MCKENZIE – McKenzie High School history and social studies teacher Richard Chappell is retiring at Christmas after 30 years of teaching at McKenzie. He came to McKenzie schools in 1977.

Superintendent Jim Ward announced Chappell’s planned retirement during the December 4 meeting of the McKenzie School Board, which had a bare quorum.

Chappell was head coach of the McKenzie Rebel football team from 1979 to 1987. In 1985 and 1986, Chappell led the Rebels to the second best winning seasons in Rebel history with nine wins and three losses in each of the seasons. The lone best season prior to Chappell’s tenure was in 1973 when the Rebels earned a 10-1 season under Jerry Gage.

Chappell’s wife, Peggy, and son, Brad also teach in the McKenzie system.

In other business, Ward said long-time teacher Pam Seymour will begin a leave of absence in January to help care for an ill family member.

Other personnel matters included the employment of: high school English teacher Amanda Powell; substitute teachers Beth Bailey, Matt Beane, Janet Hill, Christine Holmes, and Samantha Lindley; and elementary school custodial employee Cecil Poore.

The board also:

• approved a Food Service procurement program as required by the USDA.

• approved the disposal of surplus property currently owned by the school system, which has $250 or less value, and can be disposed of without competitive bids.

• approved a budget amendment to accept the proceeds of a Safe Schools Grant.

The next monthly board meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2008.

Present were members John Austin, Jon Davis, Brad Davis and Jill Holland. Absent were Greg Barker, Monte Cunningham, and Karen McCaleb.

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