Cooper, Self to retire from Piggott district

The Piggott School board voted Thursday, March 12, to renew the contracts of certified personnel at both campuses with the exception of two longtime educators who have chosen to retire. The board also purchased a new server for the district's computer system, reviewed the issue of purchasing a bus and handled the usual business matters.

Late in the meeting, following a 45-minute executive session, the board voted to renew the contracts of all certified personnel at both the high school and elementary campus. The only exception was one position at PES, which is subject to federal funding. The board then voted to accept the resignations of longtime educators V'Ora Cooper and Danny Self. Cooper is a kindergarten teacher and Self teaches algebra, calculus and trigonometry at PHS. Both have been with the district for many years and take with them a vast amount of experience.

The board also discussed with transportation supervisor Fred Hicks the ongoing issue of keeping the district's bus fleet up-to-date. He noted the handicapped bus is in need of replacement and asked the board to consider purchase of a new vehicle.

Keeping with a recent trend, the board instructed superintendent Ed Winberry to look into the pricing of a late-model used bus with wheelchair lift. "We're just trying to save the district some money," board president Robert Jackson explained. Hicks also told the board that new EPA regulations on the 2010 models will cause another price spike, adding thousands of dollars to the purchase price of a new bus.

Board members also voted to accept the bid of Isco, Inc., of Batesville on the purchase of a new computer server for the district. The total cost of the purchase is $4,471, as board members voted to accept the lowest of the three bids received.

In other action the board:

* Was told that no bids had been received on the paving projects at both campuses and that Winberry will continue to pursue the matter in the coming weeks.

* Approved the expenditures and financial report for February.

* Adopted a resolution on the district's tax-exempt obligations to avoid possible problems during future audits.