A discussion of coaches’ salary supplements that began in the open meeting of the North Panola School District Board of Trustees October 23 ended up in executive session where no action was taken.

During a discussion of personnel, salary supplements for coaches became a heated topic of discussion.

"The supplement for coaches seems high," board president Cecil Dowden said.

Dowden explained that the head coach was receiving a $5,000 supplement to coach and the assistants were receiving as much as $3,000.

"What kind of supplement was the head coach getting last year?" Dowden asked.

District finance manager Lavette Upshaw said the head coach’s supplement last year was $3,000 with assistant coaches receiving $2,000-$2,500.

"That’s a pretty good increase," trustee Rose Wilson said.

Dowden questioned who okayed the pay increase.

"I was asked if there was anything I could do to help them out," Upshaw said.

"Who asked?" Dowden replied.

"Ms. Carter," Upshaw said.

Carter appeared awestruck by the remark and said she did not recall that conversation.

After a few more minutes of debate, Dowden said the matter was something they needed to discuss further in executive session.
 

The Batesville Police Department is looking for suspects in a vandalism that took place over the weekend.

According to Col. Tony Jones, five cars at Taylor’s Auto Clinic on Highway 35 were broken into, but nothing has been reported stolen.

"There were five cars at the business and each one of them had a window busted out," Jones said. "But there was nothing taken from any of the cars that we know of."

Jones said the department has no suspects at this time and is offering a reward for information.

"We are offering a reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this," he said.

Anyone with information can contact the Batesville Police Department at 563-5653.

No arrests have been made. The case remains under investigation.