Security matters were discussed at a previous meeting of the Webster County School Board, records show
The security-related issues were discussed March 19, according to minutes of that meeting approved last week.
Representatives from the East Webster Elementary School PTO expressed interest in helping fund a project to improve safety measures at the school. Several improvements were discussed, the minutes state.
The minutes also reflect that representatives from the Webster County Sheriff’s Department offered suggestions to improve safety and security on the district’s school campuses.
Additionally, the board approved a recommendation from Superintendent Brian Jones to transfer $50,000 out of $16th Section into District Maintenance for operations of the district for increased security measures.
This followed a Feb. 27 incident at East Webster High School in which deputies already on campus were informed that some students were overheard talking about recent school shootings.
As a precaution, according to the sheriff’s office, a determination was made that the conversation violated school policy and the students were escorted off campus. The sheriff’s office and Jones said that, upon further investigation, the matter was found to be a non-credible threat.
Security was to also be discussed at an April 2 special meeting. That meeting followed a March 28 incident in which a person on a dirt bike rode onto the Eupora High School band practice field and began cutting “doughnuts” before driving off and firing a handgun from West Clark Street. Cole Breazeale, 18, was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with drive-by shooting in the case. He was scheduled to appear Friday in Justice Court but his attorney has requested a continuance until an undetermined date, according to court officials.
A chain-link fence has since been put up around the band practice field at EHS.
Other business
Also on March 19, minutes show the board:
• approved a transfer recommendation from Jones recommending Laci Knight be approved as Alternative School director effective July 1. She now serves as principal at Eupora High School.
• accepted letters of resignation from these teachers, all of whom will be retiring after this school year: Lyn Blaylock at Eupora High School, Carol Turner at Eupora Elementary and Renee Moore at East Webster High School.
• approved the advertisement for depository bids for the district’s funds for fiscal year 2019.
• accepted a letter of resignation from Chris Daniels from his position as custodian/bus driver at Eupora High School effective March 9, when he retired.
• approved a recommendation from Jones that the district waive makeup of the days missed for weather Jan. 16-18 based upon a legal opinion from board attorney Hugh Gibson.
• approved revisions to the “Section 504 Procedures (Students)” policy.
• approved an amendment to the Special Education Project for FY 2017.
• approved Jan Bowen, Karen Collins and Thad Walker as substitute custodians to be paid minimum wage for two hours a day because of the absence of a custodian for a time.
• approved Sharonna Miller as a substitute teacher at East Webster Elementary School beginning March 20.
• approved a request from East Webster basketball coach Jon Ginn to use the East Webster High School dome and PE building to host basketball camps June 11-12 and June 18-19. Ginn will pay the rental fee and other associated costs.
• accepted donations from the Eupora High School Band Boosters to the EHS band, Eupora Rotary Club to the EHS Interact Club, and East Webster High School Athletic Boosters to EWHS athletics and EWHS softball.
• approved requests for the junior high cheerleaders at Eupora High School to sell ferns as a fundraiser and for the HOSA student organization at the Career and Technology Center to sell candy to finance their trip to the state Leadership Conference.
