West Carroll Director of Schools Dexter Williams’ employment contract was renewed for another three years during Thursday night’s school board meeting, but that vote was not unanimous.
In front of a large attending crowd in the West Carroll Junior-Senior High School cafeteria, the board voted 4-2 to renew Williams’ contract on a motion by board member Mike Foster and a second by board member Kyle Foster.
Also voting yes to the motion were board chairman William Robinson and member Misty Mitchell.
Board members Patrick Lindsey and Nancy Johnson voted against the motion.
Many of those attending applauded following the vote.
Before that vote and the preceding motion, Johnson pointed out that she hasn’t had a chance to look over the director’s contract and made a motion to table the matter until the next board meeting.
That motion failed 4-2 with only Johnson and Lindsey voting in favor of it.
Under the new contract, all of Williams’ benefits will remain the same, including a $96,000 per year salary.
The new contract period starts on July 1 of next year and expires on June 30 of 2023.
Williams was hired as director of schools back in June of 2017 after serving as principal at the high school for two years.
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In other business:
•The board recognized WCES Beta Club sponsors Brittany Fowler, Michele Robinson, and Beth Bridges for the club’s many accomplishments over the past year, including national recognition for their Do Good Campaign.
•The board recognized members of the high school girls’ and boys’ cross country running teams. This year the girls team competed at state for the first time as a team.
•The board recognized the Marching War Eagles for their many accomplishments this season. See separate story.
•Christmas bonuses of $500 each for district employees was approved in a 5-1 vote before a $125,000 budget amendment was approved to fund these bonuses. Lindsey voted against the motion for the bonuses.
•The yearly LEA Compliance Report was approved.
•The board approved $6,000 for security camera upgrades at the elementary school.
•The board approved 20 board policy updates on first readings.
•Lindsey entertained a motion that the board adopt a nepotism policy requiring that it be announced at board meetings whenever relatives of board members are hired by the school district. No motion was made.
•The board approved a $26,386 from Big Ease to reseal the parking lot at the junior-senior high school.
•The board was advised that special recognition will be given to the family of the late Richard Welch in honor of his many years of coaching and teaching in the school district between the girls and boys basketball games on December 13.
