Attala County School Board members were surprised to learn that the “rock building” on the grounds of Ethel High School is not, in fact, listed on the National Register of Historic Places or as a Mississippi landmark.
Officials had long heard that due to the building’s age, it was likely protected and that any renovations would incur significant limitations and oversight from preservation officials.
The building was constructed as a WPA project back in the 1930s, Superintendent Bryan Weaver believes, and an auditorium area within the building was condemned in 1996 following a tornado, he said.
Weaver told board members that making good use of the building will require some investment, but that he believed the gain of three additional classrooms would be worth it.
“It needs work, but it can be useful,” he told the board as he passed around a rough sketch of the plan he had in mind.
The board approved the expenditure of up to $23,900 to replace the current roof with metal roofing.
Current snack and drink machines will be moved outdoors under a canopy to gain space toward one of the new classrooms.
The ceiling will be dropped from 20 feet to 10 feet in the current visitor locker room, making the area a more energy-efficient second classroom during the day while maintaining after hours use as the locker room.
A third new classroom will take the place of much of a current teacher’s lounge, which will be downsized.
The addition of heating and cooling units will also likely be necessary, according to Weaver.
“It’s a way of getting some more room available,” said Weaver.
New $353,548 janitorial contract approved
At Weaver’s recommendation, the board also approved a $323,548 annual contract with ABM Custodial Services to replace the current district-employed custodial staff.
“We should get a more thorough cleansing with more staff and equiment,” Weaver said after the favorable vote.
Board members asked about the status of current custodial staff, with Weaver explaining that each of them will have the opportunity to work for the contractor.
One of the positions that will be created with ABM is a district-wide janitorial manager who will supervise and direct all of the staff.
While the annual fees represent a $55,548 increase in annual custodial costs, Weaver told the board that the district will go from the 8.5 full-time-equivalents to 18 full-time-equivalents, which he believes will greatly improve the cleanliness of district facilities.
As part of the contract, ABM will clean after ball games and can be contracted at an additional cost to clean up after other district events.
Board member Rodger Clark questioned the auto-renewal language in the contract, which indicated to him that the only way the district could end the contract was if the ABM performance was dissatisfactory.
Weaver said was comfortable that the firm is required to resolve any negative issues noted by the district, and that if the matter could not be resolved, the contract could be voided.
“I checked with other districts that use them and it seemed like it will be a very productive situation,” he said following the meeting.
Resignations accepted
The board accepted a series of resignations from various district positions.
Susan Black resigned as a Greenlee Elementary teacher, effective May 29.
Amy Burnett, McAdams High School counselor, resigned effective February 25.
Josh Cumberland resigned his teaching and coaching positions at Ethel High School, effective at the end of July.
Sarah Aughtman, Ethel High School teacher, resigned her position effective at the end of the school year.
Morgan Williams resigned his teaching psosition at Ethel High School, effective immediately.
