West Carroll School Board Approves Mileage Rate Increase

ATWOOD (April 2) — The West Carroll Special School District Board of Education met Thursday with several items to address, most notably an increase in the mileage rate paid by the district.

Board members approved the first reading of a policy update bringing the district's mileage rate in line with the U.S. General Services Administration approved travel rate of 73 cents per mile, up from 47 cents per mile.

Director of Schools Preston Caldwell said, "As you go to the gas station these days, you're paying a pretty penny. The rate's going to go up to 73 cents, which I think is very appropriate."

The board's approval also included procedural changes to the policy on charter school applications, a formality for West Carroll as there are no charter schools in the immediate area.

The board approved several field trips for Beta Club members and band members.

Maintenance Supervisor Mark Wright updated the board on the elementary school renovation project. The state has approved the plans, and a pre-bid walk-through is on Thursday, April 9. Bids will be opened Thursday, April 30.

Two FFA members and sponsor Noah Rogers addressed the board regarding the club's recent competitive successes and upcoming events.

FFA member Carson Cooper reported on the club's year in competition. With over 20 active members competing in various contests, they have earned four district wins, a region win, a state win, two state FFA degrees and a Superior Chapter Award.

Cooper himself was the state champion, earning first in the FFA Beef Production Supervised Agricultural Experience competition at the recent state FFA convention in Gatlinburg.

Cooper also reported the club's goat shed was nearing completion, and a show team is in the works. Also, the aquaculture system to raise fish has been reassembled after a 12–year hiatus.

FFA member Ethan Mueller thanked the board and administration for their support. He relayed that the annual plant sale is Saturday, April 18. He also spoke about the agriculture department's year-round utilization of the greenhouse to produce tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, ferns, flowers and ornamental plants.

The board acknowledged a resignation and two retirements effective at the end of the school year. Sandra Knight, a paraprofessional, will depart at the end of the semester. Rosemary Taylor, a primary school cafeteria worker, and Kim Allen, elementary school interventionist, are retiring. A reception will be held in June.

Director Caldwell announced that legally-required firearm safety training for all students would be upcoming. He assured that the programs will be age-appropriate. More details will be announced prior to the safety programs.

Thursday's meeting began with a moment of silence for the Kenwood Middle School community and for the families of two West Carroll teachers, one former and one current. Billy Windsor, a West Carroll teacher and football coach, and Gayle Kendrick, a former West Carroll teacher and basketball coach, both recently died unexpectedly.

The meeting adjourned after 45 minutes. Board member Betty Wallace was absent.

The board meets next on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.