by Hunter Dawkins
After short budget meeting discussing supplies, travel, and professional development for the school board in the next fiscal year, the Pass Christian School Board unanimously approved the hiring of a new high school principal and head basketball coach.
Assistant Superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District; Boyd West, accepted the offer from the Pass Christian School District to replace longtime high school principal Dr. Robyn Killebrew. Pass Christian School District Superintendent Dr. Carla Evers spoke of how West was at the top of various administrators lists, who assisted her in the interview process.
A similar face returned to the high school, as Wayne “Buddy” Kennedy was hired back as the Pirates Head Basketball Coach again. Kennedy originally retired in 2016 after a 23-year career where he won over 500 games and a state championship.
To begin the regular meeting, the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport donated $500 to the Pass Christian Middle School Robotics Team after earning a spot in Kentucky last month to compete for a national title. These funds were given for travel expenses.
Dr. Evers addressed a number of academic and athletic achievements in her monthly report, including the receipt of the Lindsey Callahan Award to Pass High Student-Athlete Andrew Crusan. Crusan earned the STAR Student Award this year and will receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy following graduation.
Finally, the Pass Christian School Board President Margaret Jean Kalif asked the school board if an election of officers could be postponed until the return of two absent members. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14.
In a brief interview with Dr. Evers after recess, The Gazebo Gazette learned of a $2250 teacher pay raise for this upcoming school year. According to the superintendent, $1500 would be received from the state legislature and an additional $750 would be given from the budget in the next school year.
