Prec. 1 Justice of the Peace Tony Gilbreath swore in recently elected Quitman School Board members Todd Williams and Raymond Peek Monday. 

Peek and Williams replaced former members Doug Cameron and James Hicks who decided not to run for the board.

The board held an election of officers for the upcoming year. Dr. Jeremy Smith was voted to be president while Peek was named vice president and Royce Patterson was voted secretary for another term.

The board decided on committee memberships. The facilities committee will be Michael Hipp, Patterson and Peek. After some discussion, Jane Herring, Vanessa Simpkins and Williams were named to the finance committee. Simpkins will also serve on the safety committee.

There was discussion concerning the finance committee. Last year the entire board took part in preparing the budget. In the past, the finance committee has made recommendations. “I believe we need a finance committee, but I only want to do it as long as we will meet. I am much more comfortable with the budget (finance) committee getting together and doing their job,” Herring said. “This is with the understanding that the finance committee will be active.”

The teacher pay scale was approved for the 2022-23 school year. The board also approved longevity pay of $50 per year for all employees. 

Jackson Construction of Quitman was approved for the construction of an animal barn and the IT renovation project. Jackson estimated the cost at $2.1 million but could increase due to inflation. Jackson added the facility will be finished in time for next spring’s county livestock show. 

Budget amendments were approved for the Schneider Electric project and for Harris Craig Architects. 

The board approved moving next year’s meetings to the second Monday of the month due to several conflicting holidays.