By Myra Bean

The North Panola School Board convened a special meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss a couple of issues which came up since last week’s regular board meeting. The board added assistant football coach for North Panola High School to Terrance Pope’s duties in addition to special education teacher.

Pope is a former South Panola defensive line coach and spent last year as assistant coach at Louisville High School.He has had eight lineman he coached named to the All-State team. Last  year Louisville won the 4A State Championship.

The 2008 South Panola graduate played four years at the University of Southern Mississippi while earning a degree, and later a special education endorsement.

Pope and Cougar head coach Carl Diffee are both excited about the addition.

“When the situation unfolded at Louisville with the new coach, Coach Diffee reached out to me,” Pope said.

Diffee said Pope brings a championship pedigree to the program.

“He is exactly the type of person we are looking for in terms of his character and goals as a coach. He cares about the kids beyond football. He puts in the extra time, money and goes the extra mile for his players,” Diffee said.

He also pointed out Pope is a technician on the field and knows his position group through and through.  “He will instantly make us better,” Diffee said.

Defensive coordinator Marc Cobb is excited to work with Pope, according to Diffee.

Other Business

The board also accepted the resignation of Heather Hale, teacher at Crenshaw Elementary.

With president Patricia Lamar present and Trosiki Pettis and Darrick Ellis by conference call, approved for North Panola to partner with E.D.U.C.A.T.E. for the 21st Centuray Community Learning Centers STEAM Grant.

This is the after school program the district uses to help the students who find themselves behind in their classes.

CUTLINE:    Terrance Pope