An architect discussed a future storm shelter/gymnasium project with the Webster County School Board at a previous meeting.
Neil Waggoner of JBHM Architects addressed the board concerning the future project on June 10, according to minutes of that meeting. He also discussed Federal and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency assistance in construction.
The board approved a motion to submit a letter of intent regarding the project under Waggoner’s guidance.
Superintendent Brian Jones and board members then briefly discussed an engagement letter with MuniGroup, records show. The board voted to table the item.
Board President Bobby McMullen (District 1) said Monday that plans are to build the storm shelter/gym on the Eupora High School campus. He said the site of the old gym that was demolished and now serves as a parking area is being considered for the location. EHS basketball games are now played at Eupora Elementary’s gym.
Executive Session
Also on June 10, the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. The minutes state that while in executive session, the board took this action:
• Approved recommendations from Chip Powell, principal of Eupora Elementary School; Kim Stallings, principal of East Webster Elementary School; Michael Adkins, Webster County Career and Technology Center director; and Adam Dillinger, principal of Eupora High School; to approve Lindsey Hubbard, Mamie Easley, Amanda Brown, Anna Kent and Jennie Davis as teachers effective Aug. 1.
• Jones presented recommendations from East Webster High School Principal Jim Ray and Dillinger of hires for teacher/coach positions at EWHS and EHS. Rana Mitchell (District 2) made a motion to table one teacher/coach recommendation. Marilynn Brown (District 4) seconded the motion, which was approved 3-2; Jimmy Hood (District 3) and Milton Davis (District 5) voted nay.
McMullen then called for a motion recommending Codie Silver and Ross Robinson be hired as teacher/coaches at EWHS and EHS, respectively, effective Aug. 1. A motion by Hood and seconded by Davis to do so was approved 5-0, according to the minutes.
• Approved coaching supplements for 2019-20. The board approved a revision to the supplements at a special meeting on June 25.
• Approved salaries for administrators, department heads and principals for 2019-20.
• Approved salaries for classified personnel for 2019-20.
Other Action
Other action taken by the board on June 10:
• Approved a bid from Meek Insurance Agency for the district’s insurance for school year 2019-20. Bill Yates addressed the board and presented the bid with the assistance of Artie Grimes, who was present by phone.
• Authorized publication of the advertisement for the 2019-20 budget public hearing, which was July 15.
• Approved lead teacher stipends for four teachers paid through the Special Education Applications for 2018-19 and 2019-20 at the request of Special Education Director Raven Hawkins.
• Approved 2019-20 bus routes and drivers.
• Approved a hunting and fishing bid of $2,021.04 from Long Branch Hunting Club on 504 acres of 16th Section land. The lease will be for three years.
• Approved policy revisions sent from the Mississippi School Boards Association that were to go into effect July 1.
• Approved a request from a parent to have their children released from Webster County Schools to attend school in another district because of the parents’ employment.
• Approved request from the Eupora and East Webster Elementary School principals for these teachers to participate in Kindergarten Bootcamp July 22-26: Arey Herard, Emily Sprayberry, Maria Butler and Susan Fulgham.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Mitchell McCurry from his position as teacher and coach at East Webster High School effective July 31.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Eric Marshall from his positions as assistant teacher and coach at Eupora High School effective May 24.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Brady Stoker from his position as bus shop worker effective May 31.
• Approved the hiring of Alex Rawls as assistant principal and athletic director at Eupora High School effective July 1.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Marcy McGlothin from her position as counselor at East Webster High School effective June 30.
• Approved the hiring of Karen Bryant as school counselor at EWHS effective July 19.
• Approved the hiring of Taylor Hollis as a certified staff member at Eupora Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Wes Johnson from his position as head baseball coach only at East Webster High School effective June 30. He will continue to teach.
• Approved the hiring of Jordan Smith as head baseball coach at EWHS effective July 1.
• Approved the hiring of Connie Griffin as transportation secretary effective July 1.
• Approved the hiring of Patricia Hubbard as bookkeeper at Eupora High School effective July 1.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from Leigh Ann Azlin from her position as secretary at East Webster High School effective May 24.
• Approved recommendations from Ray and Dillinger to hire Pam Champion as secretary at EWHS and Mindy Dixon and Tileshia O’Briant as secretaries at EHS, effective June 17 and pending background checks. During the special meeting on June 25, the board approved a corrected secretary recommendation to hire Champion effective July 1.
Also on June 25, the board accepted a letter of resignation from O’Briant effective that day.
• Approved a school lunch account refund request.
• Approved requests from EWHS basketball for three fundraisers: barbecue supper on Sept. 27, basketball camp Oct. 7-8, and raffle, Meet the Wolverines and alumni game on Oct. 29.
• Accepted donations to EHS softball, the EWHS athletic program and the EWHS golf program.
• Approved asset disposals, financial reports for May and the June docket of claims. Additionally, Jones presented the final attendance and discipline report for each school for the school year 2018-19.
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June 25
Special Meeting
Craig Bjorgum of Belinda Stewart Architects addressed the board regarding an ongoing project at both June meetings. No action was taken either time, the minutes reflect.
He and attorney David Mockbee previously met with the board during an executive session on April 15 to discuss legal matters. Marilyn Brown joined the June 25 meeting by phone for Bjorgum’s update only, the minutes indicate.
Other Action
On June 25, the board also approved these motions in addition to previously mentioned business on that date.
• Approved a corrected list of board meeting dates.
• Approved non-certified staff recommendations for 2019-20 at Eupora Elementary School.
• Approved recommendations from Powell and Dillinger to hire David Monasco and Drew Gray as teachers effective Aug. 1 and July 1.
• Approved a recommendation from Powell to hire Kelsey Redus as a long-term substitute teacher effective Aug. 1.
• Approved requests for students to be released to attend West Point Consolidated School District and Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District as their parents are employed there.
• Approved a recommendation from the Graduation Committee of Eupora High to schedule the school’s next graduation for 7 p.m. May 16.
Before adjourning, the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters but took no action, according to the minutes.
The first day of school for students is Aug. 6.
