By Myra Bean

North Panola School Board of Trustees had its first meeting of the new year Thursday night.

Trosiki Pettis was recognized for being sworn in after winning the election for his seat last November. The whole school board was recognized with certificates of appreciation for Board Recognition week.

The board conducted officer elections. Pat Lamar was voted president. Vice President is Verna Hunter and Deborah Armstrong is secretary. During the superintendent’s report, head football coach Carl Diffee laid out his Brick-by-Brick Campaign explained in a separate article.

The technology department leader, gave a two-year snapshot of the department. She said the CTE building is the only one not professionally wired and will cost $20,000 to $30,000 to get wired. They are working to get each student a Chromebook.

Crenshaw has a new computer lab. Como has a computer lab and another one on the way.

Additional cameras are needed for security inside and out at different campuses. Mike Dorr updated the board on maintenance projects. The gym is being used but one of the locker rooms has problem with the epoxy drying.

The security corridors had to be re-quoted because the quotes expired when Dorr went to the hospital. He hopes to have all the corridors up over spring break.

Vonketrick Reed in maintenance reported the model classroom should be complete by the end of this week at Como. Another classroom is in the process of being renovated. He just attended a session to be an Asbestos Abatement Contractor Supervisor.

Mike Britt reported the transportation department is ready to auction old buses.

Superintendent Cedric Richardson said the district needs assessment and wants the Bailey Group to present what the district needs at an upcoming board meeting.

New president Lamar asked that any person who has concerns during public comments to write concerns down and give them to Narita Edwards after the meeting.