By Rupert Howell

Over 300 teachers and assistant administrators were recommended for hire for the 2012-13 school year earlier this month to served six schools plus South Panola’s Atlernative School.

The 308 recommendations include four school nurses but do not include school principals and assistant instructors used in the lower grades.

Assistant Superintendent Jeremiah Burkes also presented nine certified retirements/resignations that included Intermediate School principal Jeremy Stinson who has accepted an administrative job in Lafayette County Schools.

Other current personnel changes included four staff changes to different schools or positions, six classified resignations and two recommendations to hire.

Burkes also received approval to expel five students all enrolled in the alternative school program, two in high school and three in junior high. None of the five students or their representatives sought a hearing.

Those being expelled were accused of violating rules including sexual harassment, possession and use of tobacco, disruption of school, and vulgarity/profanity/obscenity.

One request for a school bus turn-around was approved by trustees. It is located on 185 Elbert Smith Road. The approved request will be forwarded to the Panola County Board of Supervisors for their consideration. If approved, the county’s road department personnel and equipment will be used to construct and/or maintain a location for bus No. 32 to safely turn around.

A request by trustee Buddy Gray to go into executive session failed during closed meeting.
Gray had wanted to discuss a personnel issue which falls under the executive session rule and allows board members to meet in private. After a 30 minute discussion in closed meeting to decide if the board actually should go into executive session, the board decided against it.

Attorney Colmon Mitchell explained that trustees otherwise could have corrupted due process by discussing a personnel matter before it came through official channels.

Trustees act as board of appeals on some personnel issues and discussing a matter before it was officially appealed to the board would be improper.