Simpson County School Board Meeting 12/12/19

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The Simpson County School Board was called to order Thursday, December 12, 2019 by Vice President Lilly Hard in the absence of President Stacey Herrin.

The agenda and minutes were approved by the board.

Special recognition was given to District Administrator of the year Rhonda Berry and District Teacher of the Year Kayla Jenkins.

The following schools were recognized for the achievement as B level rated schools. Principals from each school were recognized.

Simpson Central – Dr. Woodall
Magee Elementary – Dr. Lawrence
Mendenhall Elementary- Ms. Berry

Simpson County School Board approved the new Cheer Policy for the district changing grading scale to match that of MHSAA.

The School Board is working to develop a board calendar which will provide the board with a tool to help evaluate the superintendent> A proposal was given to the board. The board will take this proposal and allow the state school board association to have input on if any changes are needed in the calendar.

Under the Consent Agenda the following donations were approved:

Permission to accept donation from DonorsChoose.org for materials to be used in the classroom of Cecilia Grubbs at Magee Elementary. Ms. Grubbs received (1) Tales2go Audiobook subscription; (3) Amazon Fire 7″ Tablets and covers for a total amount of $641.15
Permission to accept $200 donation to be used toward unpaid meal balances from Legacy Church.

The following travel was approved:

Monroe Allen & Teddy Dyess requested permission to attend Hellas MS Athletic Administrator’s Conference, January 14-17, 2020 in Biloxi, MS. The conference is paid with athletic funds.
Brenda White & HOSA students from the Technical Center requested permission to attend State HOSA Leadership Conference, March 25-27, 2020 in Natchez, MS.
Permission for interested School Board members to attend the National School Board Conference April 4-6, 2020 in Chicago, IL. The conference is paid with district funds
Mark Hudson requested permission to travel with band students to Ole Miss for Mid State Honor Band Clinic, Feb 20-22, 2020. The clinic is paid with Booster Club funds.
Crystal Smith requested permission to attend RCU IAD meeting, January 28-29, 2019 in Starkville, MS.
All expenses are paid by RCU.

The Bailey Group met before the board to discuss finalizing the suggested strategic plans that have been presented. The board voted to table the discussion and hold a work session on January 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

The City of Magee Mayor Dale Berry, Recreational Director David Dunn, Alderman Patrick Brown, and City attorney Bruce Smith met before the board to discuss trading The Washington Park property for the high school baseball and softball teams to play ball at the city Sportsplex. The City of Magee offered 15 years of playing free at the Sporstplex in exchange for the Washington Park property. The School board requested the city come back to the board with the proposal in writing with extended years of free usage. The two boards agreed to meet for a work session on January 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in an attempt to come to an agreement that is beneficial for both parties involved.

JH & H Architects from Flowood met with the board and discussed a drawing of the baseball and softball fields at Mendenhall High School. Approximately 75 more feet is needed to meet the requirements of the proposed architectural drawing. Superintendent Greg Paces and Transportation Director Jeffery Walker will contact the landowner to see if an agreement can be reached for purchase of the property. No action has been taken on the proposed sport fields at this time.