Security was again discussed at Webster County School Board meetings earlier this month.
These followed related discussion March 19, when Webster County Sheriff’s Department representatives offered suggestions to improve safety and security on the district’s school campuses. Afterwards, the board voted to transfer $50,000 out of $16th Section into District Maintenance for operations of the district for increased security measures.
Security was also the topic of a special meeting April 2. Board President Bobby McMullen, minutes reflect, first read a prepared statement regarding a shooting that took place near Eupora High School on March 28.
Witnesses and local authorities said a man on a dirt bike rode onto the band practice field that afternoon and began cutting “doughnuts” before riding off and firing a handgun nearby from West Clark Street; no one was injured. Cole Breazeale of Eupora, now 19, was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with drive-by shooting in the incident.
Board statement
McMullen’s statement to those attending the special meeting reads, "Good evening. As you know on Wednesday afternoon, March 28, there was a shooting near the Eupora High School band hall. We thank God there were no injuries.
"A large number of law enforcement responded, including FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, Eupora PD and Webster County deputies. And my understanding is the Mississippi Bureau is leading the case.
"This board however has been proactive reviewing our overall safety plan and as early as our last board meeting we voted on and passed security measures for both Eupora and East Webster high schools that include security fencing and gates around both campuses.
"This meeting, however, is called for the purpose of discussing our overall security plan for the remainder of the year. We understand that this is of the utmost importance to all communities involved.
"And we do solicit comments and other suggestions from the community, but this must be done in writing and submitted to the superintendent, for at this time the board is not prepared to answer any questions. Thank you for your attention."
Police presence
McMullen then turned the meeting over to Superintendent Brian Jones, who asked Chief Gregg Hunter of the Eupora Police Department to speak to the board regarding efforts to increase security on school campuses.
Hunter discussed an increase in police presence at the schools in Eupora during the school day for the remainder of the school year, according to the minutes. Jones then asked Chief Investigator Landon Griffin of the Sheriff’s Department to speak to the board regarding increased law enforcement on school campuses. Joe Frank of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also spoke.
Following the discussion, Jones requested permission from the board to seek quotes from private security services for armed officers at each school campus for the remainder of the school year. The board approved the request.
No action was taken after the board discussed security on school campuses during an executive session that followed, the minutes state.
Security proposals
At the board’s next regular meeting on April 9, Jones introduced Brandon Griggs of Starkville-based TBL Security Services to discuss options in security for all school campuses. He submitted a proposal for armed security guards at each school, records show.
Jones then introduced Wayne and Lisa Mills of Oxford-based Cobra Security, who also discussed and submitted their proposal for armed security guards at each of the school campuses.
The board took no action, but was to make a decision at a future time after considering and researching each company, according to the minutes. Board attorney Hugh Gibson was to also examine each contract. Security was on the agenda of the board’s next meeting, which was to be held April 16. Those minutes will be released after approval in May.
Other Business
In addition to security, the April 9 minutes show Jones and the board discussed enrollment numbers and teacher allotments for each school for the upcoming school year. No action was taken.
Jones also presented an attendance and discipline report for each school for the school year to date.
The board went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter before the close of the meeting; no action was taken.
Also on April 9, the board:
• Recognized East Webster High School student J.T. Slay as the Webster County Board of Education Student of the Month for April. Principal Jim Ray introduced him.
• Approved Fortenberry and Ballard accounting firm to perform the school district’s annual audit this year.
• Approved a recommendation to advertise for bids on hunting and fishing leases on two 16th Section tracts. Both sections are currently leased, but the leases are expiring this year.
• Approved a request from a school employee to rent the house on the East Webster High School campus during construction of his home.
• Approved the hiring of Raven Hawkins as special education director effective July 1.
• Approved the hiring of Susan Allen as guidance counselor at East Webster Elementary School effective July 1.
• Approved the hiring of Teresa Whitaker as teacher for the new Teacher Academy program at the Career and Technology Center effective Aug. 1. She currently teaches at Eupora High School. Additionally, the board approved federal Career and Technical Education assurances (Local Plan Update) for the Teacher Academy.
• Approved the hiring of Brady Stoker as a custodian at Eupora High School and as a bus driver, both effective April 10.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from custodian Thomas Pryor, who is retiring, effective May 31.
• Approved the custodian salary scale.
• Approved the hiring of Kimberly Vaughn as a long-term substitute teacher at East Webster High School effective April 2.
• Voted to allow an employee to miss school because of a conflict in August but to follow existing policy.
• Accepted a donation from the EWHS Athletic Boosters to EWHS Athletics.
Jimmy Hood (District 3) was absent April 2 and Rana Mitchell (District 2) was absent April 9.
