CAT Tracks for August 2, 2002 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Again...compliments of De De O'Shea...

The meeting was called to order on Thursday, August 1st, at 5:06 p.m. by President Pro Tem Brenda Gooden. Arnold Burris, Berlene Jones, Marlene Schultz, and Carlandus Mallory were in attendance. Also present were Superintendent Robert Isom and Helen Green as recording secretary. Guests - Rose Gayle Pickett, Allene Houston, Lonnie Henderson, De De O'Shea, and a Cairo Citizen reporter.

Much discussion took place about the "school choice list". Students who participated in last year's State Assessment at CJHS were identified as failing to make adequate yearly progress. Therefore, the Cairo School District must allow CJHS students to attend a higher performing school. Parents must be notified before the beginning of the school year that they have this option - including public charter schools. Parents have 30 days to exercise their option and, if they choose to do so, our district must provide transportation to the district of their choice. Out of 593 low achieving schools, 232 are required to offer choice - those on the academic watch list.

One "kicker" - other schools do not have to accept our students. The superintendent is required to write to surrounding districts to see if our students can attend. Letters were sent to adjoining districts on Monday; no replies as of Thursday. Part of Title I money and transportation funds must be set aside to address issues at CJHS and programs must be instituted to bring the school in line. Superintendent Isom, Principal Henderson, and Constance Williams are addressing the problem. Priority must be given to low achieving students and low income families.

Superintendent Isom reported that the district lost $377, 000 in state aid due to the 17 days not made up by the teachers' strike. (Excuse me, De De, but let me add the obvious comment "And whose choice was that?") He also reported that all athletics are now in the Black Diamond Conference.

Board approved minutes of previous open and closed sessions.

Board entered closed session at 5:30 p.m. Board exited closed session at 6:53 p.m.

Superintendent Isom made the following recommendations:

Recall teacher assistants:

Dwayne LaGrone, CHS
Judy Hughes, CHS
Tonya Lowe, Bennett (?)
Hope Mallory, CHS
Lorraine Johnson, CJHS
Linda Cox, CHS (?)
Fred Jones, Emerson
Rose Grundy, CHS

Accept resignations:

Valerie Hall - CJHS Secretary
Tammy Bailey-Smith - Emerson Teacher

Hire:

Katherine Smiddy - Bennett Special Education Teacher
Tina Harrell - 3rd Grade - Bennett, Permanent Sub - Pending Certification
Cheryl Arrington - 5 extra days at Bennett and 5 extra days at CJHS
Viola Brown - CJHS Secretary - 40 hours per week, 12 months

Final discussion involved renovations at CHS. Advertise bids for lock sets and site lighting. Bids will be opened on August 20 at 2 p.m.

Board adjourned at 7:30 p.m.