CAT Tracks for July 12, 2002 REPORT: BOARD MEETING

Hey...it's getting almost like the regular school year...substitutes for the substitutes! Still out of town, I was unable to attend the school board meeting Thursday night AND our "ace reporter" from last time was also unavailable. Have no fear...De De's here! (Well...actually, she was there last time also, but Ruth beat her to the report.) So, what follows is De De's summary of last night's exciting event. If there are any errors, it is strictly due to my "translation"...

The Board meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. by President Joe Griggs. Members Berlene Jones, Brenda Gooden, Marlene Shultz, and Carlandus Mallory were also in attendance. Superintendent Robert Isom was present, as was Board Attorney Barney "Cha-Ching" Mundorf. (I added the "Cha-Ching" - wouldn't want De De to get into trouble for something I did!)

First order of business was to amend the agenda to go into closed session after addressing the Buildings and Grounds section.

Recognized guests--Todd and Earl (District architects), Mr. Dowel and Mr. Mitchell (Energy Systems Group), and Mrs. Hunt.

Items discussed:

(1) Mentioned October 23rd as the first day for filing signatures for the next school board election to be held in the Spring.

(2) Awards have been prepared for Karon Banister, Bill Rogers, and Joyce Champion - Bell and Plaques.

(3) School Board Trip on November 22-24. Not able to get rooms at the reduced conference rate because they were too late in registering. So...will stay at the Clarion instead of the conference hotel. Appears that all of the Board members are going.

(4) Mrs. Hunt was there to answer questions about buses. There was some discussion of cutting back on busing, but it did not happen. Dr. Isom recommended extension of the busing contract for one year with a 5% increase across the board. (Wow...everybody gets 5%, except you know who...YOU! Sorry, De De...that was me again.) The motion was made and approved.

(5) State school construction program: Cairo dropped from 43 to 48 on the list, but is still in the running to be funded if local matching funds can be raised - the previously rejected $4 million loan for a state-of-the-art elementary school to replace Emerson, Bennett, and CJHS. There was discussion of conducting another referendum - to put the issue on the ballot again.

(6) There was much discussion about lock sets, outside lighting, and carpeting at CHS. In fact, they spent 45 minutes on it, with Todd giving extensive details. The Board approved a motion to let bids for the lock sets and the outside lighting, and accepted a bid from a company in Perryville, MO for carpeting.

(7) The Energy Systems Group representative got up to speak at 6:45 p.m. Dr. Isom finally asked the Board to allow him continue discussions with the ESG people and get back to full Board with his recommendation. The Board agreed.

The Board went into closed session at 7:22 p.m.

(My turn again...Barney Mundorf sat in the audience - getting paid - during this entire dialogue. Barney then went into closed session, conducted his business, and left at about 8:20 p.m. Upon leaving, Barney was overheard telling Ilene Pierce that he would see her "in the morning"! Another day, another $$$. Of course, next week is when the District has to go to Springfield and defend itself against an Unfair Labor Practice filed by the Cairo Association of Educational Support Professionals against the Board of Education's hiring of Ilene in violation of its nepotism policy at a time when Tim Pierce held the office of Secretary of the Cairo Board of Education. Back to you, De De...)

Back in open session 8:48 p.m.

Superintendent Isom recommends:

Hire Rosemary Kloss for 100 days as Technology Coordinator
Hire Willie Newborn (retroactively) for Summer Driver's Education
Recall Cheryl Houston as TAP Coordinator - program refunded
Hire DeBraun Suddeth as TAP Case Worker
Hire Lorenzo Nelson as District asbestos manager
Accept resignation from Linda Franklin at CHS
Hire Helen Green as recording secretary for Board

Board adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

Thank You, De De O'Shea!