by Hunter Dawkins
Even though this week was school board recognition week along with the announcement of the four teachers of the year from the Pass Christian School District Tuesday evening at the central office, announcing the loss of the legendary principal Dr. Robyn Killebrew at the end of the school year were tough words for Superintendent Dr. Carla Evers to mention.
Dr. Killebrew, the recipient of the prestigious 2017 Milken Educator of the Year Award, applied for the position of Assistant Superintendent at the Columbus School District in the northeast corner of Mississippi. After interviewing, Dr. Killebrew gave notice of her being chosen and announced her departure once her resignation was granted by the school board.
Recognition of the school board week began the meeting, as all five members, along with the School Board Attorney Mark Alexander and Student Representative Jada Flores receiving certificates honoring their service.
Following this, four teachers were presented teachers of the year for each school within the Pass Christian School District (DeLisle Elementary, Pass Christian Elementary, Pass Christian Middle, Pass Christian High) and each faculty member was told by the principal of that school for their reason of choice.
Ms. Charlene Stephens, who was chosen as the Pass Christian Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2018-19 also received the School District Teacher of the Year, which was delivered by Dr. Evers. Stephens, a veteran teacher with sixteen years’ experience, currently teaches sixth grade social studies at Pass Christian Middle School.
The School Board accepted a $4000 donation of walkie talkie radio from Chemours in DeLisle and unanimously approved personnel changes, financial reports, relocating trailers, and amendment to the budget.
BXS Insurance Advisor Justin Ladner spoke of the change in the policy so far with $60 million property value, which is up only 3% from last year. Ladner acknowledge there was an increase in Total Insurance Value because of property and equipment. The board unanimously approved the quote.
With the unanimous approval of a resolution for Advanced Placement, Revision of Board Policy and School Board members travel, Dr. Evers addressed the School Board about the success of the Robotics Team last week, earning a berth in the state championship along with Preps awards received by the high school. Briefly speaking of the fantastic gifted program, Dr. Evers expressed the letters and notices received all across the state.
Closing her report, Dr. Evers spoke of two student-athletes that recently accepted scholarship and said that attendance was down this last month due to sickness. 272 kids were not in school during the month of January.
Student Representative Flores initially talked about eight different sports teams and their success so far in the high school, followed by the activities in the institution and recognition of academic achievements, such as receiving $36,000 in scholarship money for students who participated in the Math & Science competition February 2nd.
The next meeting is schedule for Tuesday, March 19th at 4:30pm.
