Monticello School Board – New Board Member Introduced, Student Expulsion, B&GC Rental
September 19th, 2013 by Joe Burgess
Mr. Hani Hashem, President of the School Board, opened the meeting by announcing his leaving the board. Mr. Hashem has served on the Board for 7 years. Superintendent Harper presented him with a plaque, and a lifetime pass to all athletic activities, and announced that John McClendon will tke his place on the board.
The Board reviewed a recommendation to expel a high school student for possession of a gun on campus, and voted to approve the expulsion. The student will be eligible to return to school August 21, 2014.
Dr. Betty Gragg and Ray Ryburn addressed the Board to request an extension on the rental of the Boys and Girls Club. The rent on the facility has been paid by a grant for a number of years. Now the grant has expired, and the budget is not sufficient to cover the on-going rental of the building. The Club is looking for other grants and funding, but it could take some time to find suitable resources. In the meantime, if the School Board does not grant this rent-extension request, the Boys and Girls Club will be forced to close. Dr. Gragg gave the Board an overview of the services they provide. During the summer they served over 3,000 meals to children in need. They provide tutorial services, after school care for low-income families, positive role models, and services for special needs children, among other services. The Boys and Girls Club has been active in Monticello since 1992. Superintendent Harper commended them for the improved condition and maintenance of the building since they have been using the property. Mr. Harper recommended that the Club continue as they currently are, and that they report back in one year.
Employee health insurance was discussed, and the Board decided to wait and not make any decisions at this time.
Superintendent Harper reported on the MHS Gym HVAC partnership project for 2013-2015. The district will receive approximately $146,000 to be applied toward the project. The units will be set on the north side of the gym. The work will be scheduled to make sure the gym is available for basketball season. Some work will be done now, and the rest scheduled for after basketball season. Mr. Harper said that this is probably the last time there will be funding available for this type project. Mr. Harper reported that new bathroom stalls are also being installed in the gymnasium. They are replacing stalls that have been in use since 1972.
A Special Board meeting to discuss the 2013-2014 budget will be held September 24 at 5:30. The regularly scheduled October Board meeting will be held on October 15.
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