Parents ask Pender County Schools to honor CEK acceptances made before policy change

Several parents spoke during public comment asking the board to allow students who were accepted to Cape Fear Early College (CEK) before a May policy change to attend as originally approved. Megan Emmery — a five‑year district teacher who identified herself as Riley Emmery’s mother — told the board that Riley was accepted to CEK in March and that the district updated its release policy on May 12, after CEK had issued acceptances; she asked the board to ‘‘grandfather Riley’’ so the original acceptance would be honored.

Megan Emmery: "Riley was accepted in March. We followed the procedures at that time and made educational plans. I respectfully ask the board consider grandfathering Riley, who was accepted before the policy change." The family said Riley has a 504 plan and that CEK’s smaller class sizes better meet her needs.

A second family (Mike and Jen Cook) described a similar situation for their son and said the post‑acceptance policy change has disrupted family plans, including work arrangements that rely on CEK’s schedule. Board members asked staff about the timeline: district staff said CEK (New Hanover County Schools) issued acceptances in March, and the district did not receive a contract request from CEK until late April or early May. Staff identified Dr. Sawyer and Jennifer Herbstreet (secondary director) as contacts to help affected families with options and planning.

No formal action was taken because the matter was raised during public comment and is not on the agenda. Board members acknowledged the timing was unfortunate and invited families to work with district staff. "We really can't make any decisions right now because this is public comment," one board member said, while staff offered to follow up and provide assistance.

What remains unresolved: Parents requested a retroactive exception; the board did not act at the meeting and staff indicated they would provide individual case assistance and follow up with the families.