KENANSVILLE — In its second special called meeting within a week, the Duplin County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to build a new, consolidated high school.

The new Central High School, as it is being called, would house 9-12 students from James Kenan and North Duplin. James Kenan would be converted to a middle school with students from E. E. Smith and Warsaw Middle schools attending. The plan presented by board chairman Reginald Kenan would also have the students in grades 6-9 from B. F. Grady attending the renamed North Duplin Middle School at the current North Duplin Jr-Sr High School.

The controversial vote came at the end of another lengthy meeting and was approved by a 3-2 margin. During the meeting, board member Willie Gillespie excused himself from the meeting and returned once, however, following his second departure, he did not return. The chairman suspended the vote for a period of time and then asked board attorney David Phillips to go locate Gillespie. Phillips returned stating that he could not find him in the building. Learning that, Kenan called the meeting back to order and then asked for a motion, member Emily Manning moved to accept Kenan’s proposal and Hubert Bowden seconded. Kenan voted with Bowden and Manning while Jennings Outlaw and Chuck Farrior voted against the recommendation.

Gillespie’s wife, answering the home phone Wednesday explained that her husband was not home, but she did confirm that Gillespie was not feeling well and had undergone a procedure at the hospital on Tuesday prior to the board meeting, explaining his early departure from the meeting.

Kenan stated in a phone interview on Wednesday, “The majority of the board felt my plan was the most feasible at the current time and what is best for all students in Duplin County. I understand the public’s concern relating to neighborhood schools, but the consolidated high school would help with overcrowding, and economic savings have to be taken into consideration. My decisions and plan was a data driven one.”

By phone, Gillespie expressed his regrets for having to leave the meeting early and his feelings regarding the board’s decision. “I am opposed to the decision. I favor the four high schools. There are no ill feelings toward the board making the decision without me. I had made my opposition clear. I am just sorry I had to leave. Our job now is going to be trying to get support from all affected. We have to get the public’s support for the commissioners to approve the funding. They are elected by the same people we are.”

A Summerlin Crossroad location was proposed in the Kenan plan and would house between 800-900 students in the new Central High School. Director of transportation Jeff Thigpen, shared that the relocation of the B.F. Grady 6-9 graders would reduce the number of students by about 270, which would address part of the overcrowding in that school. Thigpen also provided information regarding travel distance. He reported the longest district ride for the B.F. Grady student to North Duplin would not exceed 24 miles.

The discussion focused primarily on the student population of the schools and the overcrowded conditions of B.F.Grady and East Duplin. Manning agreed with the proposed plan saying it was a positive, sound and practical attempt to begin addressing these problem.

Outlaw stressed that he did feel enough was being done about the East Duplin issue. He stated as he had in previous meetings that a wing could be built on to the existing facility.

Gillespie addressed the issue of community schools and said he felt there would be problems getting the necessary support.

As the meeting adjourned, many of those in attendance discussed privately among themselves the action taken, some spoke to board members regarding there thoughts. One lady told Kenan that she felt the vote without Gillespie was low and despicable. Kenan responded by saying everyone is free to have their opinion.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.