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All members of the Simpson County School were back in their seats for the first time in one year. During this period, several members participated on Zoom.
James Smith and Misty Westmoreland met before the board Thursday, March 11, 2021 during their regular scheduled meeting pleading for help for the Mendenhall baseball team. Mr. Smith approached the board the previous month with the same issues. The individuals requested the school board approve building of a new baseball facility for the Mendenhall Baseball team. The field the high school baseball team presently plays on belongs to the City of Mendenhall. According to parents, the facility is in much need of repairs from the lightning, fence, restrooms, concession and overall field condition. The board advised they cannot do any work to property they do not own. The City of Mendenhall would need to make the changes. Approximately a year ago, a cost guide was given to the board on the cost to repair the field. The estimate was $750,000 to build a baseball field, softball field and parking area. The board granted permission for the district to obtain estimate. An estimate was provided at the cost of little shy of $3,000,000. During the estimate, it was discovered if the school built the fields there was not quite enough property to build. The board would need to purchase land to compete the fields. Another option was to move the fields in closer to the school which would cost a substantial amount of filed work and retaining walls that would be needed. Buildings for the junior high must be done at this time. Building a baseball and softball field was not a feasible decision to move forward with when a Junior High is in horrible condition and new structures are needed. Board members advised at this time the focus has to be toward infrastructure of the Junior high. The board is in the process of building two buildings at Mendenhall Elementary. One building will be demolished and a new 5th grade building built as soon as school is out for the summer. The district pays the City of Mendenhall $8,000.00 per year to lease the city baseball fields. According to the parents, the city does not want to do any repairs to the fields. The board advised Mr. Smith to appear before the Mendenhall Board of Alderman and plead his case.
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Th board thanked the public for the participation in the online surveys and virtual stakeholder meeting held last week. The input will assist the board as they are seeking a new superintendent.
J H & H Architects presented the board with drawing and project specifications for the construction of the new 5th grade building and the demolition of the two building at Mendenhall Elementary. The board approved to begin the advertising process for bids on both projects.
Judith Jones, Director of COVID, advised the board all health protocols are going well. Number of positive cases are down. Vaccines are available for the teachers. Magee teachers have already begun receiving the vaccines. Simpson General is scheduled to give vaccines at Mendenhall the week after spring break.
Congrats for the teachers will go out the Friday before Spring Break. The teachers will have 10 days following spring break to complete and sign ttheir contracts.
Brett Duncan and Cathy Slocum with Charles Prince CPA office met before the board to present the 2018 and back reconciled bank statements. These are the requirements to satisfy the present internal audit. The statements will be present to the auditors and then the audit can be closed. Charles Prince, CPA office will continue to reconcile the bank statements for 2019 and 2020. As each year is completed, the firm will present completed statements to the board.
The HR Report was presented and approved by the board.
The board agreed due to the timeline involved and the absence of a principal and retiring of a Superintendent to allow the present Superintendent hire the upcoming vacancy of the Head Coach/AD and Principal at Magee High School. The board would like to act fast to avoid prospective candidates from signing contracts with present schools.
The board reviewed and approved Section A of the Board Policy.
The board adjourned to enter executive session concerning legal issues.
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