Principals in the Attala County School District met with the board members Monday night to discuss assessments and outline goals that they have for improvements.
Jim Wood, principal at Ethel High, cited test scores in Biology and U.S. History being above average, but hopes to see increases in all scores. He said access to IPads has created excitement among students and he sees them as a means of positive accomplishments.
Jacqueline Sandifer, principal at McAdams High, cited areas of concern for improvements and the success of mentoring. Mentoring is providing to be successful, she pointed out. “Our goal is to get students to graduation and be successful in life,” she said.
Greenlee Elementary Principal Culley Newman reported “steady growth” giving credit to changing schedules to allow more class time and moving teachers. “I think we are moving to a ‘B’ school,” he said.
All principals had high praise for Matt Steed and his work as the new resource officer for the district. They said he has been welcomed by students and is establishing a good relationship as he teaches safety and respect along with other duties. He provides a liaison with law enforcement in case of a need, Newman said.
Because of the distance between schools, principals said they felt there is a need for two officers. “We need another one. Put that in your budget next year,” said Wood.
Principal Dietrich Harmon at Long Creek Elementary had outlined his school goals to the board at a previous meeting.
In personnel matters, Linda J. Teague was hired as an interventionist at McAdams High; Doris Hawthorne, Lueberta Grady, substitute teachers at Greenlee Elementary; Asenath Ball as a bus driver and as a substitute teacher at Long Creek.
In the consent agenda, travel, bus easements for Lou Jean and L.D. Erving and Sabrina Young and field trips were approved.
Policy changes were approved requiring a financial report twice a year from Booster Clubs, Parent-Teacher Organizations and other support groups. A change adopted in the drug testing policy specified synthetic marijuana testing to be allowed.
In 16th section matters, a six-month extension on harvesting due to marketing conditions was granted. A hunting and fishing lease to Ryan Shea McCarty on 304 acres at $6.12 per acre was approved. A bid of $8.32 submitted by David Box on 37 acres was accepted.
