Judge Larry Whited swears-in board members Cynthia
Dale (L) and Joy Starcher (R) re-elected in May's primary
By Bob Weaver
The Calhoun County Board of Education has a new president, Cynthia Dale. Lee Evans was elected vice-president at last night's organizational meeting.
President Dale asked Superintendent Jane Lynch to re-post several jobs that have been cut, saying some of them are "critical positions," focusing on a person to supervise the in-school suspension room, used to control students who have behavioral problems.
Lynch indicated the problem with the jobs not being posted is lack of funds. "There was a change in the school funding formula with restrictions that are causing problems re-creating the former positions," she said, although some are already under consideration.
A special meeting has been scheduled for August 4th to work on the positions.
Dale advised Lynch she has had problems getting budget numbers, asking her "Why are you afraid to let the people under you to answer question?"
Lynch replied by saying she followed responsible procedure, sticking to chain of command.
Dale expressed concern about Lynch using outside contract workers, saying it was "a display of favoritism," with the school board not being aware of the hires or the amount paid for the part-time positions. Lynch did not respond to the complaint.
Dale said board members are concerned that under employment items on the agenda, "We don't have a clue about who is being hired," with a blank space next to the position. "We learn the name at the last minute," she said.
Board president Cynthia Dale (R) raises
numerous issues with Superintendent Lynch (L)
Dale also advised Lynch that the board wants to know more about carry-over monies, advising her that in the future the comments made by board members at the conclusion of meetings be written in the official minutes.
Vice-president Lee Evans expressed concern about a $40,000 conference for staff development to be held for local teachers at Flatwoods.
Evans "This just upsets me when teachers have to buy supplies from their own pockets."
Lynch said the money comes from a funding source that is to be used for staff development.
Lynch reported on problems with the waste water sewage line at Pleasant Hill Elementary, with pipes corroding and falling apart. They run under the entire main floor and then to the treatment plant.
She told board members that TV cameras are being placed in the seriously corroded pipes, and decisions will be made shortly about taking care of the problem.
Board member Mike Wilson asked about the status of a program where parents can go on-line and check on their children's academic progress.
Board member Evans asked about the purpose of training that would clarify the roles of the superintendent and board members. Lynch said "There are problems with role clarification."
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel issues, but then approved the names listed on the agenda.
A Braxton County man, Frank Tetrick, was hired as Director of Support services, replacing retiree Donnie Pitts.
The board also adopted a number of new textbooks.
Detailed minutes of the meeting will be published on the board's web site later this week.
See Calhoun County Schools
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