Huntingdon School Board Bids Farewell to First Student Reps

HUNTINGDON (May 20) — The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education met Wednesday with a light agenda, but took some time to reflect on the school year about to end and to bid farewell to the district's first-ever student school board representatives.

The lone item of business was to consider continuing membership in Tennessee School Systems for Equity, an organization of mainly rural districts that advocates for equitable state funding. Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee recommended maintaining membership, and the board concurred unanimously.

Just four days after their graduation from Huntingdon High School, Madison Dill and Paige Costello returned to the central office for their final meeting as student school board representatives. The pair were the first to serve in the position in the district.

Board Chairman Dr. Lee Carter said, "Thank y'all for what you have accomplished this year. I don't know if y'all will ever truly realize what y'all have done for us at this board… I could not have asked for any better students to step up and take this role, and y'all have absolutely set a high, high standard for anybody that comes after you." Other board members echoed Carter's sentiments.

Kee said, "Y'all are phenomenal. I think your positive attitude and how you came in excited about it, it's a great example for the next group, so thank y'all for that."

Costello and Dill gave their final monthly report, recapping a busy final stretch for students. They expressed their appreciation to the board for the opportunity to serve. The two new alumni were presented with blue "H" pins.

Student representatives for next year are rising senior Katherine Meggs and rising junior Lila Reed. Reed will continue to serve her senior year with another rising junior.

Kee commented and board members chimed in to praise the accomplishments of Huntingdon students this year in academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. Kee said, "I don't ever want to take that for granted. In a small community, I'm just thankful that we have good support for those things, we have kids that want to get involved. I think it's very unique for Huntingdon."

The director announced a new sign had been installed at the high school to commemorate past and future state athletic appearances.

Dr. Kee was pleased to report 87 open enrollment applications had already been processed and approved for the next school year, an increase from the 80 total approved last year. He said, "I think that's a compliment to [our] teachers, our school board, our community as a whole. I'm thankful that people respect our district and would like to come here."

Kee relayed plans to replace the windows at the primary school and paint hallways at the high school, among other projects for the summer.

The meeting adjourned after 15 minutes.

Board member Kennedy White was absent.

The board meets next on Wednesday, June 17 at 5 p.m.