BY MILES LAYTON

A round-up of all things Hyde County…

Column includes a featured profile about Hyde educator Cara Equils, plans for a groundbreaking ceremony to revitalize Mattamuskeet School’s campus with an introduction to that school’s new principal, also that the Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $40,000 grant.

If you have any news tips about happenings in Hyde County, email me at mileslayton1969@gmail.com

Before I get to the good news about Cara Equils, here are few notes from the most recent Hyde County Commission.

Commissioners approved a resolution condemning NC House Bill 765 – an Act to Reform Local Government Development Regulations in this State that would enact changes affecting local government planning, zoning and development regulations.  

Let that sink in for a minute – the state, in all its wisdom, wants more power to dictate rules about how, when and where property development takes place rather than local regulatory and zoning authorities who know the lay of the land in their communities quite a bit better than Raleigh’s Kommissar central planners who covet a one-size-fits-all approach.

Across Eastern NC, county commissions roundly condemned HB 765 with a resolution opposing the bill in “favor of legislation that respects local authority, reduces regulatory burdens and promotes flexible, community-driven development strategies.”

Hyde County is applying for $567,476 in state funding to dredge parts of Bigfoot Slough in the Pamilco Sound, aiming to ensure safe and efficient ferry travel during the tourist season. The county commits to covering remaining project costs, securing necessary permits and easements, following all legal and construction requirements, ensuring public access, and taking full responsibility for the project’s construction, operation, and
maintenance.

And Commissioners approved a spending freeze for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024-25 — for just a few weeks or so — in order to complete the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Long story short, County Manager Kris Noble is working on the next year’s budget, so spending figures need to simmer down for a short time; same as any family when figuring out the bills at the end of the month. Requests exceeding $500 will be reviewed by the County Manager. The Health Department and Department of Social Services are not to be affected. Budget is poised to completed in mid June.

Back to Cara Equils

In recent days, there have been a lot of teachers who have received recognition for their contributions to education.  

That said, the spirit moved me to reach out to Cara Equils was named the 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year. 

“The reason I love teaching is that it allows me to build meaningful relationships with my students while guiding them toward their futures,” said Equils, a Career and Technical Education Teacher at Mattamuskeet School. “Through Career and Technical Education and hands-on learning, I get to play a pivotal role in helping them discover their potential, develop real-world skills, and step confidently into their careers. Watching students grow academically and as individuals is the most rewarding part of what I do.” 

Equils received praise from Superintendent Melanie Shaver.  

“Cara exemplifies what it means to be a student-centered educator,” she said. “Her unwavering commitment to serving all learners is evident in everything she does, from designing hands-on, engaging lessons that bring learning to life, to ensuring each student sees a future filled with opportunity. She is passionate about providing diverse pathways for student success and is constantly expanding her own knowledge to better meet their needs.”  

Last week, Equils walked into the gymnasium to cheering crowd who celebrated her accomplishment of being named the District’s Teacher of the Year.  

“To say I was shocked was a complete understatement,” she said.  

Equils attended college at Barton College, where she majored in Biology with a Pre-Med concentration and picked up a math minor along the way. Equils said she originally went to work straight out of college in pharmaceuticals as a microbiologist, but after a few years, she realized she needed a lifestyle change and knew that teaching was her calling.  

“I had always thought the idea of teaching is something that I would love to do, being that in my previous roles I trained new employees, and with some life changes and moves, the opportunity fell right into my lap. From the first day I walked into my classroom, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she said.   

Equils has been teaching for four years and has been at Hyde County Schools the entire time.   

“I consider Hyde County Schools and the students my family,” she said. 

When Equils was asked if she thinks she is making a difference, she answered, “I would like to think I am making a difference in the community. I like to foster strong relationships with not only my students but their families as well including parents, siblings and even grandparents. I also help plan our school career fair every year, which brings many local businesses and colleges to our students and allows them to network. My students and I also host three community blood drives a year, which really enforces the gift of giving back in order to help those in need. I often participate in other community events outside of school as well all over Hyde County. I want to make sure the community sees our students and realizes that they are really doing some great things to be our future workforce!”   

Speaking of Equils, she was recently appointed as the new Dean of Hyde Academy and Career Development Coordinator.  

In her most recent role as Career Development Coordinator, Equils connected students to career pathways and work-based learning opportunities, guiding them toward bright futures, according to the press release from Hyde County Schools. Now, in her expanded role serving both Mattamuskeet and Ocracoke Schools, she will continue this important work as the Dean of Hyde Academy and Career Development Coordinator.

“Cara Equils exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader and student-centered educator, making her an outstanding fit for the Hyde Academy Dean and CDC Coordinator role,” Shaver said. “Her commitment to serving all learners shines through in every initiative she leads from creating hands-on, engaging learning experiences to building inclusive pathways that ensure each student can envision a future filled with opportunity. As a North Carolina Principal Fellow at East Carolina University, Cara has demonstrated remarkable leadership potential, deepening her knowledge and honing her skills to better serve diverse student populations.”

