Board accepts matched $30,000 donation for high school athletics

Don Brinkley, president of Partners in Education and the Harold H. Bate Foundation, told the Craven County Board of Education the foundation submitted a $30,000 grant intended to support athletic programs at West Craven High, New Bern High and Havelock High. The grant was matched dollar‑for‑dollar through the Bate Foundation, and Brinkley requested the board approve immediate distribution of funds.

Brinkley said the donors expected the funds to be "seed money" to pay for program items and equipment rather than to replace existing district funding. Athletic Director Tim Bennett described anticipated uses including rubber flooring for Havelock’s new weight room, stadium and gym repairs at New Bern, and helmet reconditioning and field maintenance at West Craven.

Board member Speese thanked the donors and moved to accept the gift; Gibbs seconded and the board voted unanimously to accept the matched funds and to distribute $20,000 to each of the three high school athletic departments.

The district noted the funds are unrestricted and intended to be supplemental; the board directed athletics and the business office to coordinate distribution and report back on allocation.