Kennett Board welcomes newest member, commends students

Julie Lynn, standing left, was sworn in as a member of the Kennett Board of Education by Board Secretery Donna Haman, standing right, during the board's meeting on Tuesday. Lynn was appointed to the position following the resignation of Chris Brannan. Also pictured are, seated from left, Matthew R. Shetley, board president; Chris Wilson, superintendent of schools; and Brandon Jones.(Staff photo by George Anderson)

After the agenda was approved, Board Secretary Donna Haman gave the oath of office to Julie Lynn, who was appointed to the board to complete the term of Chris Brannan, which expires in April 2012. Brannan resigned as a board member at the Dec. 13, 2011 meeting.

Following Lynn's swearing in, Matthew R. Shetley, board president, presented board commendations to Audrey Wynne, for being selected All District First Team in volleyball, and to the Girls' Varsity Tennis Team, consisting of Kelsey Washburn, Kate Shetley, Mackenzie Carr, Anna Kay Hilburn, Darby Sparks and Mallory Lancaster, for its District I Championship win.

Following the presentation of commendations, Chris Wilson, superintendent of schools, gave the financial report to the board, saying that the district has a current balance of $6,994,695, which is an increase of $1,337,260 from this time last year.

Wilson said the district has received 41 percent of its projected revenues and has expended 43 percent of its projected expenses, adding that the district is looking at an expected surplus of approximately $86,423.

Wilson was asked about the current state of local collections, to which he replied that they are up approximately $50,000 in both operating funds and debt services.

Following the financial report, Wilson gave the attendance and enrollment report, saying that the current enrollment was at 1,996 students in December, which is down four from November. The number of students enrolled is up 28 from December 2010.

Wilson said the district had an average daily attendance of 1,900 students in December, which is up from 1,870 in November.

In other matters, the board:

* Was presented with certificates of appreciation in recognition of School Board Member Recognition Week, which takes place from Jan. 22-28;

* Approved Rayanna Dalton, director of curriculum and instruction, to submit a 2012 Summer School application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;

* Approved Jerry Buchanan as the district's foster care liaison;

* Approved the proposed 2012-2013 school calendar;

* Approved a budget amendment, as requested by Misse Turner, director of special services, and;

* Approved changing the current basic skills instructor position to a half time position, effective with the 2012-2013 school year due to a continued decrease in Perkins funds, which funds the position.

The board closed the meeting by adjourning to executive session.

During the executive session portion of the meeting, the board approved the resignation of James Eldrith, high school/middle school assistant band director. The board also approved the retirements of Craig Chambers, high school/middle school band director; and Ruth Jackson, middle school special education instructor.

The board then approved the hiring of Valerie Brock as a classroom aid at Masterson Elementary; re-hired Brandon Jones as assistant superintendent of schools; and extended the Wilson's contract for by one year.