By Bethany Stephens
The Board of Education met Monday for their July meeting where they heard from two concerned parents regarding silent graduation. After having been escorted out of a recent graduation for being loud during the presentation of diplomas, the parents said that they were told that they also would not be allowed to attend next year’s graduation for their other child. They asked that the board consider allowing the seniors to vote on whether or not to have a silent graduation or not in the future.
Sharon Penny, Finance Director, presented a financial summary for the month of June which looked optimistic. Dr. Robert Taylor, Superintendent, gave an update on the Bladen County Education Foundation. The foundation consists of a portion of the board members, and at their recent meeting, they approved bylaws and agreed to meet annually on the third Monday of each July and quarterly in January and April.
A consent agenda which contained EC contracts, fundraiser requests, and 2019-2020 pay dates were approved. Alan West, Board Member, asked about pay dates during December and January, and Penny explained that the pay dates allowed the teachers to be paid before Black Friday shopping and also paid them their yearly supplements to make up for the longer gap in between pay dates.
Spring Custom Policy Updates were approved after having been tabled last month. Lou Nelon, Maintenance Director, provided an update on pest control bids. Only one vendor applied for the contract, but multiple principals in the county spoke very highly of Mr. Walters and his work.
Gary Grady, the board’s attorney, outlined the rules that the board must follow to nominate and vote on two BCC trustees openings. Pam Benton was voted to fill one of the positions, but due to a tie, the other position will be decided at a later date or by the governor. Following the above, the board proceeded to go into closed session to discuss personnel, student transfers, and legal issues.
Upon reconvening open session, the board discussed progress on various construction projects. The poles on the tennis courts at West Bladen have been removed, and the cracks are currently being filled. Additionally, both high schools will accept bids to work on their leaking roofs after pre-construction is completed.
A leadership retreat for the board members will take place August 6th, and a ribbon cutting to commemorate a Smithfield funded summer reading program will also take place soon.
Related article:
https://bladencounty.org/bladen-county-schools-and-smithfield-foods-unveils-bladen-county-reed-and-feed-unit/
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