| Barber will still serve W.C. schools | By: Sara Reid, Special to The Press
| Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009 11:46 am
| 
W.C. Director of Schools Richard Barber and Weakley County School Board Chairman Gordon Morris | | | Richard Barber may have retired as director of schools, but he is not leaving the building quite yet.
In a meeting of the Weakley County School Board this past Monday night, before honoring Barber with a retirement reception, the board voted to hire him as a part-time employee for the 2009-2010 school year.
“We’re very fortunate to have someone who knows so much about school system laws and the budget and we’re very glad he’s decided to designate some time to help with the process,” Chairman Gordon Morris noted.
In other business, the board approved one budget transfer and two resolutions. Transfer 32 relates to federal funds and entails the transfer of money to supplies and instructional equipment. Resolution 45 involves putting money in line items that need it. Work on school buildings including Westview and painting in other schools will be rebid. Resolution 46 involves food service and the budget received $16,000 savings in expenditures.
Upon the discussion of the 2009-2010 budget, Barber reported that while most work had been finished, an additional meeting needed to be scheduled in order to get the budget ready for its presentation before the county commission on July 6.
“Nothing has changed in the hard copy. The BEP is exact. The extended contract for the career is 60 percent of last year. Coordinated school health is pretty much funded,” Barber explained. Referring to the budget as “decent,” Barber emphasized advances and increases in the Title and Special Education department.
“As far as the old budget, we ordered $90,000 in technology equipment to help in next year’s budget. Early in the year, we prepared cuts of $250,000 to $500,000, but hopefully that day is not here. The federal special education money will help see us forward through the year. It will be a hedge for next year,” he reported.
The board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 for a regular meeting and a budget meeting.
After business concluded, the board recognized Barber for his 40 years of service to the Weakley County school system.
“Richard is a product of Weakley County schools and he is an excellent product,” Morris related. “He started teaching at Dresden High School in 1969. In 1984, he became principal of Dresden Middle School and in 1990 he was elected as superintendent. The law changed in ‘92 and he was appointed in ‘94. He is a person who’s served with distinction. He’s not demanding. He’s quietly done his job and most importantly, he’s done what’s best for the children of Weakley County.”
“It takes a mighty big man to endure this. You are an unusual public servant,” County Mayor Houston Patrick commented.
Barber answered by thanking everyone who’d had a part in his career.
“Thanks for putting up with me,” he said. “Weakley County is lucky to have school board members of your quality. This board is dedicated to doing what’s best for the students.”
WCP 6.25.09 | | | | |
