BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education conducted its first meeting of the new school year Aug. 11 with an enrollment report and regular business.

Superintendent Larry James presented the enrollment figures showing the district has 1,552 students for 2025–26, a decrease of 21 from last year.

Martin County High School has 510 students, while Martin County Middle School has 241. Eden Elementary’s enrollment is 346, Warfield Elementary’s is 261, and Inez Elementary’s is 194.

The new school year got underway the previous week.

“We had a good first week of school,” James said. “Four days in and it’s been all good so far.”

The board voted to renew a Memorandum of Understanding with UNITE Service Corps/Operation UNITE, which tutors at Inez Elementary.

“They tutor math in grades 2 through 5,” James explained. “We pay $6,000 and they pay the rest.”

Tutors also deliver drug awareness education while earning college credits.

“It’s a good deal for our $6,000,” said James.

Board members also adopted a new certified evaluation plan that will be in effect for two years. James said the district periodically updates the plan to keep up with state regulations and other changes. The “50/50 committee” consisting of local educators drafted the plan over the summer.

BOE Chairman Mickey McCoy recommended including a representative from the local teacher association. James stated his belief that teacher association representatives are already part of the committee. He said he would check to be sure.

The board approved paid warrants totaling $797,919.82, with $246,000 directed toward bond payments, $133,000 for construction and $417,000 for operations.

Members also approved orders of the treasurer of $674,163.31, including $141,000 for bond payments, $156,000 for construction and $376,000 for operations.