By Jason C. Mattox

The North Panola School District Board of Trustees is undecided on what to do with approximately five acres where the ICS Head Start is located in Crenshaw.

A Head Start representative was present Monday night to discuss the matter with board members.

“We would like to have the area where the ball field was located,” ICS center director Phyllis Sanford said.

The property is owned by the school district and is located adjacent to Crenshaw Elementary.

 Sanford explained that Head Start needs three acres to construct a new facility, but would be interested in the entire five acres.

Board attorney Nathaniel Armstead said the school district is waiting for a property description from Head Start’s executive director.

“The board can’t really act on this matter until we know exactly what you are asking for,” he said.

Sanford said she felt comfortable saying the organization wants the property housing the old baseball field, but reiterated that they would be interested in the entire five-acre parcel.

“We thought if we were able to get the entire five acres, we would be able to work with the Boys and Girls Club of Crenshaw,” she said.

The Boys and Girls Club of Crenshaw is presently meeting after school at Crenshaw Elementary.

“If we can get a new facility constructed, the Boys and Girls Club could move into our existing space,” Sanford said.

Board vice-president Pearl McGlothian, whose district includes the Crenshaw area, asked whether Head Start was seeking a donation or purchase of the property.

“We would be willing to purchase the property if it is reasonably priced,” Sanford said. “We do have a property offer from the Town of Sledge, but we would like to stay in Crenshaw because we do have out contacts and relationships already established.”

McGlothian then asked what would become of the old gymnasium located on the property.

“That gymnasium is condemned,” she said. “We have spoken with the Town of Crenshaw and they told us they would help tear that building down,” Sanford said.

Sanford explained that Head Start had been approved for a building valued at $1.6 million, and hoped to begin construction in December.

Armstead again stated the board needed to know exactly how much property the organization was requesting.

“You said you need three acres, but then said you would take the entire parcel,” he said. “We need to know which one it is going to be.”

“We will take it all if you are willing to give it to us,” Sanford said. “I don’t know why you couldn’t donate the property since it is going back to help the community.”

Conservator Bob Strebeck explained that the donation of land might be possible, but because the property is technically owned by the state, it might have to be sold.

“We would sell it at fair value if the board decides that is what they want to do,” he said.

The issue was tabled until the November meeting to allow the board to gather all the needed information.

“I understand that you are in a deadline situation, and as we are in conservatorship, this can be moved along faster once we get what is needed,” Strebeck said.

In other board business:

•    First Security Bank was chosen as primary depository for the district. Renasant Bank was chosen as a secondary depository.

•    Three students, all unidentified, were expelled from the school district for a minimum period of one year.

•    Lawanda Webster and Bobby Brown were approved for substitutes as a bus monitor and driver respectively.

•    Narita Edwards was named as the new board clerk for the district.