Weldon School Board pays tribute to staff members

WELDON — Weldon City Schools took time to celebrate their teachers and staff Thursday night during the monthly meeting of their Board of Education.

The board recognized retiring staff members Sharon Peele, a two year employee of the school system; Harvey Perry, a 14 year employee; Nancy Wilkins, a 22 year employee; Louise Williams and Shirley Gary, who put in 25 and 31 years respectively as food service workers; and Shirley Jones, who spent 31 years teaching math at Weldon High School. Each retiree was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Weldon City Schools Superintendent Elie Bracy.

The school board also recognized the Weldon City Schools teacher of the year, Weldon Middle School math teacher Myran Braden, who was joined by a vocal group of friends and family members as she accepted her award.

Following the recognition presentations the board heard the finance committee report from finance officer Matlida Campbell. Campbell informed the board the committee was not prepared to present a finalized budget for the 2009-2010 school year and recommended an interim budget, which would match last year’s budget, be approved to pay for water, lights and teacher salaries. After a brief discussion, board members unanimously approved the motion. The board also approved the continuance of the school system’s supplemental tax rate, which currently stands at 17 cents per $100.

David Jones, executive director for human resources, presented the board with a current buildings and grounds update. Jones told board members repair work was progressing on problems with water leakage at Weldon Middle School as well as a faulty air conditioner unit at Weldon Elementary School.

Addressing questions by board chairman Pattie Cotton concerning the recent theft of computers at the high school, Jones said security cameras and lights had been installed in the hall outside of the school’s computer room.

He stated that suspects in the thefts were currently being prosecuted for burglary and that two computers had been recovered.

The board was unanimous in their approval of a memorandum of agreement between Weldon City Schools and Halifax Community College addressing the newly implemented Roanoke Valley Early College program, which allows students to take and receive credit for college classes while still in high school. “We’re very proud to have this for our students,” stated Cotton.

In other business the board: Approved the Title 1 application for the 2009-2010 school year, which will provide funding to allow the school system to maintain current staff levels.

Approved funding for capital outlay expenses and the child nutrition program.

The Weldon City Board of Education will meet again July, 16 at 6:30 p.m.