Job offer from Brunswick County Schools (Charlotte, Wilmington: to rent, house, job openings)

[stargell79]

Hello, I am a teacher in Charlotte, NC who has a job offer to teach for a Brunswick County school (think Holden Beach). I would be relocating my family here. Does anyone have any advice, etc on the schools and the area there. I know it is slower paced, and that is what I want!

Thanks

[kateyk12]

when you say holden beach, I'm assuming you are talking about the elementary school. I very strongly suggest you steer away from middle and high schools in brunwick county. I think folks from outside of the area may not realize how many poverty and drug related issues we have here. definately put your own children in private school.

the elemantary school would be a fine job, though. you should definately come and see the area. holden beach on the island is middle to upper class, but mainland- civietown area is very poor.

I am in southport, so I only have general knowledge.

hope this helps.

[stargell79]

The job will be at West Brunswick High. Keep in mind, I work at a Focus School with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. I think problems there pale in comparison to problems here (gangs, assaults on teachers, fights, etc). Or am I incorrect?

[kateyk12]

okay, I suppose things are getting better. It was really bad when my first son went there, about 5 years ago. All the problems you listed. It is getting better, but please don't think it is going to be a relief from where you are now. There are still fights and drugs.

[jmarquise]

the only issue I see is living in brunswick county. coming from charlotte you are used to a major metro area. there is absolutely nothing in brunswick county. I work there and live in wilmington. you aren't a far drive from myrtle beach though, so that is good. at least you will be able to find good places to eat and places to shop ect.........

[stargell79]

Thanks so much! I am okay with the laidback style. I welcome it after living in Charlotte for 10 years! The only thing I will hate is splitting my Panther season tickets, but I can make 5 games a year, so I will be fine. As long as there is a movie theater, a chinese and mexican restaurant in the area then I will be fine (hopefully).

[max5]

I was wondering if you received any useful information. I moved to Calabash about a year ago and I am very happy with elementary school that my child is enrolled in but absolutely hate the middle school and have not heard many good things about the high school in Brunswick county. Home schooling in not an option. So if you or anyone else have any information on another middle school I would be most grateful.

[fortysixandtwo]

Looks like there will be more job openings in Brunswick County in the near future:
WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and weather - More Embarrassing Incidents in Brunswick County Schools

[stargell79]

Originally Posted by max5

I was wondering if you received any useful information. I moved to Calabash about a year ago and I am very happy with elementary school that my child is enrolled in but absolutely hate the middle school and have not heard many good things about the high school in Brunswick county. Home schooling in not an option. So if you or anyone else have any information on another middle school I would be most grateful.

Well....I am here now at the high school. As far as the school, kids are better behaved than Char- Meck schools (where I came from). However, I have sensed a 'defeatist' attitude and certain malaise in the school and community. Lots of very poor people here. Most of the money comes from out-of-towners. I am trying to rent my house back in Charlotte, and it has been tough. I plan to stick it out, but all in all, the school isn't so bad, if you don't let the malaise get to you.
I heard Shallotte Middle is pretty good.

[max5]

I currently have one child in the Shallotte Middle School and I find that the education and oversight at the school are poor. I will say that I have met some excellent teachers there but I find that the attitude in the school is to "get through" not progress. I agree with your statement about poverty and being originally from the North, I can't believe that the focus today in SMS is dropping out and teen pregnancy (I won't even go into drugs and I am originally from an urban area). I have been reading much literature from the school and find it depressing myself. Also, so much for southern hospitality, I have encountered quite a bit of hositility for myself, my spouse and my children. The few people that I have encountered that are originally from Brunswick county have made it clear that they do not like those of us who have moved down here. The term YANK/YANKEE kills me. (PS. the civil war is over) I hate when people ask where we are from because right away they have judged you. Additionally, in the North you are leaving school too early if you haven't gotten your Masters Degree and down here kids are dropping out as early as the middle school. I heard they were buidling a new middle school and I hope that it is better but it won't be done for a while and that does me no good. I would love to stick it out in NC, I have ailing family down here that I want to take care of and there are alot of things I like about living here BUT I am faced with the question do I sacrafice my child's well-being and education and stay here or do I move back to New York City.