Billings offered role as Superintendent of Kennett Public Schools

Ward H. Billings

Billings said he looks forward to the challenges of serving as superintendent and hopes he can demonstrate the professionalism and ethics needed for the position.

"I have been associated with the Kennett School District (KSD) No. 39 in one capacity or another for nearly 50 years, to include 26 years as a staff member," Billings said. "I have a deep love for our school district and community, and an equally deep appreciation for the quality of education that our school district provides to our students. It is indeed one of the most significant honors of my life to have been offered the position of Superintendent of Schools for the KSD No. 39.

"I sincerely appreciate the support and vote of confidence from the Board of Education. I look forward to working with members of the Board of Education, staff members, students, parents and patrons of the school district in this new capacity. It is my hope and expectation that with God's help, I will always demonstrate the type of professionalism and work ethic which is commensurate with the needs of, and in keeping with the finest traditions of, the KSD No. 39."

Although Billings has indicated that he will officially accept the position, the contract negotiations have yet to be finalized.

Also during executive session, the board approved the retirement letter of Melanie Timmons and the resignation letter of Mandy Tillery, both effective Dec. 18, 2009.

Prior to the executive session, the board heard a report on the district's annual audit from Don Collins of Robertson, Scherer, and Collins.

According to Collins, the district's has seen an decrease in assessed evaluation due to the economy and new standards for personal property valuation. Collins said he went back in the records for 10 years and never came across a drop in assessed evaluation.

Collins said the district moved some funds around to make up the difference.

Following Collins reports, the board heard a presentation from Kennett High School Spanish Teacher Thomas O'Connor, who was seeking board approval for an overseas trip.

O'Connor said he has found a "very reputable" company to book the trip through and all expenses would be paid for by the students. He added that students would be put in groups of six with one chaperone per group.

O'Connor said he would like to get the boards approval because he feels the students and chaperones would be representing the school.

Board member Chris Brannan asked how long the trip would be and O'Connor replied seven to 10 days. Brannan then asked for what the cost for a typical Spanish speaking trip and O'Connor said about $2,000 per student.

Following O'Connor's presentation, the board thanked him for his time.

Shetley said he is not sure if board approval is appropriate.

In other matters, the board:

* Approved setting the filing times for the 2010 School Board election from 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15, to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010;

* Approved appointing Chris Wilson as the Safety Coordinator for the district;

* Approved allowing Chris Wilson to approve the substitute teacher list for the 2009-2010 school year;

* Approved the 2009 APR and MAP results as prepared by Rayanna Dalton, and;

* Approved the 2009-2010 District and Building Emergency Operations Plans as submitted by Deb Cook and Chris Wilson.