CAT Tracks for May 27, 2004 THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

The Cairo Board of Education held a special meeting on Thursday, May 27, 2004...

Answering roll call at 6:08 p.m. were Griggs, Jones, Posey, and Gooden. There were no employees or public asking to be recognized.

Superintendent Isom set the stage for a recommendation by stating that the BOE at its previous meeting had approved repairs to the leaky roof at the District Central Office - not to exceed $9,000 (which would have involved tar.) The Financial Oversight Panel, however, had tabled that action. Instead, the FOP had recommended a "real roof" at a cost of $15,000 - AND - had found a company to do the work for that price! The superintendent reminded the BOE that since this was considered an emergency and that the cost was less that $20,000...it did not have to be bid.

A question was raised by a Board member as to the advisability of doing either of the repairs - that there were other concerns about the building that would not be solved with a new roof. The superintendent responded agreeing that all problems would not be solved, but that many would and that the District could not afford either the money or the time for alternatives - e.g. remodeling the high school or junior high school buildings. The superintendent indicated that there were air quality problems...due to flaking paint, wet insulation, and wet ceiling tiles. He stated that employees working at the building were being affected, including Ilene Pierce, Brenda Jones, and even himself. The superintendent stated that by approving the repairs, the leaks would be stopped and new ceiling tiles could be installed that would stop "stuff" falling from the ceiling. Following this discussion, the BOE unanimously approved spending the additional money for a "real" roof.

Under "Other"...Superintendent Isom asked the BOE to approve a 16th "lump sum payment" of summer money...one over the number specified in the contract. He explained that there were extenuating circumstances this year that prompted his recommendation. A couple of BOE members had questions that involved the naming of the employee, so the matter was tabled for closed session.

The BOE voted to go into closed session at 6:27 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 8:44 p.m.

Superintendent Isom recommended that the BOE authorize a 16th lump sum payment for this year. The BOE approved.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.