Joe E. Griggs, President of Cairo School Districe No. One Board of Education, has called a Special Meeting of the Cairo School District No. One Board of Education for Monday, December 4, 2006, at 6:00 P.M. to be held in the Board Conference Room at Cairo Community Education Center, located at 2403 Walnut Street, Cairo, Illinois, for the purpose of purchasing a driver education car, employment of a teacher aide, and Superintendent evaluation.

Thanks to our always dependable Ace CAT Reporter, here is what happened at Monday night's Special Meeting...

• During the "Recognition of Visitors" section, our Ace CAT Reporter inquired about the tutoring program to be offered at Bennett Elementary under the auspices of Sylvan Learning Center and Saluki Kids...namely, the reduced stipend of $10 per hour. Apparently if CATs are not willing to work for said fee, Sylvan would bring in their own folks. A key question: Do Sylvan's folks have to be certified? Enquiring "Curious CATs" want to know...and the answer was not yet forthcoming. Stay tuned...

• A new driver's ed car...make that a 2007 Dodge Caravan at $18,110...to serve the dual purpose of traveling to games, etc.

• Speaking of games...the Superintendent informed the BOE that the CHS team and coaches received the Sportsmanship Award at the Duquoin Tournament. Kenny Tucker and Charles Johnson were selected to the All Tournament Team.

• Superintendent Whitledge reported that the first random drug test had been conducted and that all students tested passed. As per District policy adopted for this year, the testing is just done on students in extracurricular activities. The testing covers ALL extracuricular activities - such as Beta Club and National Honor Society - NOT just sports.

• The Superintendent reminded the BOE of the Public Meeting to be held on December 14 at 2:15 p.m. at the CJSHS cafeteria. (A copy of the announcement flyer was previously posted.) The Cairo School Support Team will be there with recommendations.

• David Barkett, new Alexander County Sheriff, wants to expand the "Cops in School" into each building. He's going to get back to the Superintendent on that.

• Contrary to previous speculation, there will be no sharing of website personnel with Meridian. Meridian changed its mind and no longer wishes to share.

• Paula McKinnis has begun her duties at the CJSHS Library. She will alternate days with Egyptian.

Recommendations:

• A motion was made, seconded, and passed NOT to record the open minutes of the BOE meetings

• George Demeyers was hired as teacher's aide at CHS.