Terry Pennington took his oath of office and took part in his first Board of Education meeting at the Guthrie Administration building on Thursday evening.
Terry Pennington takes his oath of office from Kay Gammill. Photo By Chris Evans
After Pennington, who edged out Jody Walker in a narrow election of six votes (282-276) on Feb. 12., took his seat the board elected Tom Holtz as President, Gail Davis the First Vice-President, Orville Cornelius as the Second Vice-President, Travis Sallee to Board Clerk and Sharon Watts as Deputy Board Clerk.
Before the business portion of the meeting, Guthrie High School Principal Chris LeGrande introduced high school students Lily Lacina and Kaylea Hopfer.
Lacina, a senior, was recognized after she took top honors in the state for the 2012 Conservation Poster Contest. The theme for the year was Soil to Spoon.
Hopfer, a sophomore, shared her speech that gave her first place at the state level on soil conservation. FFA Advisor and GHS teacher, Craig Smith, was in the audience for the speech.
Lily Lacina, pictured with Principal Chris LeGrande, was recognized for her top winning poster.
In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Mike Simpson asked Guthrie Upper Elementary School Principal Susan Davison share the story of Donna Goodwin, a cafeteria worker, how she helped a student who was choking. Related story: Cafeteria worker saves GUES student
Simpson spoke on sequestration on the national level and how it will have a 5.4% effect locally and there may be a chance it could go deeper and some cuts may have to happen, but currently there is enough in the fund to carry over.
Simpson expressed his appreciation to the high school students who helped raised $14,023.73 for United Week. The raised money will help build an outdoor classroom area for the Extra Special Jays.
Kaylea Hopfer, pictured with GHS teacher Craig Smith, took first place with her soil conservation speech.
Finally, the superintendent updated the board on the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) and their first meeting. The committee, which is made up of several citizens, met to discuss the inventory on the district in a two-and-half hour meeting. The group is expected to take a tour of all the school facilities and are set to next meet on April 2.
The LRPC was set to help identify future bond projects for the district and are expected to help develop a list of recommendations for the Board of education at some point and time.
Following an executive session, board members unanimously voted (7-0) to accept the resignation of Junior High teacher Nicholas Lyon. Lyon, who was suspended with pay on Feb. 15, has been under investigation after a parent shared some of the inappropriate details of a book that some eighth grade students were reading. Related story: Junior High teacher suspended; under investigation for book
On the consent agenda all items passed unanimously, including an agreement with Interquest Detection Canines and Fine Hearing Care for Audiological Services.
On the business agenda all items were also passed unanimously.
– The board agreed to award a bid for a door security system that will implement and maintain external door security for all school sites.
– Angie Burris, a R.N. and GPS school nurse, was approved to provide a Growth and Development presentation for 5th grade students.
– Special Education students were approved to attend the State Special Olympics Summer Games in May.
– Remedial Summer School (K-8) was approved for the month of June (3-27) at GUES from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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