Unexpected high enrollments at Kosciusko High School has prompted some last minute hiring.
The Kosciusko Board of Trustees unanimously approved contracts for two new teachers and assistant principal at the high school at their monthly meeting Monday night. Sunja Douglas and Shelby Hill were hired for the teacher positions, while Anthony Palokas was tabbed as the assistant principal.
“We had higher numbers than we expected at the high school, so these hirings are to help relieve some large classrooms,” board president Dr. Kenneth Quick said.
The board also accepted the resignation of junior high assistant principal Tristan Howell and food service worker Lakeisha Granderson. They also approved a salary increase for food service worker Mamy Gumbs and hired Sommer Jackson as a bus attendant along with approving substitute teachers, cafeteria subs and bus subs.
In other action the board moved to seek bids for lawn maintenance.
According to superintendent of schools Gina Smith, the district spent $91,745.39 in salaries and maintenance last year.
“The proposal will not result in any employee losing their job, since one former lawn maintenance worker retired last year and the other would be transferred to maintenance,” Smith said.
The bids will be opened September 2.
Other action taken by the board include
• agreed to reappraise a portion of Section 16 land for a new lease and approving an amendment to another property lease;
• approved Odysseyware as a sole source software package at Success School;
• approved the Food Allergy Management Plan;
• approved the school handbook for the Success School;
• approved an agreement with the City of Kosciusko for the district resource officer;
• approved an agreement with Life Help for consultation and crisis intervention services;
• approved a temporary easement and agreement with Lakeisha Edwards, A.J. Johnson and the Attala County Board of Supervisors for school bus turnarounds;
• approved a payment of $1,798 for unused sick days;
• approved payments totaling $450 for credit recovery;
• approved fundraisers for KHS Baseball and Catch-A Dream.
