Author: Renee Carey

Renee Carey has been an award-winning writer, editor and commentator in community newspaper markets for nearly 25 years. An Ohio native, she began her journalism career in high school, deciding then that storytelling was her calling. She honed her craft at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, earning a degree in journalism from the Honors Tutorial College. Since then, she has spent her career telling people's stories, commenting on politics and life and teaching others how to do the same — an avocation that has introduced her to thousands of people who have inspired her and taught her many lessons about integrity, courage, faith and happiness. Mrs. Carey resides in North Carolina with her husband and two dogs, Rush and Beau. You can reach her at rcarey@newoldnorth.com
EXCLUSIVE: New Old North investigation tracks connections, contracts in WCPS deficit cleanup
June 11, 2020 7 Responses

EXCLUSIVE: New Old North investigation tracks connections, contracts in WCPS deficit cleanup

An out-of-town accountant with a now-suspended license. His accounting firm, which had ties to the consultants called in to clean up school districts after their audits were completed. Connections between former local and state school officials who work or have...
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Warning: Attend graduation at your own risk
June 10, 2020 12 Responses

Warning: Attend graduation at your own risk

We haven’t really talked much about the Wayne County Board of Education’s decision to do in-person graduations for the Class of 2020. We confess. There has been a lot to write about lately — and while we had a commentary...
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Audit shows 4-year path to negative fund balance; School Board members blame Dunsmore, Central Office
June 9, 2020 one Response

Audit shows 4-year path to negative fund balance; School Board members blame Dunsmore, Central Office

This was not the first year that some Wayne County Board of Education members have heard that there was a problem with money in the district’s general fund — or that there would have to be cuts made somewhere to...
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BOE members say they are confident teachers will get their stipends. County says it hasn’t said ‘yes’ on bailout. And 11- and 12-month employees say they have been told they might not get paid this summer.
June 9, 2020 5 Responses

BOE members say they are confident teachers will get their stipends. County says it hasn’t said ‘yes’ on bailout. And 11- and 12-month employees say they have been told they might not get paid this summer.

Members of the Wayne County Board of Education say they believe the county will be a part of helping the school district out of its money troubles, and its vice chairman says that one of the most immediate priorities is...
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Proposed WCPS budget includes $350,000 for legal services
June 8, 2020 5 Responses

Proposed WCPS budget includes $350,000 for legal services

There are a few big ticket items in the draft 2020-21 budget proposal for Wayne County Public Schools that are drawing attention as the district waits for its new interim superintendent to officially take office and as questions swirl about...
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School Board botches first response to budget bombshell
June 6, 2020 7 Responses

School Board botches first response to budget bombshell

When you have a multi-million dollar deficit in your school district and all kinds of questions about how things were run, and you have been hiring expensive people to entrust with the district’s operation, two of whom you just pushed...
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School Board actions prompt questions about transparency, timeline
June 5, 2020 8 Responses

School Board actions prompt questions about transparency, timeline

A state expert said it looks like the Wayne County Board of Education violated North Carolina Open Meetings Law multiple times this week, on its way to accepting the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Michael Dunsmore, hiring Interim Superintendent Dr. James...
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School Board approves $22,587/month salary for interim superintendent, hires firm to scrutinize WCPS operations, finances
June 3, 2020 15 Responses

School Board approves $22,587/month salary for interim superintendent, hires firm to scrutinize WCPS operations, finances

The Wayne County Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. James T. Merrill as interim superintendent for Wayne County Public Schools effective June 27. Merrill is the former Wake County superintendent and has a resume that includes experience....
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Breaking News: Dunsmore out as superintendent
June 3, 2020 5 Responses

Breaking News: Dunsmore out as superintendent

Dr. Michael Dunsmore is no longer Wayne County Public Schools’ superintendent. The news came nearly a week after WCPS officials and members of the Board of Education denied knowledge of the resignation of the district superintendent — and the day...
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Audit reveals WCPS’ financial turmoil
June 3, 2020 9 Responses

Audit reveals WCPS’ financial turmoil

A 2019 audit of Wayne County Public Schools’ finances shows several areas of interest, an independent auditor told the Wayne County Board of Education at a special called meeting Tuesday — everything from central office salaries and General Fund deficits.....
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