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Concerned citizens came before the Simpson County School Board at the Thursday, March 21, 2019 meeting to address issues affecting local schools.
Dennis Amman approached the board concerning the overall condition of the Mendenhall High School baseball field. Flooding of restrooms and concession stands was a major concern. Other issues brought to the attention of the board included conditions of the field, fencing, and leaning poles. Amman was informed the Simpson County School District does not own the property and, therefore, cannot perform the needed repairs or improvements. Superintendent Greg Paes explained that the head of maintenance had met with the City of Mendenhall to discuss the issue and would continue to meet with them until the problem is resolved.
Archie Skiffer expressed concern regarding the time of board meetings, asked if anyone from within the county was considered for the position of superintendent, and questioned alternative lunches, asking if the same price is being charged for a lunch why is an alternative lunch given.
Mr. Lewis Carter questioned the board about the current administration of the district, which has been in place for more than four years, and the fact the district is low performing.
Another concerned parents asked the board what is being done to better Simpson County schools. She asked about future plans for the schools.
Magee Middle School and Mendenhall Middle School personnel reported that their schools are performing and growing. Data reports continue to show positive growth in math and language arts for both schools.
The board granted the following approvals:
- Approval was given to accept a $100.00 donation from Taylor Hill Missionary Baptist church to be used for school lunches.
- Approval was given to accept a $300.00 donation from New Hymn Baptist Church to be used for school lunches.
- Approval was given to accept a $100 donation from Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church to be used for school lunches.
- Approval was given to accept a $500 donation form Lipscomb Oil Company for Mendenhall Elementary School.
- Magee High School Girls Basketball was granted approval for accepting a variable speed drill from Central Building Supply/Ace Hardware and a $50.00 gift card from Wal-Mart.
- A request from Magee High School to dispose of/shred contents of cumulative folders for dropouts/withdrawal from 1998-2009 was granted.
- Crystal Brewer was given permission to approve performance agreement for Ned’s Kindness Adventure. The agreement has been examined and approved by the board attorney.
The following Travel was approved:
- Pamela Rodgers and Audarshia Flagg requested permission to attend MPSA Statewide High School Journalism Conference, April 1, 2019 in Oxford, Ms. Trip is paid for by parents and students.
- Kendria Young requested permission to travel to Louisiana Sate University, June 22-23, 2019. Trip is funded by the Hardwood club.
- Stephanie Kennedy requested permission to travel to WWII Museum on March 29, 2019 in New Orleans, La. Trip is paid for by students.
- Stanford Speech requested permission to attend Nike Championship Basketball Clinic, May 3-5, 2019 in Biloxi, MS. Trip is funded with athletic funds.
- Crystal Brewer requested permission to attend the American School Counselor Association Conference, June 29-June 2, 2019 in Boston, MA. Trip is funded with district funds.
- Patrice Williams and Pamela Woodard requested permission to attend State FBLA Conference, April 2-4, 2019 in Jackson, Ms.
- Joanna Maddox and Cindy Watkins requested permission to attend the School Nutrition Association Annual Conference, July 14-16, 2019 in St. Louis, MO . Trip is paid for with federal funds.
- Rebecca Bridges, Adrienne Sanders, Lynn Pudas, and Jessica Carr requested permission to attend the MS Speech and Hearing Association Annual Conference, March 31-April 3, 2019 in Biloxi, Ms. Trip is funded with Federal funds.
- Kristi Magee and Misty Hanna requested permission to attend the METIS Conference, July 17-19, 2019 in Biloxi, MS. Trip is funded with district maintenance and federal funds.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned to go into executive session.