The Rev. Christine Richardson officially became the newest member of the McComb school board after being sworn in on Tuesday.
As she placed her hand on a Bible held by her husband, Dr. Kevin Richardson, school board chairman Dr. Kent Kebert administered the oath of office for Richardson, who was elected last week to take the seat vacated by Dr. Shade Quin.
Also on Tuesday, trustees honored district parents who have gone the extra mile to help with students and staff at schools in McComb.
Lynn Gilmore was chosen the parent of the year for Denman Junior High School and was named the overall district parent of the year.
Other parents honored were Veronica Magee at Otken Elementary School, Mary Dixon at Kennedy Elementary School, Tammy Hughes at the business and technology center, Terri Baylor at Higgins Middle School and Lisa Deer at McComb High School.
In addition, the board recognized Higgins principal Kelli Little as administrator of the year — chosen by her colleagues. Superintendent Therese Palmertree noted that Higgins was the highest-performing school in the district, based on state test results.
Palmertree praised the work of all honorees, and urged parents to “step up to the plate” at a critical point for the district and others in the state and nation.
Palmertree also addressed other matters, including the decision whether or not to go to a 10-point grading system, the possibility of applying for federal School Improvement dollars, and conducting a school board “retreat” for trustees and others.
Deputy superintendent Levander German and high school principal Jonathan McClendon presented data they gathered on grading scales and made comparisons with other schools and states.
Palmertree said the district must address the grading scale in some way in an effort to put students on a more even playing field when it comes to scholarships based on grade-point averages.
As for the School Improvement funds, Palmertree said schools qualify for the money if they meet one of four criteria — removal of the principal, removal of principal and up to 50 percent of the school’s staff, the whole reform of a school or a public charter school.
McComb High School, under new principal Jonathan McClendon, and Kennedy Elementary School, which was dissolved and is an early childhood education center for preschool through kindergarten, qualify for the School Improvement Funds. Palmertree said the district can apply for up to $15 million, anywhere from $50,000 to $2 million per year for four years.
