As a working parent in Hampstead, NC, I find the Pender County Board of Education's decision to implement a 3-tier bell schedule for the 2025-2026 school year deeply troubling. Our children deserve a quality education, and as parents, we deserve to have oversight and involvement in decisions impacting their schooling. Unfortunately, this decision was pushed through without our input, placing our children in a precarious situation where they may have to wait alone at bus stops while parents are at work, juggle a high school schedule that is unrealistic and demanding for student athletes, or fend for themselves in the early morning as middle schoolers.  Additionally, this decision only impacts EASTERN Pender County, which is inconsistent with the #onepender mindset.

The decision to introduce the 3-tier bell schedule was made hastily, without taking into account the best interests of students, parents, taxpayers, or teachers. The majority of the meetings where this decision was made were held at times when many, including myself, were working and unable to attend for public comment. This lack of accessibility and transparency is unacceptable. The majority of emails did not even receive a response.

Moreover, the decision seems to lack a foundation in research. None of the board members who supported the shift to a 3-tier schedule have children in the school district, raising further concerns about their understanding of the day-to-day realities and challenges our children face.

This schedule not only disrupts the educational environment but also compromises student safety and family life. Children should not be left vulnerable and unsupervised at bus stops while parents are busy earning a livelihood. We must prioritize their safety and educational quality above inefficient scheduling experiments.

We urge the Pender County Board of Education to reconsider this decision and utilize input from constituents in the development of a more appropriate schedule. By doing so, they will be acting in the best interests of all stakeholders involved. Let’s ensure that our children's safety and education are prioritized over bureaucratic convenience. Please sign this petition to support re-evaluation and join me in advocating for a more inclusive decision-making process that truly considers the voice of the Pender County community.

The 3 tier schedule has the ability to be successful; however, not as it was voted upon:

High School:

Bus arrival/Drop Off: 6:50 a.m.
Morning Bell: 7:10 a.m.
Afternoon Bell: 2:05 p.m.
Early Release: 11:10 a.m.

Elementary School:

Bus arrival/Drop Off: 7:25 a.m.
Morning Bell: 7:55 a.m.
Afternoon Bell: 2:50 p.m.
Early Release: 11:55 a.m.

Middle School:

Bus arrival/Drop Off: 8:10 a.m.
Morning Bell: 8:40 a.m.
Afternoon Bell: 3:35 p.m.
Early Release: 12:40 p.m.

🧾FACTS

1) The 3-tier schedule was introduced to parents as an effort to decrease the amount of time lost in the classroom secondary to transportation issues

2) According to data from NCDPI, Topsail High School and the feeder schools have the highest test scores in the district 

3) According to data from NCDPI enrollment data, Topsail schools are over capacity. The Board of Education should have considered redistricting prior to making such a huge scheduling adjustment in such a short time

4) The majority of parents agree the 3-tier system is feasible; however, NOT in the manner it was presented and NOT without parental input

5) Parents do not feel as if their voices are being heard. Multiple emails were sent with concerns and these were not adequately addressed

6) The Pender County Board of Education has not been transparent with parents or taxpayers. They purposely scheduled the meetings regarding changing the schedules when parents were working and they also did this virtually which prohibited parents from attending and voicing their concerns 

7) As of June 3, 2025, not one member on the Pender County Board of Education has a child enrolled in PCS. The majority of taxpayers reside in eastern Pender County and we do not feel as if we have adequate representation at the local level. Our elected officials are not considering the needs of their constituents and are out of touch with the juggling that is involved with parenting children at multiple grade levels and working a full-time job 

8) Pender County Schools does not have adequate before or after school programs available for working parents 

9) High School students that attend CFCC for dual enrollment (which helps ease some of the capacity issues at THS) have already made their schedules. This puts an additional burden on the students, high school admin, and parents to correct. 

10) NCDOT required a “staggered” schedule for a driveway permit at the new school. This is NOT the same as a 3-tier schedule. Additionally, roundabouts could have been utilized over a staggered schedule; however, the BOE aligned themselves with NCDOT instead of the residents of Pender County.