The Latta School Board of Trustees met for the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 12 in the District Administrative Conference Room. Trustees present were: Kyle Berry, Edward Bethea, Linda James, Betty Jo Johnson, Kenneth Kitts and Eddie Watson. Janice Boatwright was absent. Chair Betty Jo Johnson welcomed all present and Dr. Kirby opened with prayer.
There being no additions or corrections to the January 8, 2013 minutes, Chair Johnson ruled that they stand approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chair Johnson stated that phase two plans for the new Latta Early Childhood Center would continue to be tabled until the March 12, 2013 board meeting.
DEPARTMENTAL
BUSINESS:
Donna Taylor presented a status report on the December General Fund budget.
Dr. Kirby highlighted areas of the Latta School District Improvement Plan that was prepared by the District Improvement Team. A motion to approve the plan was made by Eddie Watson and seconded by Edward Bethea. Vote was unanimous.
Larry Legette gave an update on the construction projects.
The Board endorsed the recommendation made by Principal George Liebenrood to hold the graduation exercises for the Latta High School in the gym at 7:00 p.m. on June 5, 2013.
Updates by the Superintendent:
Chair Betty Jo Johnson presented Linda James with a certificate and lapel pin provided by the South Carolina School Boards Association in recognitions of her 10 years of service for Dillon Three Schools.
As the results of a student appeal hearing conducted before the regular scheduled board meeting, a motion to uphold the decision of the administration to expel the student for the remainder of the current school year was made by Kenneth Kitts and seconded by Edward Bethea. Vote was unanimous.
The Palmetto Leadership of Dillon County will be meeting in the district on February 14, 2013.
They will be visiting the facilities, hearing from a student about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and observing in a Montessori classroom.
On Friday February 15 the Latta High School Interact Club, the Latta Rotary and school staff will be taking students in need of shoes to Goodys in Dillon to purchase shoes. This is a project being conducted by the Latta Rotary and the Latta High School Interact Club.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dr. Kirby presented a preliminary copy of the 2013-2014 school calendar for Board approval. A motion was made by Edward Bethea and seconded by Kyle Berry to approve the calendar as presented. Vote was unanimous.
After discussion, a motion to approve as first reading and waive seconded reading of the revisions made to policies KBE-R and ADC was made by Eddie Watson and seconded by Edward Bethea. Vote was unanimous.
Dr. Kirby presented the results of the Superintendent’s Evaluation forms that had been completed by Board members.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion to go into executive session to discuss the Superintendent’s contract was made by Kenneth Kitts and seconded by Kyle Berry. Vote was unanimous.
FORMAL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESION
Reconvening from executive session a motion to extend the superintendent’s contract by one year was made by Edward Bethea and seconded by Eddie Watson.
This will extend his contract through the 2016-2017 school year. Vote was unanimous.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
