School board examines pre-K classes

The Choctaw Plaindealer

Pre-Kindergarten classes were discussed during the Choctaw County School Board meeting, May 11.

Beat 3 School Board Member Linda McDaniel said she concerned with limiting the number of Pre-K students at French Camp Elementary to 10 students.

"I've voiced my concerns to you already," said McDaniel.

Donna Shea, superintendent, explained that the cost per student at FCE is higher than Ackerman Elementary School and thought it would be best to keep one Pre-K class at FCE.

She said both assistants at FCE and Weir Elementary School were cut, also.

Charlotte Cornish, with the CCSD, said both FCE and WES had 10 Pre-K students each this school year but left an assistant teacher in the budget for WES, if needed.

Shea said that it's more likely that WES will have more late comers, or unregistered students, in August than FCE. If FCE does have more late comers, than they can be bused to WES.

"Not really turning anyone down, just parental preference," said Shea.

AES has two Pre-K classes with 20 students in each class with 37 students pre-registered for the 2009-2010 school year.

After a short discussion, the board approved the alternative school program and the Fast Track program. Shea said the new program still includes the GED program and the alternative school changes are in the way students are taught.

She said they will use Ed Options, a computer based program, for students to complete work. This program, that was implanted this year, allows teachers to submit the student's work by computer, instead of sending it to the alternative school.

Shea, also said, that computers will be installed at the alternative school with stimulus funds.

The school board also approved a letter from Rhonda Clark informing the superintendent and school board that she has been called to active duty for the U.S. Army from May 10-Oct. 1.

After making a few changes, the board approved days, supplements, and personnel for the 2009-2010 school year with changes.

During the meeting, the board opened and approved bids for 16 section hunting and fishing. Bids must be same as last year's bid, for current leaseholder, or higher.

¥ Jason Clement-630 acres on 16-16-11 for $3,339. Bid was same as last year.

¥ McCurtain Creek-636 acres 630 on 16-18-9 for $3,345.36. Bid was same as last year.

¥ Michael Creday-564 acres on 16-19-10 for $2,825.64. Bid was same as last year.

In the consent agenda the board approved:

¥ Permission to allow transfers of instructional and non-instructional staff's children and of majority to minority transfers for the 2009-2010 school year.

¥ Request of Janet Busby to change from a teaching position at FCE to an assistant teacher position due to health reasons.

¥ Request for summer maintenance to be paid out of 16-section interest funds.

¥ Request from James Johnson Logging and Bubba Pope asking for a six-month extension on the tract of timber in 16-17-9 previous bided out due to back weather.

¥ Cancellation of the Carolyn and Edwin Allen lease in 16-18-9 due to non-payment of annual rent.

¥ By request of Mariann Beals asking permission for the dance team to travel to Birmingham to UAB Dance Camp on June 5-8.

¥ Attendance of administrators, principals and teachers to attend eight different workshops and conferences in June and July.

The school board approved the following Choctaw County School District personnel changes in the consent agenda:

¥ Resignation of Stacie Perry as classroom reduction teacher at FCE.

¥ Resignation of Avis Wise as assistant teacher at FCE.

¥ Resignation of Kimberly Sims as special education teacher at WHS.

¥ Resignation of Gladys Roach as special education teacher at WHS.

¥ Resignation of Christopher Shea as Technology Coordinator.

¥ Resignation of Tiffany Townsel as assistant teacher at WES.

¥ Resignation of Liz Trussell as cafeteria worker at AES.

¥ Hire John Bower for one class period a day and a $450 coaching supplement to replace Tommy Ward, by request of Johnnie Henderson.

¥ Hire Kathy Davenport as a teacher at AHS to teach English in the Fast Tracks program and for two periods in junior high, by request of Terry Bellew.

The board approved five more hires, outside of the consent agenda, because the person is related to one of the board members. The board approved the following hires for the CCSD:

¥ Hired Shuni Coffey as a teacher at Weir Elementary School, by request of Glen Beard. Before voting to hire, Beat 4 School Board member Bertha Miller left the room.

¥ Hired Debbie Gammill as a speech pathologist at Ackerman Elementary School, by request of Glen Blaine. Before voting to hire, Beat 2 School Board member Wilson Gammill left the room.

¥ Hired Kim McDaniel as a teacher at French Camp Elementary, by request of Johnnie Henderson. Before voting to hire, Beat 3 School Board member Linda McDaniel left the room.

¥ Hired Sandy Hunt as a teacher at Ackerman Highs School, by request of Terry Bellew. Before voting to hire, Beat 1 School Board member Derek Hunt left the room.

¥ Hired Ricki Prewitt as a teacher at Ackerman Highs School, by request of Terry Bellew. Before voting to hire, Beat 5 School Board member Mike Thomas left the room.

In the financial agenda the board approved:

¥ Diesel bids.

¥ Docket of claims.

¥ Teacher substitute report.

¥ Financial statements.

¥ Purchase of Minibus from Waters, Truck and Tractor for $50,500 for the district.

Beat 2 School Board member Wilson Gammill asked if the minibus was needed. Shea said in the past the school board has bought at least one new bus a year and this minibus would help on the Allied route and with extracurricular activities.

¥ 2009-2010 Consolidated federal programs application and sign assurances.

¥ Fixed asset disposal list.

¥ Purchase of reading supplies for French Camp Academy from Scholastic as a One Source to be paid out of N/D funds.

The next regular scheduled board meeting will be June 8 at 7 p.m. at Central Office.