JACKSON – It was back to business for the members of the Northampton County School Board at the first meeting of the new year on Tuesday.

“We are approaching our job with vigor and energy,” said Chairperson Catherine B. Moody about the new year.

Board member Charles Tyner brought up plans for future school construction.

Tyner said the board will need to plan for making plans on spending money for school construction.

“We’ll be talking about plans for new schools in the next five to 10 years,” said Tyner.

Chairperson Moody said that the changes will not happen “overnight” but rather will be a “long range plan.”

It was also mentioned that there will be public hearings for the school construction.

The board approved a resolution for Healthy Children for the 21st Century and was also presented with the nutrition standards for elementary schools.

The resolution’s emphasis is to help fight childhood obesity and health care costs associated with obesity.

The North Carolina General Assembly legislated and the North Carolina State Board of Education (NCSBE) has adopted Nutrition Standards for Elementary Schools.

The nutrition standards require school meals to increase the amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber.

By approving the resolution the school board supports the NCSBE’s proposed budget to provide $25 per pupil to implement the nutrition standards in elementary schools through out the state.

The board approved the acceptance of a grant for Squire Elementary School (SES) in Gaston. The $500 grant from International Paper Company will fund new initiatives, including a science, math and technology camp for students in the academically and Intellectually Gifted program.

Donations from Piney Grove Baptist Church, Roanoke Salem Baptist Church, Allen Chapel Baptist Church and First Baptist Church were accepted by the board for assistance in purchasing uniforms for students determined in need. The donations totaled $550.

In other business, students and staff were honored by the board for their accomplishments and efforts.

The board presented a certificate of appreciation to SES’s Principal Felicia Wyche and Assistant Principal Danny McCaw for their efforts for the students at their school.

A Garysburg Elementary student, Tarek Deida, received recognition and a certificate of achievement for his participation in the Centre’s “The Nutcracker.” Deida was also selected to be one of the cast in a party scene in a recent performance by the Moscow Ballet.

Students of the month for December were also honored including, William Bellanca of Northampton County High School -East, Katrina Jacobs of Conway Middle School, Kayla Sawyer of Rich Square-W.S. Creecy Elementary, Marquise Harris of Central Elementary and Levitus A. Mason of Northampton Alternative.

The board members were also updated about the new administrative building, which is still on schedule. The interior colors for the building will be picked at the meeting in February.

The next meeting for the Northampton County Board of Education will be held Thursday, Jan. 18 at 5:30 p.m.