Board agrees upon dismissal staff writer 05/20/09 Amy Garmon Email this story to a friend Obion County School board members began a regular scheduled meeting at Black Oak Elementary, by acknowledging Black Oak Beta Club students, South Fulton Band members, and presenting certificates to teachers who recently received tenure. Among those teachers who received tenure, were South Fulton Elementary teacher Alisha Hedge, and South Fulton Middle/High School teacher Lori Martin. Additional charges were certified by the board against South Fulton tenured Ag teacher Bryant Driver. During the previous meeting, Director of Schools David Huss recommended the board certify charges against Driver, solely for insubordination. After several failed attempts at contacting Driver, to give him the opportunity to respond and sign the letter of dismissal, Huss said he is now recommending dismissal based on unprofessional conduct. “If the facts are true as presented, it justifies dismissal,” board member Jimmy Smith said. Board members agreed. A hearing is expected to take place for Driver in the future. JoMykel Helpler addressed the board regarding his concerns over students being required to tuck in their shirts. Helpler presented the board with survey results which stated 365 students out of the 404 students surveyed were not comfortable with the school’s policy of tucking in shirts. He also stated, it was time consuming and caused self esteem issues for overweight students, and asked the board to rethink the policy. In other business on the agenda: • The second and final reading of the crisis management plan was approved. • Contracts with Anderson Buehler for architectural services and Lashlee-Rich for construction management services were extended to cover the career technology facilities. • Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year under block scheduling, an attendance point system will be implemented for all schools in the system. This was read and approved on the first reading. • Under block scheduling students will be required to have 26 credits to graduate. Currently students must have 22 credits to graduate, however the new requirement will be gradually implemented to allow current students not having as many credit opportunities as incoming freshmen, to meet the guidelines. • Door access control bids were split awarding South Fulton Elementary School to Townsend Systems for $19,400 and additions at Hillcrest and Lake Road Elementary to Pro-Tec Security for $11,438.12. However, the South Fulton addition is postponed due to decreased enrollment. • South Fulton High School will offer an ACT preparation class beginning with 2009-2010 school year upon approval by the board. • South Fulton Middle/High School request for permission to hold sports camps for the students of Obion County was approved. The camps will be funded through the athletic fund, and remaining funds will be included in regular payroll as supplements for holding the camps. • The Masonic Lodge donated bicycles to the Obion County School system. Donations will be given to students in each school based on reading achievements. • Overnight student trips were approved.