By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—With past board members and employees present, the Paris Special Schools District board of education bid a fond farewell to departing Superintendent Mike Brown at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Following the lead of Board President Richard Edwards, board members took turns sharing fond memories of Brown and his tenure at PSSD. Edwards said, “I truly can say that every day you came to work there wasn’t any doubt that you had the best interest of the students and the staff in mind with any decisions you made. And you kept board members informed better than anybody ever has.”
Edwards also noted that in working with budgets, Brown’s No. 1 priority always was to ensure that the staff had an annual raise.
Board Member Bill Jelks said Brown was a “good friend, good educator and good person. I think it’s the measure of a good man that he not go after the limelight.”
An emotional Brown thanked everyone and said it has been an honor and privilege to serve PSSD. “I’m going to miss all the people and I look forward to the next chapter,” he said.
At the request of Jelks, the board granted Brown remain in an advisory capacity for 120 days to ease incoming Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell into her position, “especially with the Rhea construction ongoing”. Jelks noted that the compensation for Brown will come from the district’s fund balance.
Gerrell noted, “I’m so appreciative of his willingness to take on this advisory role. That will take a lot off of me and I’m appreciative of the board for its foresight on this.”
In other business, it was announced an open house and ribbon-cutting for the new Rhea School building will be held at 5 p.m. July 18. Work continues on finishing touches to the building, which has been totally revamped.
Contractor Cary Henson and Architect Ben Whitt reported things are moving ahead smoothly for the Rhea project. Paving begins Monday and floor tile in the building is 90 percent complete, so much so that five classroom floors already have been waxed and polished. Meanwhile, the tear down of the existing building has begun with all the fixtures being removed. In 20 days, they said, most of the old building will be torn down.
The board also approved the 2016-2017 budget, showing a three percent raise and one percent bonus for staff. The general purpose fund balance is $487,562 and the general purpose beginning fiscal year balance will be $6,245,934.
Photos of board presentation for Brown and everyone at the reception for Brown after the meeting. Photos by Shannon McFarlin
Edwards also noted that in working with budgets, Brown’s No. 1 priority always was to ensure that the staff had an annual raise.
Board Member Bill Jelks said Brown was a “good friend, good educator and good person. I think it’s the measure of a good man that he not go after the limelight.”
An emotional Brown thanked everyone and said it has been an honor and privilege to serve PSSD. “I’m going to miss all the people and I look forward to the next chapter,” he said.
At the request of Jelks, the board granted Brown remain in an advisory capacity for 120 days to ease incoming Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell into her position, “especially with the Rhea construction ongoing”. Jelks noted that the compensation for Brown will come from the district’s fund balance.
Gerrell noted, “I’m so appreciative of his willingness to take on this advisory role. That will take a lot off of me and I’m appreciative of the board for its foresight on this.”
In other business, it was announced an open house and ribbon-cutting for the new Rhea School building will be held at 5 p.m. July 18. Work continues on finishing touches to the building, which has been totally revamped.
Contractor Cary Henson and Architect Ben Whitt reported things are moving ahead smoothly for the Rhea project. Paving begins Monday and floor tile in the building is 90 percent complete, so much so that five classroom floors already have been waxed and polished. Meanwhile, the tear down of the existing building has begun with all the fixtures being removed. In 20 days, they said, most of the old building will be torn down.
The board also approved the 2016-2017 budget, showing a three percent raise and one percent bonus for staff. The general purpose fund balance is $487,562 and the general purpose beginning fiscal year balance will be $6,245,934.
Photos of board presentation for Brown and everyone at the reception for Brown after the meeting. Photos by Shannon McFarlin