JACKSON – Management matters on the agenda for the Northampton County Board of Commissioner’s recent meeting included a letter received from the county Board of Education.

The Board of Commissioners had previously sent a letter, dated March 2, 2017, to the county’s School Superintendent to “request a copy of Northampton County Schools’ short and long range plans for academics and capital outlay (buildings), which should include plans for Rich Square Creecy and Seaboard Coates Schools.”

At the April 3 Commissioners meeting, the Board examined the response they had received from the school board. A copy of the letter stated that “with the limited funding appropriated to Northampton County Schools, we are unable to plan for and/or realistically speak to any future use of Seaboard Coates and Rich Square Creecy school sites.”

The letter also stated that long-range plans were given to the Board during the 2015-16 school year, and School Improvement Plans were available on their website.

In response to the letter, Commissioner Charles Tyner said that the information was insufficient and they needed more so that they can make sound decisions during the upcoming budget meeting. He added that the commissioners needed to know what the school system’s enrollment has been for the last three years.

“How much money is spent on empty buildings,” he asked.

Board chairman Robert Carter asked the county manager to send another letter requesting more information, and then he concluded discussion on the matter.