To represent the school district in any legal matters that might arise and to serve as a source of legal counsel and advice, the West Carroll Board of Education voted unanimously to hire the Jackson law firm of Purcell, Sellers and Craig (PSC) on an exclusive basis during the board’s Feb. 9 meeting.
Director of Schools Dexter Williams recommended PSC, which has provided legal services for the school district in the past, as have other firms and attorneys.
Williams said that PSC attorney Christopher Hayden will probably be serving as the district’s main legal contact and will be attending future school board meetings.
“He’s knowledgeable of school districts and he knows school law,” said Williams. “And he said he would do it.”
As part of the deal, the district will pay PSC a $500 monthly retainer fee, which will apply toward the cost of any legal services provided by the firm.
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In other business:
•The board authorized Technology Director Sheila Brawner to apply for an E-Rate grant, which, if approved, will provide funding for qualifying technology expenses, such as reimbursement for internet services.
•Board members voted unanimously to table a review of Director Williams’ contract until the May meeting.
•A field trip request for students to attend the state FFA Convention in Gatlinburg on June 27-30 was approved on a first reading.
•On the recommendation and motion by board member Patrick Lindsey, the board voted to allow all Junior Beta Club members in grades 4-8 to attend this year’s national convention in Florida if they qualify and if the convention is held in person, rather than virtually.
•Williams advised the board that the state may be allocating additional funds for teachers. He said the school district would receive around $39,000 to be spread out among all certified staff – which he said would come out to around $200 per teacher.
•The board agreed to change the April board meeting date to April 6 so that it will not be during the week of spring break.
