Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter



CAT Tracks for January 25, 2007
RECONVENED REGULAR BOE MEETING

The Cairo Board of Education reconvened its regular January meeting (originating on January 18th) at 6:06 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2007. Answering roll call were Griggs, Brown, Posey, and Gooden. (Mallory arrived at 6:15 p.m.)

Board President Griggs asked if there were any comments from employees or public. Keeshia Carr requested the opportunity to speak to the BOE in closed session...which was granted. A parent made a similar request, but she was informed that she was part of the open hearing that was to be conducted later.

President Griggs asked for a motion to fill the BOE vacancy created by the residence move of James Huff. Two BOE members objected and the issue was tabled.

President Griggs made a motion at 6:10 p.m. to go into a public hearing, which was seconded and passed. Bennett Elementary Principal Pickett was called upon by Superintendent Whitledge to present the accusation. On Friday, January 19th, at approximately 2:50 p.m., during the dismissal of school, a fight broke out inside the building between a male and female student...fallout from an earlier dodge ball game. Allegedly, the parent (who was outside the building waiting for her child) heard Ms. Pickett "hollering at her child". The parent entered the building and confronted Ms. Pickett with an expletive-laced outburst. Ms. Pickett tried to explain what had happened, but the parent was in no mood to listen. Evidently, the two went separate ways, with the parent then confronting a teacher who her child claimed had pushed her child to the floor. (It was later determined that the boy and child were already on the floor when the teacher arrived and, in fact, the child struck the teacher as he tried to separate the two.) The parent then returned to where Ms. Pickett was and resumed her expletive-laced invective. Sometime during all of this, the office called for the police and the parent called for the police using her cell phone. The police arrived and the parent was escorted from the building. Ms. Pickett closed her presentation by stating that this was the third episode with this parent and/or her family members and that she felt that the parent was a threat to herself and her staff. The parent was then given the opportunity to response to the charges. The parent admitted that she had behaved badly but that she had been upset by the treatment received by her son. The parent apologized for her actions, indicating that she needed access to the building in her role as a parent. Board President Griggs thanked the parent for coming and indicated that the BOE would get back to her with its decision. President Griggs then made a motion to end the public hearing and return to the regular meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

At this point, Superintendent Whitledge provided a couple of information items:

A motion was made, seconded and passed to enter closed session at 6:29 p.m. A motion was made, seconded and passed to exit closed session at 8:43 p.m.

Actions taken by the BOE:

  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to appoint Vernon Stubblefield to the seat vacated by James Huff.
  • Vernon Stubblefield was sworn in by BOE President Griggs...with the longest oath that you have ever heard!
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to bar the aforementioned parent from Bennett Elementary for one calendar year.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to rehire Superintendent Whitledge, contingent upon the negotiation of a satisfactory contract.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to rehire Alene Houston and Rose Gayle Pickett as District administrators for the 2007-08 school year. The superintendent commented that there was going to be some administrative alignment in the near future.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hire Tony Maltbia as CJSHS Principal contingent upon his obtaining proper certification.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hire Pam Carlton as tutor for the 2006-07 school year.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept the resignation of Tena Harrell as CJHS Beta Club sponsor.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hire Holly Harper as CJHS Beta Club sponsor.
  • A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hire Tracy Bohde as "Designated Person" for asbestos.

President Griggs asked whether there were any comments from the audience. Keeshia Carr said that she had a letter for the BOE...and handed it to them.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to adjourn at 8:59 p.m.

1