KENANSVILLE — The topic of an early college high school in Duplin County has brought much support from educators and parents alike over the past few weeks.

However, not everyone fully understands, said one Duplin County Board of Education member. So the board decided to hold a public hearing earlier this week and answer any questions the public had.

Assistant superintendent Cary Powers fielded the queries.

“What we are doing is very exciting,” said Powers. “What this means is all students in Duplin County will have a tremendous opportunity in this program. In five years, not only can a student achieve a high school diploma but an associate’s degree as well (through the early college program).”

The early college will be formed from the current STEM School (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), said Powers, and it will relocate onto the campus of James Sprunt Community College, much as Sampson County’s Early College is housed on the campus of Sampson Community College. That program is now in its fourth year.

The anticipated early college will have a population of no more than 200 students. Powers added that the current STEM School students would be given the option to transfer.

Powers said there would be some strong similarities between the two schools. For instance, the early college will be open to all high school students in Duplin. In addition, the current personnel from the STEM school will transfer to the early college and the application process will look similar.

Admission will require a completed application signed by the student’s guardian, two letters of recommendation, and copies of the student’s discipline and attendance profiles. Interviews will follow for possible candidates.

During the public hearing, athletics were addressed, but to the dismay of the audience Powers informed parents and students that no plans for sports exist.

Transportation will be provided to students no matter their location in the county, but details are still being worked out.

Support for the school was given by those who defended the STEM School and sued the school board this summer when an attempt was made to close it. Lisa Bland, Chris Heath and John Kilpatrick all spoke to the school board.

Bland commented, “I am in full support of an early college. I listened to your plans and I hear two things. I hear you will improve the quality of education, and help prepare our children for the tough economic times ahead.”

Heath thanked the school board for pursuing the early college as well. “I think it’s an excellent idea. Most of you know that we have had a pretty strong battle for the STEM School. Our group formed and fought diligently for this school. I would like to thank Cary Powers, Kevin Smith, and Ben Thigpen for their efforts ... this is the best thing for our kids I have seen in my lifetime.”

Kilpatrick called for the board to vote on the matter in favor of going ahead with the project, saying it was a “win-win” for everyone.

In addition, students from the STEM School emerged in support of the idea. Tasha Hester, the student body president, addressed the board, saying, “I think it is a great idea to turn the school in to an early college. We are not just a school, we are a family. With your support, we can work together as a family to make this work.”

Fellow pupil Xavier Brodie commented, “I think this early college will be successful.”

No action was taken by the board. Chairwoman Emily Manning explained that the board would have to wait to hear back from JSCC as to whether the community college would allow the program on its campus

Following the meeting, board member Hubert Bowden voiced his support for the program. He said he supported it because of the possibilities it would give children. “I support the early college,” said Bowden, “because it will improve academic achievement and help students. The early college program or experience prepares students for the 21st century progressive movement.”

The School

After the school board meeting, and in separate interviews, superintendent Dr. Wiley Doby, and Powers gave further details of the school.

Powers described the early college as a couple of modular classrooms housed on the James Sprunt campus. Students, he said, would take some courses in the trailers, and would go to college all in the same day.

Funding will come from a five-year implementation grant and the regular ADM (average daily membership) funds paid by county commissioners.

Once the grant runs out, the school board will have to find another way to fund the $250,000-per-year program.

Doby said he was unsure where the school board would look for those funds. “I think that it is something that the board will have to decide on at the time (in five years).”

The superintendent also gave his support to the effort. “This early college will provide a great opportunity for students across the county to get college experience first-hand and get a taste of college.” Doby said he was enthusiastic about the opportunity it provides students to get both their high school diploma and a two-year degree in five years.

“I, my staff, the school board, we all have been working on this for quite some time, with the bottom line objective to do what is best for students.”

Enrollment for the school, said the superintendent, will mirror the population of the high schools. According to information in Doby’s Early College School Innovation Project report, there are approximately 2,400 high school students in the county school system. The demographic breakdown is 32.9 percent black 46.9 percent white and 20.1 percent Hispanic and other.

In a previous comment, Doby said the school would have a 200 student capacity. The deadline for interested students to apply is March 31.

Michael Connolly can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 120 or can be emailed at sicity@myclintonnc.com