The Northeastern Wayne Schools board will take more time to discuss potential calendar and technology changes before making a decision. During its Feb. 18 meeting, the board paused amending the academic calendar to include three snow makeup days and transitioning from iPads to Chromebooks in classrooms for the 2026-27 school year.

The board planned to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day and the Friday before spring break snow makeup days to better serve students who require in-person instruction or lack internet access. After hearing feedback from teachers and parents, the board deferred the vote until more concrete data on student use of the eLearning platform could be studied.

For the district’s move from iPads to Chromebooks, the discussion touched on program compatibility to product effectiveness. iPads are the preferred learning tool, but new state legislation, Senate Bill 159, would require that all student learning devices be equipped with security and filter measures. iPads can’t ensure that safeguard. Plus, Chromebooks with keyboards would better equip students for the intensive writing and research required in furthering their education. The board voted to table the discussion and revisit with a more concrete plan in two weeks.

In other business

Early Learning Center student Trace Allen was honored as a Northeastern student of the month at the Feb. 18 school board meeting. Photos by Lorin Williams

The Early Learning Center welcomed Officer Tim Davis and had a Valentine’s dance early this month. Teachers completed training for the new LENA Grow program and are prepared for spring’s Open House and Enrollment Night on April 14 and 21, respectively.

Students in kindergarten through second grade will have their makeup program on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the high school. Teachers requested donations of small snacks as classrooms prepare for ILEARN testing checkpoints and IREAD in March. The school continues to support a fifth grade student battling leukemia.

The National Junior Honor Society inducted 28 middle school students on Feb. 12, and this week, Franklin County Middle School faculty and administrators visited to study the Multi-tiered System of Support. Reid Health Clinic presented on Feb. 18 about the different types of physicians and what they do.

Kindergartner Harlyn Summitt was honored as a Northeastern student of the month at the Feb. 18 school board meeting. Photos by Lorin Williams

High school FFA will host its breakfast on Feb. 25, and the high school band and choir concert is Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Four wrestlers were acknowledged for advancing to Regionals, with two, Olivia Crull and Vanden Miller, competing at semi-state on Feb. 14. Girls basketball won a TEC title but fell short against Union County in Sectionals. Winterguard placed first and will compete again on March 1. And Senior Alaina Webster will compete in three events at the state Solo & Ensemble on Feb. 28.

Both board members and employees expressed thanks for the opportunity to exchange feedback concerning decisions made by the board. Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien was thankful for the staff presence at the meeting, emphasizing that the trust they are actively rebuilding ultimately benefits everyone.

All consent items and policy updates were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. March’s meeting will be Wed., March 18, at 6 p.m. in the student services building, 7299 N. U.S. 27, Fountain City. The public may attend.

Seventh grader Crobin Stephen was honored as a Northeastern student of the month at the Feb. 18 school board meeting. Photos by Lorin Williams
Senior David Reneau was honored as a Northeastern student of the month at the Feb. 18 school board meeting. Photo supplied.
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A version of this article appeared in the February 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Lorin Williams is a reporter for the Western Wayne News.