O.I.S.D. calls for board election

February high school student of the month, senior, Felicia Williams. Photo by Melissa Missildine The Oakwood school board approved a call for a board election to be held on May 8, 20010 for the purpose of filling three expired positions. Those positions up for nomination are Larry Lipsey, Winnie Hodges, and Kim Hardin. Lipsey has already signed up for re-election. Hodges says she is considering her position. The only one who has declared not to seek re-election is Hardin. The board voted to hold the election in conjunction with the city election to make it more convenient for the public. The board also approved the list of election judges, but reserved the right to re-evaluate that list at a later date. Those currently on the list are Joan Bing for the Oakwood box, Tina Moore for the Flo box, and Vicki Stroud for the Absentee box. A special meeting will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, March 5, 2010 in order for the board to consider bringing a call for a bond election. If the election is called, this item would be added to the May 8 ballot.

2nd year Webelos Scout Devon Missildine presents a flag flow at the state capital and a certificate to school board president Mack Botard. Photo by Melissa Missildine O.I.S.D.'s superintendent Richard Scoggin gave his report at the meeting. It included the March calendar of events, the TASB summer Leadership Conference, and the attendance report. The attendance for the month was slightly down due to illness, but not unusual for the time of year.

The board considered and approved the adoption of a new Extended Sick Leave policy for employees of O.I.S.D. This policy would allow for an extension of an additional 30 days of time off for employees to use in case of medical or catastrophic emergencies. This time would be available when regular time accumulated had been exhausted. During the extension, the employees would be docked the amount needed per day to employ a sub on their behalf. The difference in daily sub amount and the employee's daily rate would go to the employee.

Students of the month were fourth grader, Britney McCuin (not in attendance) and Senior, Felicia Williams. Williams is not only an excellent student who wishes to attend college to get a degree in physical therapy but is an extraordinary athlete with aspirations of taking her basketball career pro. The Junior Rotarian for the month was Ava Walker.

Devon Missildine, a 2nd year Webelos Scout from Cub Scout Pack 610, was invited by Scoggin to attend the meeting for a special presentation. Missildine had taken it upon himself to contact Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples for "a favor". Missildine asked if he could have a flag that had been flown at our state capital. Staples was more than happy to help Missildine in his quest. Missildine presented this flag, and a certificate of authenticity from Staples, to board president Mack Botard. This flag and certificate will be put in a place of honor for all to see.