Rotary Club, which was honoring students of the month from the middle and high schools.

Middle schooler Damarian Roberts is a 7th grader at Pamlico County Middle School (PCMS).  "Damarian is a true example of encouraging others, whether that is in the classroom, on the field, or out in his community," said Kelly Messikomer, Rotary's Youth Services Director. Damarian is the chaplain of the PCMS Bay Club. 

Messikomer said Damarian is a student athlete who uplifts his teammates through practices and matches. "He also challenges himself in the classroom by maintaining an A-cumulative average," said Messikomer.

The second student recognized was Caleb Hall, a student at Pamlico County High School.

"In the classroom, Caleb is always engaged and on task," said Messikomer. "In math, he takes the time to make sure his classmates understand before moving on, showing patience, respect, and a genuine desire to see others succeed." Caleb is also team captain of the football team, where Messikomer says he shows quiet confidence, humility, and a tireless work ethic.

As readers may know from our County Commission meeting coverage, two construction projects are in progress on Pamlico County Schools. Superintendent Johnson informed the school board that the school district had commissioner approval to apply for a grant that will cover construction at a Pamlico County Consolidated Primary School. The construction on the consolidated middle and high school is on schedule.

The meeting went into closed session after all agenda items were covered.