By Rupert Howell

South Panola trustees last week rehired 14 administrators and will later replace one principal who has announced her retirement after approximately 45 years in education at the March meeting of the school board.

Batesville Middle School principal Willie Chapman will retire after 24 years in education in Mississippi and 21 in Arkansas. She and her husband, Robert, were both employed by the South Panola District. He retired last year.

Trustees spent the first bulk of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds when they approved purchases totaling $206,568 for whiteboards, classroom projectors and visual presenters for use in the district’s five schools. Purchases were approved following competitive bidding and represent 267 pieces of classroom equipment.

Trustees met Thursday, March 11 instead of the usual third Tuesday which fell into the week of Spring Break.

Administrators rehired for the next school year include: Jeremiah Burks, deputy superintendent; Dr. Delores Barnett, director of federal programs; Mary Bennett, director of special services and gifted; Suzanne Covington, director of finance; Rhonda Robertson, director of food services; Jay Sandlin, director of technology; Keith Moore, director of maintenance; Scootie Murphrey, director of transportation; Dr. Matthew Dillon, SPHS principal; Susan Vance, Pope principal, Jeremy Stinson, Batesville Intermediate School principal; LaSherry Irby, Batesville Elementary School principal and Patricia Gleeton, Alternative School administrator.

Administrative salaries are recommended later in the current school year for the board’s approval. Superintendent Keith Shaffer said he visioned no raises due to factors affecting all phases of the economy.