The Clay County School Board approved Thursday night accepting bids for two new phone systems.
Board Chairman Benji Bailey said the phone systems in Central Office and some of the schools have been changed over the last few years. Bailey said there are still two more schools in the district with phone systems that are due for replacement.
“The two remaining would be at Celina K-8 and Clay County High School,” Bailey said. “Obviously, that’s a, presents a safety concern if something happens. The equipment’s very old, and we’d like to get that taken care of.”
Another concern with the old phone system was security issues. Bailey said the phone system replacements will be covered with money from of the district fund balance.
The system also approved the bidding process for new riprap water drainage systems. Hermitage Springs in line to get a new oven.
Bailey said current drainage areas at the high school have had continual problems that need to be addressed. Bailey said the school system has been in touch with the Clay County Soil Conservation Service on the project.
“There will be some, potentially some grant funding associated with that, so we’re thankful for that,” Bailey said. “But, we are having some issues in trying to prevent further issues with that drainage just if you’re going into the high school, there on the left running back through there.”
School Nutrition Supervisor Teia Arms said Hermitage Springs’ old oven broke during last school year.
“We have budgeted in to get that piece of equipment, and I thought I’d go ahead and start getting bid specs started soon as possible,” Arms said.
In other business, the Board approved a handful of policy revisions consistent with those required by state law on second reading. The policy on earned/sick leave was changed to be consistent with the current memorandum of understanding, and it approved on first reading.
The School Board discussed an increase in employee insurance premium. The Board will take on 75 percent of the increase, while teachers will collectively cover the other 25 percent.
