West Carroll School Board Members Receive Student-Crafted Gifts

ATWOOD (February 6) — The West Carroll Special School District Board of Education met Thursday in the cafeteria of the junior/senior high. Awaiting the board members were gifts crafted by high school students in observance of School Board Appreciation Week (January 26-February 1).

The gifts included decorative wood crates handmade and hand-painted maroon by students, handwritten cards, canvases with a collage of photos, personalized t-shirts and more.

The board heard an update from a representative of Lashlee-Rich on an upcoming renovation project. All windows and doors will be replaced at the primary and elementary schools, and vestibules will be installed at all three schools. The project is delayed while awaiting state approval, but all parties hope work will begin during the summer. The board was informed that asbestos was detected in the exterior window caulk at the primary school. The caulk will be removed during the renovation. It was noted that finding such trace amounts of asbestos is not uncommon in older schools, and all of the schools passed state inspection, including for asbestos, last year.

The school calendar for 2026-27, aligning with the county school calendar, was approved.

Three upcoming field trips were approved. The junior/senior high Beta Clubs will attend the leadership summit in Gatlinburg on March 5-7. The junior/senior high FCCLA will attend the state convention in Gatlinburg on April 2-4. The CTE/FBLA state conference is in Chattanooga from April 6-9.

The board officially recognized the retirement of Supervisor Regina Alred and the employment of her replacement, Michelle Matthis.

Resignations by Colton Taylor and Zach DePriest were acknowledged.

CTE instructor Erin Lewis reported on the West Carroll Spirit Box School Store. The student-run vending machine offers necessities such as school supplies and hygiene products as well as West Carroll merchandise at reasonable prices. Lewis said the store officially launched on Wednesday and had already seen $50 in sales.

Prior to the meeting, a reception was held for retiring elementary school custodian Wade Bryant. Director of Schools Preston Caldwell said Bryant had “the most positive attitude. Hard-working and dedicated, he’s a kind and perfect role model for children.”

The meeting adjourned after 25 minutes.

The next meeting of the West Carroll school board is Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m.