NEW MARKET — Members of the Southmont FFA chapter gave a brief report Monday of their success at the State FFA Convention during the school board’s regular monthly meeting. Representatives reported several achievements by team members and highlighted Caden Sixberry, who was elected to the state treasurer position.
Maggie Woods, a parent, inquired about bussing schedules during the public comments. Woods noted parents need to have the information in a timely manner to arrange work schedules. Superintendent Doug Cripe said routes are being determined, and the information will be available soon.
Three additions were made to the original July agenda. These included a field trip to Decatur, Illinois, in August for the FFA; hiring Susan Fox as an instructional aide at the junior high; and hiring William Frazee as the ag teacher at the high school, pending obtaining the proper licensure. The trustees approved all three additions.
The board approved several other new hires, including Katy Yoakum, media specialist, Southmont High School; Madison Karrfalt, math teacher, Southmont Jr. High School; Luna Barnett, elementary art teacher, Ladoga/Walnut Elementary Schools; Yessica Paddilla, Spanish teacher, Southmont High School; Alison Burris, instructional aide, Southmont Jr. High School; and Brooke Mefford, instructional aide, New Market Elementary School.
Resignations were accepted for Jana Boggess, math teacher; Sydney Scherry, New Market elementary teacher; and Bryce Adams, instructional aide. The employment offer to Lucia Iannantuono as a high school Spanish teacher was rescinded.
Several coaching agreements were approved by the board, including: Brooke Bellendir, sixth grade volleyball coach, $1,000; Katy Yoakum, seventh grade volleyball coach, $1,500; Madison Karrfalt, eighth grade volleyball coach, $1,500; Rod Tolliver, seventh grade assistant football coach, volunteer; Cameron Giles, eighth grade football coach, $2,500; Amy Reeves, junior high cross country coach, $1,000; Alison Burris, junior high assistant cross country coach, volunteer; Elliott Franklin, junior high boys tennis coach, $1,500.
Also, Desson Hannum, varsity football coach, contract; Jeremiah Sparks, varsity assistant football coach, $3,500; Mitchell Dehne, varsity assistant football coach, $3,500; Baylee Adams, varsity assistant football coach, $3,500; Ken Dooley, varsity assistant football coach, $3,500; Bill Whalen, varsity girls golf coach, $3,000; Dave Williamson, varsity assistant girls golf coach, $1,500; Shelley Allen, varsity cross country coach, $3,000; Justin Lowe, varsity assistant cross country coach, $1,500; Matt Allen, varsity assistant cross country coach, volunteer; Erin Barry, varsity volleyball coach, $5,000; Bella McIntyre, junior varsity volleyball coach, $1,654; Lauren Witherspoon, varsity assistant volleyball coach, $2,000.
Also, Nathan Poynter, varsity boys tennis coach, $4,000; Joe McCutchan, varsity assistant boys tennis coach, $1,500; Reese Long, varsity assistant boy tennis coach, volunteer; Michael Byrum, fall weights program, $1,726; Megan Shaw, varsity cheerleading sponsor, $3,000; Jennifer Calder, junior varsity cheerleading sponsor, $1,500; Roger Azar, varsity girls soccer coach, $4,000; Angie Williams, varsity assistant girls soccer coach, $1,500; and Stephanie Kennedy, varsity boys soccer coach, $4,000.
Cripe reported a joint agreement was approved with the Montgomery County Alternative Education program. School lunch prices will increase by 10 cents in the new school year. The increase will raise elementary lunch from $2.25 to $2.35 and junior high/high school prices from $2.45 to $2.55. Free breakfast will still be provided. The increase will help meet inflation demands and rising food costs.
Cripe congratulated the teams working on changes to school handbooks. The elementary handbooks were refreshed, and outdated information was removed.
The major change to the junior high/high school handbook dealt with academic eligibility requirements for athletes. Under the new guidelines, an athlete will be considered a team member with a minimum of five passing grades. A higher level of academic achievement must be attained to actively participate in scrimmages, games or contests. Coaches and athletes are responsible for understanding the new policies.
School lunch prices will increase by ten cents in the new school year. The increase will raise elementary lunch from $2.25 to $2.35 and junior high/high school prices from $2.45 to $2.55. Free breakfast will still be provided.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14 at the corporation office.
