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West Carroll Approves Trips, Hires Attorney

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ATWOOD (February 9) — West Carroll Board of Education met Tuesday, February 9 at the West Carroll Junior/Senior High School for its regular February meeting. On the agenda were two student trips and the hiring of a new attorney.
In years past, the school system utilized the services of different attorneys as needed. After some discussion, the board chose to utilize the services of Purcell, Sellers and Craig (PSC) of Jackson, which the system has used periodically. During a pre-meeting workshop, the board learned WCSSD spent $16,000 last year for various legal services through Purcell and other law firms. The board chose to limit the legal representation to PSC with a $500 monthly retainer fee. That fee will apply toward the cost of any legal services needed and an attorney will attend the monthly meetings. Dexter Williams, director of schools, said the contact attorney will be Christopher Hayden, who will attend the meetings and opine as requested during the meetings. Purcell is a McKenzie native.
In other business, the board approved a grant application to secure E-Rate funding for eligible computer services. Sheila Brawner, technology director, requested she, Roger Murley, and Director Williams to choose the needed items to apply for the bid. The board approved the application for the services and the members of the committee.
The board approved student trips for the FFA to travel to Gatlinburg for the June 27 convention, and the Beta Club members, who qualify in the state convention, to travel to the National Convention in Florida. Both trips were approved on the first of two readings.
Williams said the school received approximately $39,000 in extra state funds, which will be used for bonuses to teachers in the amount of approximately $400 each.
The board decided to review the director’s contract in the May meeting.

During the workshop, Board Member Patrick Lindsey said the programs, such as band, cheerleading, and sports should receive adequate school funding to eliminate students from selling tickets, strawberries, and other items to raise funds. “I don’t mind paying higher taxes to keep students from knocking on the door,” said Lindsey.
Lindsey said the seniors’ Great Pretenders should be allowed to use the school’s gymnasium for its performance instead of traveling to Huntingdon for the event. Williams said he was meeting with the Project Graduation Committee that very week.
Lindsey also said he is concerned about the roadside signage in front of the Elementary School in Trezevant. He said it is hard to read.
Tracy Foster, principal at WCES, said the sign is located in a ditch and a portion of the sign is broken. A few years ago, one quote for new signage was $17,000. Mr. Williams said he can get quotes on a new sign.
Lindsey said he would like to see more emphasis on pursuing vocational education.
Kelly Todd, principal at WCHS said the students have the opportunity to attend the county high school vocational school in Huntingdon or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McKenzie.
The board was told students tour both facilities to pique any interest in attending.