November 14, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The commencement for the Class of 2025 at DeKalb County High School will be Friday night, May 16.
The Board of Education officially set the date for the graduation during Thursday night’s monthly school board meeting. While the board does not set the time and location for the graduation it is typically at 7 p.m. on the high school football field.
Although the school district is actually the recipient of sales tax revenue the board signaled its support of a move by the cities and county to extend their sales tax agreements through the year 2055 in order for the county to have the resources to build a new elementary school using only sales tax proceeds. Parties to the agreement include the cities of Smithville, Liberty, Dowelltown, and Alexandria, DeKalb County, and the DeKalb County Board of Education. Under state law half of the cities’ local option sales tax collections go to the county but by agreement, the cities actually turn over two thirds to the county to help fund school operation and school debt. Smithville and Liberty have already approved the extension along with the county. Smithville added a condition that the county must issue bonds for construction of a new school within 12 months. The parties have until January 1 to act on extending their agreements.
“It’s local sales tax collections by these municipalities. Its nothing that we are giving. Its just saying that we are in agreement with the proposal that has been made,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.
All board members present voted in favor including Alan Hayes, Megan Moore, Jim Beshearse, Jason Miller, Eric Ervin, and Chairman Shaun Tubbs. Board member Danny Parkerson was absent
In other business, Director Cripps gave his monthly report on personnel.
Those employed since last month are Shay Ashford, Educational Assistant at Northside Elementary School and Rebekah Brock, teacher at Northside Elementary School.
Rosemarie Lotspeich, has transferred from a substitute position to Educational Assistant at DeKalb Middle School.
Taylor Spare has resigned as teacher at Northside Elementary School.
Director Cripps, on behalf of Anita Puckett, Principal at Smithville Elementary School thanked Wilson Bank & Trust and Lucas Phillips of LP Creative for the new digital sign at SES.
Cripps also paid tribute to Veterans on this week of Veterans Day.
“On behalf of the school board and myself, we want to say thank you for your service. We are able to live in a great country because of your sacrifice and your families’ sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done for our country,” said Director Cripps.