By Rupert Howell

Meeting last Tuesday at their regular monthly meeting, school trustees for the South Panola District accepted a bid proposal for computer software in the amount of $111,800 and approved an application in the amount of $1,549,561 for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

The purpose of the grant is to address weaknesses with current programs and to expand enrichment activities.

The proposed software purchase will address specific guidelines to teachers for managing disruptive student behaviors and tracking progress. Federal funding is used to cover the bid cost.

The grant application partners the district with Boys and Girls Club while offering additional enrichment programs, assisting with school credit recovery, tutoring and state test preparation and is part of a five year proposal.

Superintendent Dr. Keith Shaffer told trustees during the July meeting that he expected more than 4,600 students to register for school this year. He emphasized  the figure as an estimate stating that exact enrollment figures are traditionally undetermined until after the Labor Day holiday, especially in Batesville Elementary School where first year students attend kindergarten.

Shaffer presented trustees with copies of handbooks used by staff and students while alerting them to a new state statute that addresses bullying and requires each school to have a “bullying” policy in place.

Other business at the July meeting included personnel recommendations and approval of the release of two students to Lafayette County Schools.