Brian Jones’ contract as superintendent of the Webster County School District has been extended one year.
The contract extension was approved Aug. 12 by the Webster County School Board. Meeting minutes show board President Bobby McMullen presented a request from Jones for one year to be added to his contract, making it effective until June 30, 2023.
The board unanimously approved a motion to approve the request after some discussion, according to the minutes.
Gibson resigns
as board attorney
Also on Aug. 12, the board voted to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
After coming back into open session following some discussion, Jones presented a letter of resignation from board attorney Hugh Gibson. His resignation was accepted.
The minutes state Gibson was to resign effective Aug. 31 but will be available for services as needed until a replacement is found.
Approve budget,
tax levy request
Business Manager Angela-Avent White presented the school district’s budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year for the board’s approval.
Records show the board did vote to approve the $16.84 million budget, which was presented at a public hearing on July 15.
Additionally, the board approved Jones’ recommendation of the ad valorem request in the amount of $3.01 million required for operations this school year.
Funding for the school district was included in the new county budget and tax levy adopted by the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9.
The county tax levy includes 48.76 total mills required by the school district. Of that amount, 47.416 mills (1.576-mill increase) is for school operations, 1.248 mills (0.012-mill decrease) is for a 3-mill note issued three years ago to fund the reroofing of the Career and Technology Center and buy new school buses, and 0.098 mills (0.052-mill decrease) is to repay a shortfall note.
Total millage for the county is increasing less than 1 mill.
EWHS projects
The School Board acted on three agenda items regarding construction projects at East Webster High School.
One was to approve recommended plans from Jones and Maintenance Director Kim Jones for lighting on the EWHS campus.
Jones also presented two quotes on completion of a fencing job on the EWHS campus. He recommended the board accept the bid from Turner Shaw Fence Sales as it was the low bid.
The board voted to approve that bid and to use 16th Section funds to pay for the fencing.
Additionally, the board granted permission to advertise for bids on the replacement of the EWHS gym floor. The bid deadline was Friday.
In related action in September 2018, the board approved an agreement with Belinda Stewart Architects to consult with the district on the matter of the condition of the gym floor. Craig Bjorgum of the architectural firm met with the board in April and June.
During an executive session to discuss legal matters on April 15, Bjorgum and a Jackson attorney who is a leading authority in the field of construction law met with the board, minutes reflect.
Other action
Other action taken Aug. 12, according to the minutes:
• Approved the School Occupational Safety and Crisis Response Plan, Instructional Management Plan, Dropout Prevention/Graduation Plan, Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care Plan, Procedures for Enrolling Homeless Students and English Learner Plan for 2019-20, all submitted by Federal Programs Director Sue Anne Boatman.
• Approved an agreement submitted by Special Education Director Raven Hawkins between the district and Hometown Physical Therapy for services in this school year.
• Tabled an agreement submitted by Hawkins between the district and Laura Murphey for student interventions at no cost to the district.
• Accepted a letter of resignation indicating Jennifer Collum was resigning from her position as assistant teacher at Eupora Elementary School effective Aug. 6.
• Approved a recommendation from Technology Director Chris Shea for Amy Hubbard to teach professional development classes for staff effective Aug. 13.
• Approved the hiring of Katelyn Pilkington and Cody Robertson as substitute teachers at East Webster Elementary School effective upon receipt of background checks after Aug. 13.
• Approved a request from a teacher to participate in a mission trip requiring time away from school in December, with any time missed to be taken from personal or sick leave.
• Voted to add a school bus turnaround at Ryan McCarty’s residence in Mathiston.
• Approved various fundraiser requests.
• Accepted these donations: Hayes Family Dentistry to Eupora High School cheerleaders, Eupora Lady Eagle Diamond Club to the EHS softball program and Smile Doctors to the EHS tennis program.
• Approved asset disposals, financial reports and the docket of claims.
Additionally, Dr. Christa Haney introduced Dr. Renee Clary, Mississippi State University professor and representative from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
Clary presented Brooke Dodd with the NAGT State of Mississippi’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award for the 2018-19 academic year. Dodd teaches fifth-grade science at East Webster Elementary, An article about her recognition was published Aug. 21.
The board adjourned until Sept. 16 and its next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 21.
