Two Lengthy Executive Sessions Limit Process at Board of Ed Meeting

Courtsey of WRBE, "Your HomeTown Radio"
George County Board of Education first of the month meeting on Tuesday night, included an extensive agenda and two lengthy executive sessions.
Agenda items included a presentation totaling $11,977.99 from Lucedale Fine Arts Club President Cindy Clark, with a share going to Lucedale Elementary, Agricola Elementary, Rocky Creek Elementary, George County Middle School and George County High School.
Coach Al Jones gave the board an update on the soccer field project at the high school after meeting with the County Board of Supervisors, who has agreed to do the dirt work for the project.
Superintendent Donnie Howell requested the board consider the addition of another assistant coach at the high school from the existing teachers. The coaching staff currently includes one head coach and five assistant coaches. The board voted 3/1 to approve the request, with Barkley Henderson stating he could not vote in favor of the position without a budget workshop and board member Larry McDonald had to be excused from the meeting earlier..
At the request of Superintendent Howell and Maintenance Supervisor Buddy Craft, the board approved a new maintenance position, which would include landscaping and yard work.
The argument concerning matching the new roofing on the extensions at the high school was addressed with the board picking the paint color sample closest matching the over-all roof color to be applied; there were also some roof concerns discussed at the new construction project at Agricola Elementary, with the board requesting that board member David Nelson, who has experience in roofing work, to take a look at the project for any profession advise he may can add.
Several items were continued until next meeting due to the lateness of the hour, but before adjourning, Carl Pearce and Dr. Barbara Massey were given permission to peruse a grant, which, if awarded would build and furnish three 7th grade labs and three 9th grade labs for the school system.
After agenda items were addressed, the board meeting concluded with another executive session.