By Rupert Howell
If the “feds” make the money available, and if Mississippi gets a share, then Pope may have two classes for pre-kindergarten students, according to Superintendent Tim Wilder.

During Tuesday night’s monthly meeting, Wilder reported that federal money may be coming and the Mississippi Department of Education has sent a letter of intent that included school districts who were interested and who would apply.

“A lot of things have to happen,” Wilder told his trustee board, “But we have our name in the hat.”

There are currently six classes of pre-k at Batesville Elementary School but Wilder explained there are no pre-k classes at Pope School stating, “We are pretty well maxed out for space at Batesville Elementary.”

Other business at Monday’s monthly meeting during Wilder’s report included him asking “forgiveness” for moving forward with lighting a high school practice field for South Panola Band which is also used by the AFROTC.

Wilder said the band will be able to practice longer, especially after the change from daylight savings time.

The superintendent also informed trustees that a striping machine had been purchased to stripe bus lanes and parking lots.

He also commented on high school soccer, volley ball and soon to be added archery. He explained that such a great number of boys and girls showed interest in soccer, an assistant soccer coach was named. He encouraged trustees to attend one the high school’s “fast paced” volley ball games at the South Panola High School Gymnasium.