The Winston County Journal

The Louisville Municipal School District Trustees reviewed 16th Section land questions, created a new policy on correspondence and discussed other priorities.

16th Section land

Hal Overstreet, Sixteen Section Land Manger, reiterated to the trustees to prepare for upcoming lease renewals and the needed increases on the leases.

"We need to earn the money the school deserves from these leases," said Overstreet adding that Winston County has some of the lowest rates in the state.

Overstreet provided the board members with a comparison of rates from across the state on all leases as well as the surrounding areas. Winston County had the lowest average rate in the state on farm residential leases at $4.83 per acre and the second lowest average residential at $26.42 per acre.

"We have some old leases but so do other counties. We are lagging behind," said Overstreet.

See comparison box page 2A

The board rejected timber bids on one property after they did not match the state projected price and reinstated one lease after it was paid in full.

Correspondence courses

The trustees also adopted a new policy for approving when students can take correspondence and online classes.

In a 3-2 vote, the board adopted the policy to set procedures for a student to request taking correspondence and online classes.

Approval of the policy followed the 3-2 vote by the board to turn down the family of Louisville High Senior Clayton Moore to take correspondence and graduate in December.

Board President Mark Donald noted to Clay and Caroline Moore that although the board had denied the request that once the policy on correspondence was approved they still had the option to follow the policy to gain approval. The policy was adopted later in the meeting.

The policy setup a committee to approve correspondence and online course requests. The policy allows correspondence for one course in four years of study but in only two limited cases. Under the policy a student must have fallen behind in class work in a single class and may use correspondence to "catch up" to their class or the family feels it is in the best interest of the student to take a course and possibly graduate early.

The Moore family had outlined to the board the opportunities Clayton Moore would have if allowed to take the course and graduate in December. Clay Moore explained that with early graduation that Clayton could enroll at University of Mississippi in January. His early enrollment would allow him to begin his college education early as well as place him in a prime spot to train for the No. 2 quarterback spot for the Rebels.

"This would give him (Clayton Moore) an edge," said Clay Moore. "Don't hold him back from pursuing his dream."

"If we can help him graduate early to better himself seems like that is what we need to do," said Dan Parkes, board member.

Board member Cathy Edwards seconded that point but Claire Crowell was concerned that no policy was in place for the situation. (The board would later approve a policy to handle correspondence).

Without a policy set the board denied the Moore's request and later approved a new policy for anyone requesting correspondence to follow.

In other business:

€ Approved the July Financial report and claims docket.

€ Discussed the increase in taxes to cover the 3 mil note for building improvements and increased costs across the district. The board approved requesting the increases from the City of Louisville.

€ Approved 4-1 a new policy for use of school buildings for nonschool related functions. Cathy Edwards questioned the sanctioned events examples and the generality of unique events not allowed.

"Whose call is it on what a unique event is?," questioned Edwards.

"Whomever the superintendent is," responded Kemp.

Edwards noted that no one person should be making that decision. Kemp explained that it is the superintendent's role to maintain the district does not expose itself to any undue liability issues and should make the call on unique requests that might place extra liability on the district.

Edwards questioned the new fee arrangements. Kemp noted that the district must pass on any extra costs and the fees must include all cost with usage of the building from heating, electricity and cleanup.

"We must cover our costs," said Kemp.

Edwards also questioned how to insure that each group pays the outlined fees and no one gets special treatment.

Kemp noted that goes back to integrity and everyone following the policy.

Asst. Supt. Ken McMullan clarified how the process worked to insure all paid the same amount. He noted that persons scheduled the building usage with appropriate principal. Each principal checked with Supt. Office to insure no extra liability with the matter. The funds were collected from the group and all funds where brought to LMSD business manager Phyllis Gronewold to insure deposited correctly and were the correct amounts.

€ Discussed the priorities of improving and district building with about $7.5 million in needed improvements already planned. The board tabled the matter until the next meeting in order to have a through written cost estimates and plan for the improvements.

€ Discussed the downward trend of enrollment in the district with 2705 students in classes this year and 2764 in classes last year. "It (enrollment declines) effects our finances," noted Kemp.

The next LMSD Trustees meeting is set for Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m.