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The Simpson County School Board met Thursday, May 14, 2020 for their regular called monthly meeting. Danny Coward and Patrice Boykin were present at the county office. Lily Hardy, Stan Bulger, and Stacey Herrin joined via Zoom. Attendance was adjusted due to COVID-19 regulations still being followed by the state. The public was allowed to either attend the meeting at the County Office or via Zoom.
The first item of business was the opening of hunting and fishing bids for the 16th section land. All bids were opened. The board approved the high bids. A list is provided below.
Mendenhall High School baseball Coach Ryan Neely and parent Michael Eubanks met before the board to discuss the conditions and playing options for the Mendenhall Baseball team. The fields where the high school baseball team plays belongs to the City of Mendenhall. The fields are in poor condition with flooding and maintenance issues. Coach Neely pleaded with the board for consideration of a solution for better playing options for the team. Board President Danny Cowart advised Neely and Eubanks the board would take the request under advisement and get back with them at a later date.
After a lengthy discussion, the board approved in a three to two (3-2) vote to move forward with option 5.0 that Bailey Education Group. The option provides details for purchasing the Pioneer Building for a consolidated high school for Simpson County. Board members Hardy and Herrin opposed. Boykin, Cowart, and Bulger approved. The approval of 5.0 will allow Bailey Education Group to move forward with educating the public about the 5.0 option.
Contracts and Finance reports presented to the board were approved. Refunds were approved to be issued to students for trips and events that had been cancelled due to the pandemic.
The following human resource report was approved.
Superintendent Greg Paes provided the board with information regarding graduation at Magee High School and Mendenhall High School. Both ceremonies will take place as drive through at each school’s respectful football field.
Mendenhall will graduate Tuesday, May 19, 2020 and Magee Thursday, May 21, 2020.
Both ceremonies will begin at 6:00 p.m. The students will drive in vehicles to the field, exit the vehicle and receive their diploma. Upon receiving their diploma, the graduate will immediately return to their vehicle and exit the field.
The board approved a budget meeting for Monday, June 8th beginning at 3:00 P.M. at the district office.
The meeting was recessed into executive session to discuss personnel issues.
