Absences prompt postponement of another GISD meeting
Polk County Enterprise, March 2007

GOODRICH – Three absent trustees forced a second postponement of the February Goodrich Independent School District trustees’ meeting.
The board includes seven members, but one position has been vacant since Steve Nelson stepped down.
Board President Molly Woods said trustee Bobby Gokey is working in New Orleans. Kenneth Scott and Melvin Leggett also were unable to attend the last two meetings scheduled for Feb. 15 and 26.
The second delay in handling several district decisions – some that would classify as urgent -- is causing some concern among staff members, a district official said.
Scott and Leggett will be at the called meeting Monday, Woods said Wednesday.
Staff members are also pulling double-duty to handle day-to-day duties normally done by the elementary campus principal.
Betty Jackson’s last day as elementary principal was Feb. 23. Secondary principal Malissa Williams is handling discipline referrals and other duties while the position is vacant, a school district official said.
One of the items of pressing business facing the board is calling the May 12 election to fill three board positions, according to business manager Sherry Mitchell.
The positions up for re-election are currently held by Brenda Bennett and Melvin Leggett in addition to the vacant position, Woods said.
She added that one possible candidate has expressed an interest in the post.
Other discussion will relate to qualifications for an independent auditor for the 2006-07 school year and retaining a law firm to represent the district.
Contract extensions for the principal, athletic director and counselor are also planned.
District officials announced earlier that the regular March meeting would be rescheduled to avoid a conflict with spring break. That date will be set at Monday’s meeting.