The first order of business at the Simpson County School Board’s Jan. 12 meeting seemed to create some contention over who would serve in leadership positions for the new year.
Danny Cowart cast the final vote that allowed him to serve as chairman for another year, despite the fact that he had stated his intention of not seeking another term on the school board “unless something changes.” He did not specify what “something” is or was.
Member Stan Bulger nominated Cowart to serve as chairman for another term because of his knowledge of the interworkings of the proposed upcoming bond issue. Bulger indicated that other members may not be as knowledgeable. Stacey Herring nominated Lillie Hardy to serve as board president.
Cowart took a long and pregnant pause before he cast his vote. He discussed the continuity of having the same chairman serve for two years. On a vote of three to two with himself, Patrice Boykin and Bulger voting for Cowart, and Herring and Hardy voting for Hardy, the fate of the county was sealed regarding consolidation and a bond election to support it.
If the bond issue passes, the district will have a full-fledged consolidated high school complete with athletic facilities and a fine arts building on the same campus. If the bond issue does not pass, the consolidated school will be built, but athletic facilities for football will remain in Mendenhall and for baseball in Magee.
The vote on the bond issue is currently scheduled for Tuesday, March 29.
The actual location of the new school has not been disclosed by the board. However, they went into executive session to discuss that issue on Thursday.
Hardy was selected to serve as board vice president, and Boykin will continue to serve as secretary for the upcoming year.
During board comments, Boykin noted her appreciation of Magee High School Coach Zach Jones, who drove to Orlando to support one of his players who had played in the All Stars Game.
The board is planning a review of new superintendent Toriano Holloway for a special called meeting on January 27 at 5:30 p.m. They are also expected to approve the bond issue resolution at that time. The review most likely will be held in executive session.
In addition to the superintendent’s evaluation there are plans to conduct a board evaluation.
The board approved a plan to pay teachers an addition fee if they teach during their planning period. The district is required to allow teachers a planning period during the day; however, if all parties agree the teacher can draw additional pay for working during that time. In the circumstance that was being discussed the amount was $5,435 for a year. The plan allows additional instruction without having to hire additional personnel.
Dr. Deirdre Randall, assistant superintendent and district curriculum coordinator, reported benchmark data for different classes within the district on statewide testing.
In most circumstances the schools have shown marked increases across the district. Part of the reason cited is the fact that students are in the classroom this year compared to the hybrid setting of in-class and virtual learning that was adopted last year because of Covid-19. Currently students district-wide are doing virtual learning, with the exception of Magee Middle School. The partial shut-down resulted from active cases of Covid in the schools as well as exposure requiring quarantine.
The greatest improvements in district scores this year were in English Language Arts. Math scores did not show as much growth, but there was improvement in this area in most circumstances across the district.
