Melodie Phelps, News Editor
CNHI
5-25-10 — Monticello School will be divided into two schools next year, with two
principals providing leadership. The measure was approved by the Monticello
Board of Education during a meeting held Monday night.
The board acted on the recommendation of Superintendent Donnie Robison,
who explained that the division will be made between elementary grades‹which
include preschool through fifth grade‹and the middle and high school
grades‹which include sixth through twelfth grades. Robison said that the
process of creating two school councils is underway. Teachers have already
been elected for the councils and parent members will be elected soon.
"This is an obvious step for us," said Robison, as he talked about the
change.
Monticello previously was organized in this same manner with two
principals, but then merged into one school several years ago. Since then
Johnny Chaplin has served as the only principal at the school.
Robison explained that an effort had been made to find a part-time
assistant principal, who could also serve as a part-time math teacher, to
help fit the needs of the school, but there were no viable applications for
that position.
In other action during the meeting, the board agreed to purchase new
uniforms for the cheerleaders. The uniforms will cost $5,554.50 and the
board will pay for everything with the exception of the shoes.
The board agreed to name the gym the Joe Harper Gymnasium, in honor of
the late coach. Board chairman Paul Jones made the motion noting that this
year marks the 50th anniversary of the Trojans' state tournament runner-up
finish.
In other action, the board:
€ Approved the tentative allocations for the school council at the same
level as last year.
€ Approved a recommended bid for the purchase of cameras for school
buses at a cost of $24,780.
€ Set salaries for the 2010-11 school year at the same rate as the
current school year.
€ Approved an out-of-state trip for the Lady Trojans December 15-19,
when they will travel to Orlando, Fla. for a holiday tournament.
€ Approved the contract with Adanta for the 2010-11 school year.
€ Set instructional time for the 2010-11 school year for the same as the
current school year. The day will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.
€ Set a special meeting for May 27 at 5 p.m. to discuss and approve the
tentative budget for the 2010-11 school year.