The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. with Burris, Coleman, Brown, Mayberry, Mallory, and Gooden present.

Parent Rochelle Hollis was recognized during the "Visitors Section". Ms. Hollis expressed concern about hiring practices during the past few years and encouraged the BOE to consider/reconsider its practices in hiring future employees...to include superintendent, principal, and teachers. Ms. Hollis indicated that her major concern was for CJSHS since she had a child in that building. Ms. Hollis appealed to the BOE that in its future employment decisions, that it "do the best for the children". As Ms. Hollis took her seat, one of the BOE members asked her to return to the podium...to explain her remarks...that he was confused. After some back-and-forth, the conversation ended...with the BOE member visibly upset with what had transpired.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the agenda for the Special Meeting.

The BOE voted to enter closed session at 6:05 p.m. (BOE member Vernon Stubblefield arrived at 6:25 p.m. and departed for the evening at 6:50 p.m. At 7:05 p.m. CJSHS Principal applicant Lynn Byrd entered closed session and remained for 35 minutes. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 7:57 p.m.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to offer a retirement package to Constance Williams contingent upon her submitting an irrevocable letter of retirement and a structuring of the package so as not to incur the wrath of TRS (IL Teacher Retirement System).

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to hire Lynn Byrd as Principal at Cairo Jr/Sr High School for the 2007-08 School Year.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 7:59 p.m.

P.S. - Nah...didn't overlook anything. There was no mention or hiring of a new superintendent during tonight's meeting. Stay tuned...