The Attala County School Board took care of business Monday night in its internet-streamed meeting.
Superintendent Kyle Hammond reported that 80% of the seniors who responded to a survey want a traditional graduation ceremony. The district will make a decision no later than June 15, with potential options including holding traditional graduation ceremonies in the two high school gyms or having smaller ceremonies on the football fields. Utilizing football fields would allow spectators to spread out, and graduates would have to limit the number of guests they could invite.
Hammond told the board Monday night that although lesson packets and internet work have not been ideal ways to complete the school year due to the COVID-19 school closure, they have worked the best they can. He commended teachers on their efforts to continue educating their students, but noted that the district needs to develop contingency plans for similar situations going forward. Items that he said would be helpful in similar circumstances might include more Chromebooks and having internet access available in the parking lots of schools for students who lack adequate service at home.
The board also heard a presentation by Ryan Burrage of Entegrity, who indicated that possible facilities upgrades could save energy costs in the long run. Some of the upgrades could include LED lighting, solar panels, water conservation and others. The board voted to begin the procurement process to request bids from energy-saving performance companies.
The board approved certified personnel for the next academic year, including Nancy Jo Lee, English teacher at McAdams; Gloria Overstreet, science teacher at McAdams; Robert Whitten, PE teacher at Ethel, and Ashley Brown, PE teacher at McAdams. Classified personnel for all schools were also approved. Terry Allen was approved for ISS assistant at McAdams.
Classified staff pay scales were approved. Resignations were accepted from Eddie Duncan, Michael Huffman, Jocyln Tucker and Gennell Ashford. Fixed assets disposals were also approved.
A motion carried to place hunting and fishing bids for 16th section land. Also approved was a motion to was 30-day extension for two 16th section land leasers.
Hammond said that with timber prices down, it might be an option to finance capital improvements. Normally money raised from harvesting timber on 16th section land funds improvements. The board gave the green light to looking at what the cost of financing might be.
The board then went into executive session to discuss paying unused sick leave to retirees and a staffing recommendation. The board later approved the sick leave payment, but did not approve hiring Gregory Washington as a certified teacher.
He also said that as of the June board meeting, he expects to have a full staff at all schools.
