Much was covered in the prompt Board of Education meeting Thursday evening, Feb. 8, at the J.Z. George Band Hall. One of a few points that were elaborated on by Superintendent Joey Carpenter was savings in the amount of $1,750 per month due to the absence of a front desk position. As of this meeting, two dedicated front desk workers had taken on the responsibilities of the recently voided role, resulting in savings for the county even while paying overtime for their hard work.
Beat 2 Board Supervisor, Teresa Vanlandingham, brought attention to generous donations made by the Jaguar Diamond Booster Club as well as a few other community organizations for the purchase of equipment and uniforms. The Board as a whole expressed their gratitude for the donations.
The Board approved the Mississippi Forestry Commission Bill which allows the Commission access to care for and manage timber within the Board’s zoning. The commission marks boundaries, cuts fire lanes in the timber, and builds water bars to prevent spread in case of fire. This was approved at the cost of $7,731.50.
Superintendent Carpenter addressed his business at the meeting, opening first with congratulations to the Welding Fabrication and Carpentry classes which placed second place at a Mississippi Delta Community College competition.
Margie Muse of Carroll County School District commented in a follow up, “Our welding instructor, Bernard Jones, and carpentry instructor, Jeff Fulgham, have done an outstanding job preparing the students.”
Superintendent Carpenter also expressed his gratitude for individuals working on grant applications for the school district.
“I think we need to show recognition for some of our student athletes that qualified for state in power lifting.” Beat 3 Supervisor, William Downs stated in addition to the Superintendent’s remarks.
In addition, Superintendent Carpenter supplied more information about the grants awarded to Carroll County School District with the assistance of Mrs. Muse. The district was awarded the EquipMS grant through Accelerate MS in the amount of $69,700 for the use of the welding program. The grant will help fund the purchase of welding equipment to enhance the program. The district intends to purchase welding machines with the funding. The district was also awarded the Career and Technical Education Enhancement Equipment Grant in the amount of $10,000 for the use of the carpentry program. The district intends to use the funding to purchase a bandsaw, planer and drill press to use in the carpentry program.
In other news the Board:
- Reviewed and approved Section D Fiscal Management policies.
- Approved the Board Minutes from Jan. 11.
- Approved overtime and extra pay for Jan.
- Acknowledged and accepted donations.
- Acknowledged and approved paying employees for emergency weather school closing, agreed to reduce school days.
- Approved the Resolution of Respect.
- Approved the calendar for school year 2024-2025
- Approved Rollins & Sumrall Education Group, Inc. Agreement.
- Motioned to accept financial statements and claims, payment of bills.
- Approved hiring of 2 Recommended Certified Employees.
- Approved hiring of 1 At-Will Employee, a custodian.
- Approval of Timber Bids Section 16-20-4.
