At the Simpson County School Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on April 14, members were addressed by concerned citizen Thomas Ray Floyd.
Floyd has been one of the most outspoken critics of the school bond issue that was recently defeated and of the board’s plan to build a consolidated high school. He read a prepared statement during the public comments portion of the meeting asking the board to rescind their decision to consolidate Magee and Mendenhall high schools.
Floyd stated that the people of Simpson County rejected the bond issue by a super majority and said this also represented the citizens’ rejection of the school board’s plan to consolidate the high schools.
He said, “I can only speak for myself, but I am sure that I actually express the sentiments of the majority of my fellow Simpson countians when I say the reason we rejected your proposal is because we want what is best for our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.”
Floyd expressed a desire to leave behind a county and country unburdened by heavy taxes and debts. He asked the board to humble themselves and listen to their constituency and rescind their plans for a consolidated high school.
He said, “The overwhelming no vote on March 29 was not only a rejection of higher taxes and debt, but it was also a vote of ‘no confidence’ in you, the members of the board, and your hired superintendent of education. You can begin to regain the confidence of your constituency by listening to them and rescinding your plans for consolidation and expensive construction for a building we neither need, nor want.”
Charles L. Shivers, CPA, met before the board and gave an update on the 2020 audit performed by his company. Shivers stated that there were no indications of fraud discovered by his team. Board President Danny Cowart clarified the information saying, “There was no fraud but rather a lack of doing the job correctly.”
Cowart explained that bookkeeping duties were not being delegated properly in the past, which contributed to mistakes, but there has since been a segregation of duties among a team.
Shivers said, “If we identify weaknesses in the system of a material nature then my team backs off. Nothing came to my attention to say there is any type of fraud.”
However, Shivers did acknowledge the possibility that fraud exists, and his group did not catch it.
Asst. Supt. Dr. Robert Sanders gave a brief update on construction projects in the county. He reported that walls are going up at Mendenhall Elementary for the new fifth grade building but expressed concerns about the timeline. He stated that progress is being made but the building may not be ready by the start of the next school year in July. If the building is not ready, plans have been made to keep the upcoming fifth grade class at Mendenhall Elementary until the building is complete.
Supt. Dr. Toriano Holloway asked for money to help refinish helmets for Magee High School. Dr. Holloway explained plans to talk to each school about Simpson 2030 and getting ready to form the portrait of a graduate. He explained that business leaders throughout the community would work with students on the portrait of a graduate and help them understand the skill needed in the workforce. He believes this will redesign the overall educational experience for students and help reengage students and educators. He wants to ensure that plans align with what Simpson County High School graduates will be.
Dr. Holloway also discussed putting processes and procedures in place to make sure virtual learning is handled properly. He felt it was important to make sure students continue to get quality instruction even in a virtual setting.
He said, “We need these processed and procedures in place because I can’t tell if we were effective with it. The first half we were but the second half I can’t say.”
Dr. Holloway informed the board that bids on the Simpson Central construction project came in higher than expected and was given permission to negotiate within ten percent on a lower price. Plans to build a cafetorium at Mendenhall High School have been stopped for the time being. Dr. Holloway explained that after the consolidated high school is built there will be significantly fewer students utilizing the space.
Lillie Hardy said, “That’s a bit of a disappointment. There is no place for our parents to come observe our students in Mendenhall if it rains and that’s not the truth for everywhere else.”
Stanley Bulger inquired when the ROTC program will start in Simpson County. Dr. Holloway explained that he hopes to have the program running within the next two years.
All items on the consent agenda were approved. After some discussion the board approved decreasing the number of days worked by certified personnel from 250 days to 246 days, and classified personnel from 240 days to 236 days. This change will affect principals, central office workers, bookkeepers, and secretaries.
The board approved creating a new position titles Student Service Coordinator at the request of Dr. Holloway. The position will be funded through Federal Funds and is designed to coordinate the interventions, remediation, and other needed services for all students at all levels related to their academic support.
The board agreed to advertise for depositories for the 2022-2023 school year.
An update on COVID-19 was given and cases have remained low in the Simpson County School District following Spring Break. No staff positives were reported and the highest positives amongst the student population at any school was two.
The board entered executive session to discuss student discipline and legal issues before adjourning the meeting.
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