The appointment of Head Football Coach Doug Quinn to full-time athletic director was unanimously approved Monday night by the Blytheville School Board.
The district is now in the process of accepting applications for a new head football coach.
Other appointments were approved, after an executive session by the board. They were: Jean Cole, director of Special Education; Letroy Gathen, executive director of support services; Diane Hay, G/T program administrator and teacher; Sandy Hughey, assistant superintendent; Suzanne Kenner, curriculum coordinator; Charles Van Pelt, executive director of operations; and Kris Williams, director of technology.
The board also approved the appointment of Jennifer Hopper as the district's Director of Finance for the 2010-2011 school year, as well as the appointment of Mitchell Fryer as a paraprofessional at Blytheville Middle School.
The retirement of several employees was approved by the board as well. Those retiring are: Phyllis Bloodworth, Sharon Darby, Sandra King, Vera Lucas, Louise Pugh and Patricia Rochier, all from Blytheville Primary School and Gary Conley of Blytheville High School.
The resignations of Ella Redditt and Lee Ann Woodard were also approved by the board.
In his superintendent's report, Supt. Richard Atwill spoke to the resignations of teachers at the primary school, saying the three African-American teachers retiring are the only African-American teachers at that school.
"I'm going to be working with Tony Hollis, (president of the local chapter of NAACP) to help recruit more qualified teachers of all races and colors," Atwill said.
"I want people to know that it's not separate efforts (to recruit) anymore. It's a unified effort."
Atwill said that it is difficult to hire qualified teachers because the district does not receive enough applications. School personnel will be sent to job and career fairs in an effort to bring more applicants to the district, Atwill said.
In other business, the board heard the report of the audit of the 2008-2009 school year. Auditor Charlotte Razer said her firm found no major problems or issues with the district's financial records and procedures.
The audit and the accompanying data will be posted on the school's Web site for viewing by the public, she said.
Work should begin on canopies at Blytheville Primary School during spring break, Van Pelt told the board. Additional concrete work at Central Elementary will begin as soon as classes are dismissed in June.
Work on the roof of the alternative school is progressing nicely, Van Pelt said. Once that project is near completion, work will resume on the window and air conditioner projects at Blytheville Intermediate School.
The board also approved the revised school calendar, which will allow the district to make up days missed for snow. Students will attend classes on March 19, April 2, May 28, and June 1-3. Teachers will attend for professional development on June 4.
The board was also treated to a preview of the Black History program from students at BIS.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com