South Pike County School Board votes to hire a new Agricultural teacher

Thursday during the South Pike County School District’s regular monthly meeting, the board approved a motion to hire these employees for the 2024-2025 school year; Carmen Lingo as elementary teacher, Kayla White as an elementary teacher, Blake Simmons as the Agricultural teacher, Buddy Ray as a certified retired coach up to 90 days to help with their football program, and Van Edwards as a bus driver. 

The board also accepted the retirement letter of Reggie Lamb as an Agri teacher and bus driver. 

Jason Holsclaw with Stephens Inc presented the resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of bonds. Before his presentation he informed the board that the district’s preliminary assessment value for 2023 has gone up.

Holsclaw also explained to the board how great of an interest rate the district will have and how much money they will receive on closing day which will be April 30th.

After further discussion, there was a motion made by board members Matt Henderson and seconded by Robert Silva to accept the resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of bonds. All were in favor of the motion.

Afterwards, Superintendent Tanya Wilcher presented three bids. Diamond Bank had a bid that came with an interest rate of 5.10 percent but can change and fluctuate with the market. First State Bank bid came with a 24 month guarantee 5.05 interest rate, and Bank of Delight bid came with an 18-month 4.55 percent interest rate. The board was in favor of the bid from First State Bank and approved a motion to accept the bid from First State to put the construction funds into an account at a fixed rate of 5.05% for 24 months.