Board hears concerns about trustee’s social media use…
The JISD School Board accepted a donation in the amount of $35,978 from Riverside Bank President Lee Haggard for use in the replacement of the scoreboard and time clocks at the football field. The bank will receive exclusive sponsorship and advertising on the board for the donation for a period of at least eight years.
During the 2020 Football season problems were discovered with the on field time clocks and general operation of the scoreboard, thus prompting the district to seek a replacement system. Superintendent Rob Barnwell contacted Spectrum Scoreboards back in October for options. Proposals ranged from $25,000 to over $180,000. In November, the Board voted to approve purchasing a system in the $40,000 range.
It’s always a pleasure and an honor to be able to help out our school and the students here,” said Haggard. “The scoreboard is an easy thing for the bank to help with and provide years of support for the district. Jefferson is my hometown and, I’m a Jefferson Bulldog at heart, and for me, putting up a scoreboard is a way to give back. We want to support the community and this is a great way to start.”
Public comment on Board Member Kevin Godfrey’s December share of a meme on Facebook opened Tuesday night’s regular school board meeting.
“When applying for my current position, I went through a very extensive process of interviews, plus reviewing of my application from others higher in command within our administration,” said Shyger Williams. “With that being said, I would believe that the same criteria would be applied to any held position in district for the success of our schools. Though you would think that you’re allowed to use your social platform as you want, one must come to realization that you cannot and your life is now under a microscope EVERYDAY.”
“… You are a school board member you need to be mindful of the things you post on social media,” said April Taylor Johnson. “You are in a position to affect the kids in this Community. If you want the freedom to say what you want, you need to give up your seat on this school board, you took an oath to have their best interest at heart.”
Both Johnson and Williams’ full comments can be read on Opinion Page of the Jimplecute.
During a public meeting, individual board members are not allowed to respond to public comments during the meeting unless the item in question is on the agenda, per the agenda Boardbook “Specific factual information or recitation of existing policy may be
furnished in response to inquiries, but the Board may not deliberate, discuss, or make any decision on any subject not on the agenda.”
The Jimplecute reached out to Godfrey on Wednesday to provide him with an opportunity to respond to the comments.
“I don’t think the jimplicute [sic] should be used as a tool to drive a wedge between the people of Marion County,” wrote Godfrey in an emailed statement. “I previously reached out to this group to discuss the matter, they never agreed to a meeting and the offer still stands. “
In other business, during the Campus administrative reports, the board heard a report from a meeting with the campus administrators for an app which would allow for substitutes and campus administrators to better communicate and improve access and accept substitute positions. The Board will be considering options at a future meeting.
Jay Patrick provided an update to the technology updates his department have accomplished during 2020 including firewalls, server equipment room improvements, and the status of chromebooks picked up by students still working from home.
Additional paid leave was approved for JISD employees who are instructed not to report to work due to COVID-related absences. This was a recommendation from TEA.
A review of the district’s most recent audit was scheduled for discussion, but according to Barnwell, the audit report was not ready by the meeting. The District and the auditor will meet at a future date.
Lastly, the Board approved a contract extension for Barnwell of an additional year. He currently is on a 3-year contract which was extended by one year.