Commissioner District 5· Back on the board from the Dec 3 2018 meeting per county obituary notice Jun 29 2026 (re-elected 2018) and Dec 3 2018 minutes; oath Dec 5 2022 for the term ending Dec 2026; leave of absence from Oct 6 2025; died Jun 25 2026 per county release Aug 25 2026 ('District 5 seat vacant since ... passed away on June 25, 2026').
J. Owen Etheridge
Currituck County
No biography on file yet.
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Top issues during term (11)(Schools)
Lost hands-on instruction in automotive program
A new scanner runs roughly $7,000, and dealership-level diagnostics can cost $150-200 per hour.
County Funding Requests for School Facility Repairs
County dollars would cover the cooling tower replacement and gym/pumphouse repairs — costs not itemized in the published agenda.
New Elementary School Opening and Redistricting
Mr. Banks noted the building's cost roughly equals what was spent on the Mid-Currituck Bridge; $3 million of the capital outlay amendment relates to Tolls Creek.
School Nutrition Summer Meal Participation Agreement
Free to participating families; limited to 500 meal kits per week on a first-come basis.
2026-2027 student transfer requests
Capital outlay HVAC and air handler replacements
Cost figures were not included in the published agenda materials.
AP Capstone Program Growth at CCHS
Students can earn college credit that may reduce future tuition costs, including transferable credit at COA.
Rumored PE Position Cut at Currituck County High School
No cut was confirmed; the concern stems from a rumored budget-driven staffing reduction.
Teacher and administrative contract renewals
Homeschool & JP Knapp Athletic Participation
Could eventually raise the district's ADM count above the 6A realignment threshold, driving up transportation and conference travel costs.
2025 Fall Policy Update
Decisions during term (1)
Recorded while Etheridge was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.