Sports Editor

The Troy City Board of Education welcomed a new face on Monday night, while saying goodbye to an old friend.

Roxie Kitchens attended her first meeting with the board.

"I’m excited to be here," Kitchens said. "I have a daughter in the fourth grade and have enjoyed watching her in this education system so far. I know I’m working with a good group."

Her fellow board members, along with Troy City Schools Superintendent Hank Jones, extended their welcome to Kitchens.

"We’re looking forward to working with you for the next five years," said Ron Pierce.

The board also approved the resignation of assistant superintendent Willie Thomas, who will become the superintendent of the Macon County school system on July 1. Thomas accepted the the job in late May, but will continue to serve as Pike County Commissioner for District 1 and remain in Troy.

"We certainly wish him well in Macon County," said Jones.

Jones reported that in May, Troy City Schools had collected $192,972 of additional revenue from the sales tax increase voted on in October. He also said that the tax would be up for renewal in November and the money is used to compensate for budget cuts regulated by the state two year’s ago.

"As far as the sales tax goes, we’re looking good," he said. "The money is used for salaries, primarily, but also for utilities."

The city schools saw a 4 percent increase in the cost of utilities, but Jones noted that the period between April 10 and May 10 was a "pretty hot time frame."

The board approved the salary schedule for 2002-03, which includes all classroom teachers and support personnel. The state legislature recently approved a pay raise for teachers and Jones said the numbers coincide with the increase.

Also on the agenda:

· Hired new teachers for CHHS, CHMS and Troy Elementary. Brian Jones was hired as a math/assistant coach at Charles Henderson and Travis Sheppard was hired as a social studies teacher for the middle school. Tara Davenport and Antwana Elder were hired at Troy Elementary.

· A bid was awarded to Images Carpet Care in the amount of $5,860.99 for the cleaning of carpet in all the city schools. Images submitted the lone bid.

· The board voted to sell off surplus property to include a 1989 Chevrolet van, which Jones said has "multiple mechanical problems."

· Board Chairman Dr. Doug Patterson congratulated Dr. Linda Felton, principal of Charles Henderson, on an "excellent graduation ceremony" to close out the school year.

"Hopefully, we can continue to have these kinds of graduation exercises, where the decorum is good and one or two people do not ruin it for everyone else," said Felton.