The Bladen County Board of Education will hold a special-called meeting for the purpose of
conducting a public hearing pursuant to NC General Statute 115C-72, regarding the proposed
closure of East Arcadia School and consolidation with Clarkton School of Discovery. After the
conclusion of the public hearing portion of the special meeting, the Board will convene into
closed session to prevent the disclosure of confidential information pursuant to G.S. 143-
318.11(a)(1) and (a)(6), G.S. 115C-319, and to consult with the Board attorney and preserve the
attorney-client privilege, pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3). Following the closed session, the Board will reconvene into open session to adjourn the meeting.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – 6:00 PM
Clarkton School of Discovery Media Center
1000 North College Street
Clarkton, NC 28433
The public hearing will be governed by the procedures for citizen participation as outlined in
Board Policy 2310. Those wishing to speak must sign in prior to the beginning of the meetings. The public hearings will conclude once all those who have signed up to speak have been given the opportunity to do so. Each speaker will receive no more than 3 minutes. Substitute speakers are not permitted and speakers cannot donate any portion of their unused time to another speaker. Board members will not respond to those who address the Board during the public hearing, except to request any clarification of points made by the presenter.
All speakers are expected to maintain proper decorum and civility. Personal attacks, insults, offensive language, or disruptive behavior will not be permitted. Individuals who interrupt, disrupt, or cause a disturbance during the meeting may be directed to leave and could be subject to exclusion from future meetings and/or school property as permitted by law (G.S. 143-318.17).