By Stephen Smoot
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the Harrison County Board of Education appeared almost entirely clad in green to mark the holiday.
They then dispensed some “green” to help with a project planned by Lincoln Middle School.
Lori Scott, principal of the school, rose to speak at the beginning of the meeting. She said “we are requesting that our gym floor be completely refinished this summer.”
She explained that in the decade old facility, the floor laid down at the time was not the highest quality selection. The contractor made officials aware, but budget constraints did not allow for a better option. Scott stated that the floor should be “stripped down, redone, and protected.”
The quote for the work provided by R. H. Huffman totaled $26,320. “We have half of that, knowing this was coming,” Scott commented.
Frank Devono, President of the Harrison County Board of Education, explained that with projects such as this, the Board asks the school to obtain at least 50 percent of the cost.
The floor has developed problems in recent years. The original expansion gaps placed in the floor were not sufficient to meet the need. Also, Scott stated “it’s not a floating floor anymore and that’s caused additional wear and tear.”
Board member Douglas Hogue stated that his preference would be to have a high quality job performed this time, despite the cost, because it would save money down the road.
Later in the meeting, the question of approving the floor came up on the agenda. The Board unanimously approved giving Lincoln Middle School $13,160 to complete the funding for the floor restoration.
Superintendent Dora Stutler and the Board discussed at length the dental and vision plan options available for Harrison County Schools personnel. At the close of it, Devono suggested placing it on the next agenda for discussion and potential action.
Stutler and Board members agreed that all needed time to consider information related to the plans to determine what would provide the best benefit.
“I’d like to see something like this implemented this year for next year,” said Devono.
Next, the parent of a Bridgeport High School student spoke to the Board. He expressed concerns regarding the disciplining of his child for the child’s role in a fight. The parent questioned what he considered an inconsistent and unjust application of the discipline policy, considering the situation that he stated that his son confronted.
While neither the Board nor the Superintendent can interact with a public speaker during the comment period, Devono invited the parent (unidentified to protect the anonymity of the student) to stay and speak informally after the meeting.
The law prohibits elected officials from speaking during public comment. This shields the citizen-speaker from interruption, intimidation, or hassling from the elected body, but also prevents constructive conversation.
Stutler did indirectly refer to the concerns stated by the parent at the end of the meeting. She shared that administrators may receive additional training in how to implement the discipline policy. This was already in the works and not a direct response to the parent’s statements.
In other actions, during the Superintendent’s report, Stutler shared that the school system had applied to the State for a waiver. If passed, the State would reclassify certain days missed from school due to a cybersecurity issue and also a declaration by the Governor during inclement weather.
If approved, the calendar for the remainder of the year would end as originally scheduled with no make-up days.
