Marion County School Board presents millage levies

Marion County Board of Education Consultant Frank Hart presented proposed millage levies for Marion County School Districts at this past week’s monthly meeting. There is a need to be conservative for the upcoming year, he told board members, saying, “We do have to maintain what our local support was for this year.”

According to the proposal handed out, school operations mils countywide for all schools are estimated at 141 mils, 17 mils by the County Board of Education and 16 mils for the Marion County Technical Education Center. Board members approved the proposal, but included in the motion, “with the understanding that if mils could be reduced it will.”

The board also approved second reading of the County Board of Education’s proposed $712,055.00 budget.

In other business, board members approved a request to enter into a contract agreement with Palmetto Paving Corporation of Conway. Approving the recommendation of Marion County Technical Education Director Paul Crandall, the cost for the project will not exceed $365,379, he said.

The project will create 40 additional parking spaces on the MCTEC campus. During a meeting in March, board members granted approval for bids to be open for the project, including a proposal regarding plans for resurfacing asphalt and possibly putting in a new parking lot section at the MCTEC campus.

Board members also approved a $9,107 bid from Core Construction regarding soffit repairs at the school.

After a program update from Crandall, board members approved second reading of the proposed second reading of 2009-2010 budget totaling $1,840,562.66. The summer schedule for the school will also be modified to 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday, beginning June 1 until Aug 6, he informed before being granted approval from the board.

Marion County Adult Education School coordinator Candyce Brooks reported that 403 students have enrolled at the school. Brooks added that 31 students are participating in the eleventh session of the Rewards program offered. A 12th session will be up and running on July 13, she said. A partnership with a Marion County summer work program serving the 17 to 24 year old population will help provide instruction to students in May, she said, and another program will be organized to start in June.

“We’re doing well with our partnerships,” Brooks said.

Board members approved second reading of the school’s proposed budget totaling $174,744.

Principal Ora Hughes reported 150 students are attending the Marion County Alternative School and 190 students have been referred during the course of the school. The school will hold a graduation ceremony for one senior on May 28 at 1 p.m.

The school’s $801,891.00 proposed budget was granted second reading approval by the board.

Board members approved second reading regarding the taping of all school board meetings and a policy to regarding emergency vehicle repairs and equipment purchases.

Board members also approved a motion to hold countywide school opening ceremonies. The annual meetings will rotate among the three school districts.

Board members announced their choice for a Marion County Board of Education consultant, hiring longtime educator and former Florence County School District 2 Superintendent Steven Quick.
Board Chairman Donnie Hill welcomed Quick, in the audience, adding that Hart has a great deal of knowledge. “We’re losing a longtime guru of education in Marion County ... We look forward to working with him,” Hill said of the new consultant.

According to the County Board office, Hart has officially announced in a letter that his tenure will end May 31. Quick will take over the part-time position June 1, Hill said.