At the regular meeting of the Milan School Board, Monday, November 20, Superintendent Andrew Jackson shared MHS principal Michael Parks’ letter of resignation. In it, Parks announced that he would resign at the end of the 2007 school year. He wrote, “I hope my 35 years in education have made a difference, but only time will tell. The challenges in the future for Milan High School are great. I wish all the students, staff and administration the very best in the years ahead.” Randy Kirk made the motion to accept Parks’ resignation, seconded by Gregory Lewis. Motion carried 4-0, with Randy Kirk abstaining. Board president, David Voss, said that Mr. Parks had made a difference in many people’s lives and deserved to retire.

In other retirement news, MMS social studies teacher, Leslie Simonton, announced that he would retire effective at the end of the first semester of this school year. Board member, Gregory Lewis motioned to approve the request, seconded by Edward Amberger. The motion carried 5-0. Amberger congratulated Simonton on his retirement and noted that anyone who had worked in the teaching field for 41 years deserves to retire.

Superintendent Jackson noted that the position being vacated by Simonton would be posted only for the second semester. He said that this and other jobs at the middle school would be evaluated during the summer of 2007.

Jackson informed the board that the timeline for the position of high school principal will be as follows:
a) Applications accepted until December 31, 2006;
b) Superintendent to screen applicants until mid-January, 2007;
c) Committee of high school teachers and parents to interview screened applicants until mid-February;
d) Board will interview final two or three candidates in late February-early March;
e) Selected candidate will be approved at the March, 2007 board meeting.
Athletic director, Marty Layden, presented plaques to student athletes who had maintained a 4.0 GPA for the first grading period:
* Kendra Walker - cheerleading;
* Deborah Fryer - cheerleading/cross-country;
* Amanda Walter - golf;
* Zach Holland - soccer;
* Zach Baker - football;
* Montana Winters - cheerleading;
* Tyler Mills - soccer;
* Carissa Mulroy - golf;
* Darcy Robinson - volleyball;
* Alex Walter - soccer/football;
* Emily Jones - golf;
* Andrew Dixon - cross-country.

Layden congratulated these students for achieving excellence in the classroom and in their sports.
There was some controversy over the sale of candy as fundraisers. After a request made by Stefani Bedel to sell Hershey Candy Bars to benefit the middle school band, board member Randy Kirk questioned why an earlier candy fundraiser requested by Mrs. Stutler at the high school had been rejected by Superintendent Jackson, but this one was approved. Jackson explained that he had met with the school principals to discuss enforcement of the wellness policy which does not permit selling candy at school. He went on to say that if a candy fundraiser is allowed to benefit the school, it is up to the principal to ensure that the candy is not sold at the school. High school principal, Michael Parks, stated it would be too difficult to monitor sales at the high school, leading to his decision to not allow the candy fundraiser.

Board president, David Voss, supported Parks’ decision, stating that some items should be left to the principal’s discretion. Kirk asked if the new motion to approve the middle school fundraiser could be undone. Corporation Attorney, Larry Eaton, advised that the motion should stand. The motion carried 4-1, with Kirk opposed.

In the superintendent’s report, Superintendent Jackson reported that the smoking policy committee would meet on November 28. Committee members include Marty Layden, John Jackson, Mary Sue Koch, two students and Superintendent Jackson. He also noted that Cathy May, Ripley County Tobacco Prevention Cessation Coordinator, would attend the meeting. Jackson pointed out that since the last meeting, he had received three patron comments, all supporting a smoke-free campus.
Before adjourning, board member Edward Amberger noted that retirees, Michael Parks and Leslie Simonton, represent 76 years in education experience that would be leaving the Milan school system. Member, Timothy Tuttle, also offered his best wishes to the two retirees. Board president, David Voss, added his thanks to the retirees.

Voss also congratulated the honored student athletes and praised them for being outstanding individuals who devote a great deal of time to their studies in order to maintain a 4.0 GPA.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m..

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