Pearl River Central School District to hire maintenance staff

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, April 5, 2017

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Pearl River County School Board discussed a change in maintenance and custodial services and accepted a grant to the upper elementary.
Currently, J.I. Luke Enterprises Inc. provide custodial and maintenance services to the District, including contractors, electricians and other maintenance and custodial services. However, Jim Luke, owner of J.I. Luke Enterprises Inc., said he is retiring the business.
“Instead of outsourcing for our maintenance and custodial needs, we are going to insource these jobs,” Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said. He said the budget will not fluctuate due to the addition of new positions.
The new positions include a maintenance director, three maintenance specialists, including a contractor and electrician, and two maintenance assistants. Also, a maintenance and custodial specialist position will be created at the Endeavor School, Lumpkin said.
The District’s contract with J.I. Luke Enterprises Inc. will expire June 30, 2017.
“We will begin the process of filling these positions very soon and be ready to go on July 1,” Lumpkin said.
In other news, the Project Fit America grant was awarded to Karen Farley at PRC Upper Elementary in the amount of $28,969 to finance the installation of fitness equipment and a walking trail on the campus.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for the physical education program at the Upper Elementary,” Lumpkin said.
Last year, Lumpkin said PRCUE received a grant to enhance the school’s playground, but it was not enough equipment for the amount of students at the school. The Project Fit America grant is said to be an addition to last year’s to provide a greater physical fitness program and encourage students to be active.
Lumpkin said the grant will be used to construct a walking track on the PRCUE campus. Around the walking track will be different fitness stations, like a pull up bar, where students can learn how to properly use the equipment.
“I can’t thank Karen enough for all that she has done with the Upper Elementary,” Lumpkin said.
During Monday’s meeting, the Board also approved:
Accepting a $1,850 donation from the Kiwanis Club to the special education department.
The following administrators/directors for the 2017-18 school year:
Shari Franklin—PRCLE assistant principal.
Jennifer Teal—PRCLE assistant principal.
Vol White—PRCUE assistant principal.
Sherra Allen—PRCMS assistant principal.
Chris Teal—PRCMS assistant principal.
Tara White—PRCHS assistant principal and activities director.
Andrew Kivlan—PRCHS assistant principal.
Larry Dolan—athletic director and head football coach.
Kimberly Alford—curriculum and professional development director.
Mike Posey—student services director.
Lisa Beech—transportation director.
Shelia Amacker—food service director.
Thomas Burleson—business/operations manager.
Melissa Holston—assistant superintendent/federal programs director.
Brandon Herrin—campus police chief
The next Board meeting will be held on May 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the District office.

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