By Rupert Howell

School officials have added high school principal to their list of administrative vacancies as Dr. Gerald Loden may soon officially resign that position at South Panola to become superintendent at Amory.

Loden was expected to receive final approval for employment last night at a special meeting of the Amory School Board.

School trustees were informed of Loden’s move during Tuesday night’s monthly board meeting. Loden’s move would put him within 25 miles of his former home in a good school district he said Wednesday.

“Batesville has been a good place to be. We have enjoyed our time here,” he said.

The high school principal vacancy joins vacancies at Batesville Intermediate School where principal Betsy Ferguson is retiring, Batesville Alternative School where administrator Sara McCullough is retiring and in the transportation department, where director Robert Chapman is also retiring.

Amory School District consists of four schools, two elementary, one middle and one high school with 1,892 total students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

South Panola school superintendent Dr. Keith Shaffer said Wednesday that he hoped to have recommendations to fill the vacancies by the “middle of May” which would coincide with the next scheduled school board meeting, May 19.

Shaffer said the district has already received inquiries or requests to fill the positions from inside and outside the school district.

Shaffer also hinted that hiring of some administrators may hinge on final action of the state legislature’s adoption of a budget.

School administrators usually present recommendations for teacher employment during the April meeting but due to the uncertainty of funding, will wait until  figures come down so that an accurate pay scale can be adopted.

Ten certified slots are being vacated due to retirement and resignations.

Retirees include: Christine Stewart, Sandra Wilson, Dilcy Ivy and Thomas Turner.

Resignations due to transfer and relocation are Shana Robison, Alexandra Logan,William Tillman, Madelyn Harris and Loden.

Two students were expelled during Tuesday’s meeting. Names were not disclosed and neither asked for a hearing before the school board.

Board members also began the process of reviewing and updating their policy manual, a task that may take several months. The detailed manual covers school, and state policy as well

Other business at the April meeting included: selling three buses for salvage for $361 each to Hugh Shaffer; approval of 2009-2010 school calendar, approval to explore and advertise for timber sale of 16 section and lieu lands.