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FOREST CITY, N.C. — The Rutherford County Board of Education’s Aug. 5 meeting at the Cool Springs Administrative Office opened with applause for championship-winning student athletes before pivoting to weighty discussions on exam funding, alternative learning programs, transportation logistics, and facility updates.
Board Chair Phillip Morrow, Vice Chair Angel King, and members Thomas Crawford, David Linder, April Mayse, Brandi Nanney, and Tracy Short were joined by Superintendent Dr. David Sutton for the regular session, which followed a work session meeting.
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Champions Recognized
The East Rutherford High School varsity baseball team was honored for winning the 2025 NCHSAA 2A State Championship. The Cavaliers posted a dominant 30–1 record, going undefeated in conference play and outscoring opponents 284–48 over the season. Malachi Dato was named State Championship Series MVP, while Colby Condrey earned the NCHSAA 2A Sportsmanship Award.
“This very well could go down as one of the most dominant teams East Rutherford baseball has ever fielded,” said the presenter, noting the team’s number two national ranking among small-town programs.
Coaches Drew Reynolds — named Mountain Foothills 7 Conference Coach of the Year — Chuck Walker, Bobby Reynolds, and Taylor Greene joined players in receiving certificates.
Also recognized was R-S Central High School’s Elena Jimmerson, who secured her second consecutive state championship in discus with a throw of 126 feet, 9 inches, and placed runner-up in shot put. “We’ll see her in the Olympics before too long,” one board member remarked.
AP Exam Funding in Question
Assistant Superintendent Richard Morris presented a contingency plan after the state signaled it would no longer fully fund AP exam fees for all students, limiting support to those qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Rutherford County Schools currently covers the $90-per-exam fee for all students under policy 3410.
“The Superintendent shall provide for the proper administration of all state-required tests, screenings, and other assessments and any state-required remedial instruction, interventions, and/or retesting in accordance with all requirements established by law or the State Board of Education,” according to the policy.
Board members weighed whether to continue paying the full $19,000 annual cost locally or revise the policy to make exams optional and student-funded.
“I think $20,000 is a nominal investment on the potential return,” said board member April Mayse, noting that earning college credit through AP scores can save families thousands in tuition. Thomas Crawford agreed, saying, “I hate not to spend $90 to save $9,000.”
Dr. Sutton called the state’s withdrawal of funding “a shame,” adding, “With no explanation why that financial support is being pulled out from under those students, local boards… are now picking up the slack.”
However, the NC Department of Public Instruction website still shows that the state pays for exams for most students. The NC Senate’s budget version has not become law.
Alternative Learning Plan Debuts
Following the closure of the Rutherford Opportunity Center on June 30, the district will embed alternative learning programs within each middle and high school, according to the plan published in July. The model will use online instruction through Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy, paired with on-site Behavior and Academic Support Assistants who will coordinate mental health, behavioral, and academic interventions.
“Our goal should be to integrate back into the traditional setting where possible and as soon as possible,” Morris said, emphasizing case-by-case placement decisions by multidisciplinary teams at each school.
Transportation: 75 Buses Rolling
Transportation Director Charley Melton reported the district will begin the year with 75 buses, up from 74 last year, due to increased enrollment and ridership, especially in the county’s northwestern region.
“We’re seeing an uptick in enrollment in the northwestern part of the county, and that’s a long way out there,” Melton said. “We’re going to go get those kids — we’re excited to do it.”
The fleet will include 69 regular education buses and 6 for special needs routes. Updated routing software and driver training are expected to improve efficiency. Dr. Sutton clarified the extra bus is “not a byproduct of closures… It is about new demand for transportation services among newly enrolled students.”
Facility and Contract Approvals
The board approved contracts for replacing gym bleachers at East Rutherford High, providing driver education services, and slope stabilization at an existing school property.
A revised license agreement with the Symphony of Rutherford County was also approved, continuing the district’s community partnership while updating facility use terms.
Looking Ahead
With students returning Aug. 11, the board reiterated its commitment to college and career readiness, student mental health, safe facilities, and strong community engagement. The next regular meeting is set for Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Cool Springs Board Room.