Hyde Academy, the Early College High School within Hyde County Schools, offers students the opportunity to earn college credits, certificates, credentials, diplomas, or degrees while completing their high school education. Thanks to the alignment of Career and Technical Education courses with offerings from Beaufort County Community College, Hyde County students are better positioned than ever to graduate with a clear, confident understanding of their career pathways.

“I have been teaching at Mattamuskeet School for four years. I consider Hyde County Schools and the students my family,” Equils said. “Career and Technical Education allows me to build meaningful relationships with my students while guiding them toward their futures. I am excited about being the Dean of Hyde Academy and Career Development Coordinator as I get to play a pivotal role in helping them discover their potential, develop real-world skills, and step confidently into their careers. Watching students grow academically and as individuals is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Equils’ vision for Hyde Academy emphasizes student success through innovation and career-focused education, ensuring every Hyde County student has the skills, credentials, and confidence needed to thrive in college, career, military or life.

Hyde County Schools remains committed to offering opportunities that prepare students not just for graduation, but for lifelong success.

In other news, Mattamuskeet School’s groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, outside the Media Center at Mattamuskeet School (20392 US Highway 264, Swan Quarter. 

Flashback — In 2024, Hyde County Schools was awarded a $36 million state grant for the Mattamuskeet Rising project to revitalize the Mattamuskeet School campus, modernizing its facilities and expanding its capabilities to serve as a hub for both students and the community. The comprehensive project includes upgrades to the school’s physical infrastructure, increased access to cutting-edge educational resources, and athletic facilities. 

New Principal

Speaking of Mattamuskeet, Hyde County Schools announced last week that Tim O’Shea is the new principal of Mattamuskeet School. A proud public school educator and administrator in Eastern North Carolina, O’Shea brings a dynamic passion for student success, innovative learning, and community engagement to Hyde County, according to a press release from Hyde Schools.  

O’Shea holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Education from Monmouth University, a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) from Johns Hopkins University, and a School Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He began his educational journey through Teach for America as a high school history teacher with Weldon City Schools, where he exceeded academic growth targets and served as a district classroom leader.

Throughout his career, O’Shea has demonstrated a commitment to meeting students where they are, revamping educational experiences, and empowering student agency to drive intrinsic success. His leadership as an assistant principal for Edgecombe County Public Schools focused on curriculum and instruction, helping his school achieve recognition as a “School to Learn from” and a sponsor for the Rural School Leadership Academy, thanks to exceptional growth and student achievement data.

O’Shea’s approach emphasizes community collaboration, active student engagement, and conceptual learning practices. He has worked tirelessly alongside teachers and students to strengthen community ties, enhance student learning goals, provide hands-on educational experiences, and champion access and advocacy for every student he serves.

Now, as principal of Mattamuskeet School, O’Shea is ready to lead the school on an exciting and innovative path toward new tomorrows. With a vision grounded in collaboration, community empowerment, and academic excellence, he is determined to foster a culture of engagement, vocational success, and college readiness.

Reflecting on his appointment, O’Shea said, “It is an honor to serve as the principal of Mattamuskeet School. I am excited to work alongside our talented students, dedicated staff, and supportive community to build a strong foundation for academic excellence. Together, we will create an environment where every student thrives and where Mattamuskeet School rises as a model of success and opportunity.”

Superintendent Shaver added, “I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Tim O’Shea to the Hyde County Schools, Mattamuskeet family. We are excited for the journey ahead and the incredible opportunities his leadership will bring to our students, staff, and community.”

There will be a Meet & Greet for Mattamuskeet School parents and community to meet O’Shea in person will be at 4 p.m. May 27 prior to the Mattamuskeet Rising Groundbreaking at 5 pm.

Swan Quarter VFD Receives State Grant

In other news, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor recently announced that the Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded a $40,000 grant through the 2025 Volunteer Fire Grant Fund from the State of North Carolina.

The check will be mailed to Fire Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry to be used by the Department to purchase needed equipment. The equipment is purchased using matching funds and must be approved by the Office of State Fire Marshal.

“Fire and rescue organizations protect our communities large and small across North Carolina, but sometimes their budgets don’t grow with their responsibilities,” Taylor said. “Our emergency service personnel should be supported with the best equipment and supplies needed to do their jobs correctly and safely.

“I know the Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., will use this money to serve their community even better,” Taylor added. “Thank you, Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry, for all of your hard work and thanks to your dedicated staff.”

Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. has received a total of $420,479.02 from the Volunteer Fire Department Fund since the program began.

The General Assembly created the Volunteer Fire Department Fund in 1988 to help volunteer units raise money for equipment and supplies. The grant funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar for an amount approved up to $40,000, unless the department receives less than $50,000 per year from municipal and county funding, in which case the applicant shall match $1 for each $3 of grant funds up to $40,000.