Segregation academies across the South are getting millions in taxpayer dollars

By Jennifer Berry Hawes and Mollie Simon, ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. Read more in this series. Private schools across the South that were established for white children during desegregation are now benefiting from tens of millions in taxpayer dollars flowing from rapidly expanding voucher-style programs, a ProPublica analysis found. In North Carolina alone, we identified 39 of these likely “segregation academies” …Read more Continue reading Segregation academies across the South are getting millions in taxpayer dollars

Trump pledged to roll back protections for transgender students. They’re flooding crisis hotlines

By Jocelyn Gecker and Sharon Lurye AP Education Writers Editor’s Note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Transgender youth in the United States have been flooding crisis hotlines since the election of Donald …Read more Continue reading Trump pledged to roll back protections for transgender students. They’re flooding crisis hotlines

As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Grace Gerberry has been riding horses since she was big enough to sit up on one. When it came time to choose a college, a Google search led her to St. Andrews University in North Carolina.  After talking with the roughly 40 members of the school’s equestrian program, which boasts a 300-acre facility, nearly 70 horses and a reputation for success, …Read more Continue reading As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives

Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs

By Rachel Baldauf Eric Cromartie III thrived at Lumberton High School, where he maintained a grade point average above 4.0 and received academic awards. Cromartie, who has autism, graduated in 2022, although his mother, Selena McMillan, had thought he would return to Lumberton High the next school year in accordance with his individualized education program.  Frustrated, McMillan filed a petition with the N.C. Office of …Read more Continue reading Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs

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‘Not enough dentists’: Border Belt counties need better access to dental care

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  On any given day throughout the school year, you’re likely to see a blue and white recreation vehicle parked outside a public school in Columbus County. It’s the Toothmobile, a mobile dental clinic that serves more than 1,000 students each year. Students can visit the Toothmobile during the school hours for cleanings, fillings and other critical dental procedures. Those without dental …Read more Continue reading ‘Not enough dentists’: Border Belt counties need better access to dental care

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UNC Pembroke, known for its diversity, eliminates DEI office

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, one of the most diverse colleges in the South, dissolved its diversity office to comply with a new policy that eliminated diversity and inclusion mandates throughout the UNC System. As part of the change, UNC Pembroke eliminated two positions: director of student inclusion and diversity and American Indian liaison to the chancellor. In addition, …Read more Continue reading UNC Pembroke, known for its diversity, eliminates DEI office

Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Some Bladen County parents say the school district should have done more to protect students from a school bus driver who is accused of sexually assaulting several young girls.    The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on April 10 after a student told a school employee she was sexually assaulted by David Earl Denkins on the bus on the way to …Read more Continue reading Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes

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Schools in NC’s Border Belt see post-pandemic academic gains

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Schools in North Carolina’s Border Belt saw small academic gains last school year as districts continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Districts in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Columbus counties all saw an increase in the percentage of students who tested at or above grade level during the 2023-24 school year.  The improved performance mirrors statewide results of exams meant to …Read more Continue reading Schools in NC’s Border Belt see post-pandemic academic gains

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Public, private, home schools: Student enrollment by the numbers in NC’s Border Belt

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Teachers at Scotland High School last week put final touches on their classroom decorations, set up lessons on their smart boards and walked the halls with excitement for a new school year. Across the highway, Cross Pointe Christian Academy served as a new option for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Scotland County. Rural southeastern North Carolina matters. That’s why …Read more Continue reading Public, private, home schools: Student enrollment by the numbers in NC’s Border Belt

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UNC Pembroke partners with NC State on sustainable protein research center

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is partnering with N.C. State University to open a new research center that will focus on the production of sustainable protein sources, including plant-based products and meat grown from animal cells.  The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein that launched last month on N.C. State’s Raleigh campus is funded by a $30 million grant from …Read more Continue reading UNC Pembroke partners with NC State on sustainable protein research center