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Superintendent Greg Paes submitted his letter of retirement effective June 30, 2021 to the Simpson County School Board during their regular scheduled meeting Thursday, January 14, 2021. Mr. Paes is retiring after 27 years of employment in the education field. Mr. Paes has served as a Teacher, Coach, Administrator and Superintendent. A retirement party will be held later in the year.
Board Member Stacey Herrin was sworn in office for her second term. (Pictured Wesla Sullivan, Stacey Herrin, and Board President Danny Cowart)
The first order of business was to elect board officers. Danny Cowart was selected as President, Lilly Hardy – Vick President, and Patrice Boykin as Secretary.
Agenda, minutes, and claim dockets were approved by the board.
In Human Resource, Joanna Maddox was hired as the new Finance Director replacing Duane Fewell effective January 4th – June 30, 2021 in a 3-2 vote with Bulger and Hardy voting against. (The vote was not against the individual but the timing of replacing a person during the unforeseen results of an extensive audit that is being performed at this time.)
Pierson Gilreath was hired as Band Director for Magee High School. Gilreath was hired as a full-time substitute pending verification and certifications.
Mary Elizabeth Taddlock was approved to be hired as a SPED Teacher at Mendenhall Elementary.
Kara Bailey was approved as a new hire at Mendenhall Elementary as a teacher.
The board granted permission for Magee High School to accept a donation for $200 from Millcreek Rehabilitation Center and a $1000 donation from Entergy for JumpStart ACT.
The board determined the need for a special called meeting later in the month to discuss the hiring procedures for the new Superintendent and a further discussion on facilities.
The following contracts presented on behalf of the Superintendent were approved by the board:
- Charles Prince, CPA
- Child Nutrition Agreement 2019-2020 Revised
- Data Management/Capture
- Edmentum (Simpson Central)
- St. Clair CPA Contract Amendment
- Stop-It Solutions
- Will’s Way
The board approved the JH&H Architects addendum to add the contraction of a 5th grade building at Mendenhall Elementary, demolition of the old building at Mendenhall Elementary and adding a new parking lot. JH & H can now start the bid process with the board approval.
COVID-19 numbers are showing an increase following the holiday break. A vaccine should be available mid-February for educators. The district office is seeking a company to come to the schools to administer the vaccines. Faculty will be advised when vaccines are available.
The board reviewed and approved board policies Sections I and J.
The board is still awaiting results of the audit. Auditors will return January 28th to receive items needed to complete the final audit. As soon as results are completed, the auditors will meet with the board to discuss their findings.
The board entered executive session to discuss pending legal issues.
With no further business, the meeting was recessed pending date of a special called meeting later in the month.
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