Administrative changes made at schools

School board members met for a special called meeting Wednesday, Jan. 2, to make administrative changes involving the school nutritionist, elementary school principal and director of teaching and learning. A faculty meeting was held later Wednesday afternoon to inform elementary school faculty and staff of the change. ’There will be a slow transition over the next two weeks as they continue some of their current duties,’ said superintendent Dr. Michael Duncan. Since former director of school nutrition Sharon Manley resigned recently to work for Lamar County schools, Pike County board members were required to find a replacement who met the position’s qualifications.’We’re a base-sized school system which means we have 3,300 students or better, state requirements are that we have a certified school nutritionist who has a master’s degree,’ said Dr. Duncan. Board members unanimously voted to make elementary school principal Tammy Bell the school nutritionist and director of school safety and discipline. Current director of teaching and learning Kevin Huffstetler will be the new principal of the elementary school. ’There’s no doubt this is going to be a challenge but I feel like I’m up to it and I’m ready to use my expertise in any way possible to help this school system,’ said Bell. Dr. Duncan said there are no plans to rehire immediately for Huffstetler’s former position as director of teaching and learning since some of the school’s compliance requirements have already been completed for the year. ’I’m excited about this change and hopefully I’ll make a great impact at the elementary school,’ Huffstetler said. ‘Hopefully I’ll continue the progress Tammy has started at the school and keep the ball rolling.’ Board member Ryan Edge asked about the incorporation of the director of school safety and discipline with the school nutritionist duties. Dr. Duncan said since pupil services director Gregory Green has many duties, including overseeing counseling, school nurses, attendance, social work and safety and discipline, it would be better to reassign those duties.’Tammy Bell sees safety and discipline issues through the eyes of a principal, which I believe is very important,’ said Dr. Duncan. ‘Safety is a very important issue and you’ll be presented with building plans and schematics that outline proposed access control points. We’ll also meet with a private security firm that can give us ideas and suggestions on how to increase security at the schools. We’ll propose increasing the number of school resource officers and the possibility of adding outside security officers. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be talking a lot about security.’The decision to shift administrators will not result in any budgetary changes for the school system.