Watson Chapel School District Superintendent Connie Hathorn introduced himself to people Monday at a board meeting, pledging to prioritize students and hold employees accountable.
“We are dedicated to this school and believe it will prosper,” Hathorn said. “We are working hard to get ready for school. … I promise you: we will do great things.”
A native of Louisville, Mississippi, Hathorn has previously been an educator in Jefferson County. He taught for the Pine Bluff School District from 1973 to 1976, coached and taught at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 1976 to 1979 and taught in the Watson Chapel School District from 1979 to 1982.
Board member Sandra Boone told the audience: “We are very proud, totally elated. We promise you will not be disappointed by the education your children receive.”
More than 100 people came to the meeting. Watson Chapel Junior High School cheerleaders and Watson Chapel High School band students performed in conjunction with the introduction of Hathorn and a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the new Edgewood Elementary School.
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Hathorn said he found a photo of himself from his past tenure at Watson Chapel: “I had short pants and Jheri curls. That was back when I had hair.”
In other news, Facilities Director Bill Tietz submitted a request to purchase land with the intent to build a softball field for the district. Tietz said the property is 3.34 acres at 6116 Sulphur Springs Road and has utility access. The asking price is $30,000 plus closing costs.
Tietz said the district is currently renting Ryburn-Monroe Softball and spends about $20,000 annually, including upkeep and utilities. The board voted 7-0 to accept his request.
Hathorn said the district owes it to its young women and to comply with Title IX.
In financial news, Hathorn said the district received $234,810 in June and spent $598,357 in the non-activity funds, leaving an ending balance of $4,489,357. The board voted 7-0 to approve this financial statement.
The board met in executive session and then voted 7-0 to hire the following people:
*Dovie Burl as dean of students;
*Karen Fuller as a literacy coach;
*Thomas Shults as an assistant high school football coach;
*Correy Muldrew as an assistant high school football coach;
*Marchello Eans as a junior high art teacher;
*Willie Larry as a junior high social studies teacher;
*Melissa Hamel as a junior high social studies teacher;
*Joseph Owen as a junior high english teacher;
*Ellen Moore as a junior high english teacher;
*Christal Keisler as an elementary teacher;
*Sharon Nelson as an elementary teacher;
*Kasera Brown as a paraprofessional;
*Ashley Gumm as a paraprofessional.
After the meeting, people were given a meal and a tour of Edgewood Elementary.