Staff Writer

Jan. 15, 2001 10 PM

Members of the Pike County Board of Education were recognized for "giving their time to service to the community" during a meeting Monday night.

In observance of Alabama’s Eighth Annual School Board Member Recognition Month, which is in January, the six board members were presented certificates of appreciation from Superintendent John Key.

"They do work hard," Key said of the board members, adding it takes "dedication" to serve on a board of education.

He pointed out Linda Steed, the longest serving member, has served 16 years on the Pike County Board of Education.

In other business, the board:

· Awarded at $53,499.41 bid to Southland for a special education bus, which will include a wheelchair lift. Key said the bus will be purchased with state funds.

· Denied a request for $1,249 to purchase art appreciation textbooks for Pike County High School.

"I have mixed feelings about this," Key said about having to deny the request.

· Approved use of a bus for a Jan. 24 field trip to Montgomery for elementary school students.

· Approved for maintenance personnel to attend mandatory asbestos training. Every three years, facilities must be checked for asbestos and training is mandated by federal law.

· Granted a leave of absence to Daphne Coppage, effective Jan. 31 through the remainder of the school year, from her position as cheerleader sponsor at PCHS.

· Accepted the resignation of Elaine Sanders from her position as bookkeeper at Pike County Elementary School, effective Jan. 12.

· Approved a request from Connie Tatom for leave days for doctor visits and recovery time from any procedures performed as the result of an on-the-job injury sustained on Feb. 22, 2000. On Key’s recommendation, the board approved up to 20 days "at this time."

· Voted to expel a student for the remainder of the school year and authorized Assistant Superintendent Mark Bazzell to review the case before the beginning of next school year.

· Members were reminded of a district school board meeting on Jan. 18 in Ozark.

· Was presented copies of a proposal concerning Internet taxation that will be presented to the Alabama Legislature and Congress.

The proposal has been drafted by a state committee established to look into the matter because millions of dollars are being taken away from education because of the lack of taxes on Internet sales.

· Heard a report from Key and Steed regarding a committee on which both are serving. That committee is working to revise the Code of Alabama as it applies to education and create "a real working document," Key said, adding the current requirements are "outdated and cumbersome."