A question about payments for interior painting throughout the South Pike School District led to an extensive laundry airing by the district transportation manager last week.
Trustee Sam Hall questioned the payment for painting work across the district, saying paying the same painter each month “just doesn’t look right.”
Transportation director Mike Scott, who handles a multitude of other jobs — including 16th Section land records and district building maintenance — answered by saying he goes by the book.
“I get quotes even when I don’t have to. All of them come to me sealed, and I open them in front of my secretary,” said Scott, who was agitated by the fact that he believes the district isn’t appreciative of all the work he does.
On average, Scott said the cost is about $575 for two coats of paint per classroom.
Scott turned the tables on the board, defending the practice because he said he doesn’t have the manpower to do the work in-house.
“I need people now,” he said. “I’m tired. I work from 6 to 6, six and seven days a week. I have to answer to five schools, the school board and the superintendent, and I have to run the transportation department.”
He said he worked seven days a week getting furniture and other items moved from the old junior high to the new building in time for school to open. If an air conditioner goes out, “There again, they call Mike Scott.
“If we’re able (to hire somebody), let’s bring them in,” he said. “We don’t even have enough manpower to clean the buildings like they should be.”
Trustees listened to Scott and told him they appreciated his work but did not move to add any manpower.
The situation concerned audience member Rufus Hilbert (brother of trustee John Hilbert), who defended Scott and asked the board to take action.
“I wouldn’t do a man like y’all are doing Mike Scott,” he said. “He said he needs help; get him some help.”
Hilbert also weighed in on the district’s decision to close early on Wednesdays for staff development. District officials made the decision this year to have half days on Wednesdays, citing the need for staff training in light of closer study of new curriculum and analyzing test scores, as well as a visit in October by the accrediting organization, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
“A lot of people are worried about their child at home every Wednesday afternoon,” Hilbert said.
Dr. Lynda Taylor, district chief academic officer, said the district’s hands were tied, with time at a premium. “We don’t have the time built in” the school year, she said.
Hilbert said many parents learned about the half-day schedule on the first day of school, which was on a Wednesday. He said parents need to make arrangements, particularly for babysitting.
“You should consider parents instead of making it convenient for y’all,” Hilbert said. “We voted for y’all to get these jobs.”
In another matter, trustees agreed to begin the bid process to replace the roof on the old junior high school, which will become a health and wellness center.
McComb architect Steve Cox got approval to seek bids for the project at the old building. Junior high students started this year in a new building adjacent to the high school and the Willie E. Jones Coliseum. The project will involve a bit more work aside from a new roof, Cox said.
“The roof overhang is in horrible condition,” Cox said, adding that some of the structure will have to be rebuilt around the edges.
Cox showed samples of the painted metal grooved material most likely to be used on the roof, saying it will be low maintenance and lightweight, with a 20-year color guarantee. The project also entails removing ballast and the original roof. Cox said bids will be received Sept. 8.
