GHS principal takes new post

School board to consider transfer request and basketball coach position

— School board members approved a list of personnel changes at their May 17 meeting, including the transfer of high school principal Judy Winslett to the position of federal curriculum coordinator. Another board meeting is tentatively set for 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss the hiring of a new high school boys’ basketball coach and a transfer request from assistant high schoolprincipal Brae Harper to fill the principal’s position at the high school.

Harper was the only current staff member to request a transfer to the principal’s position. The school board could simply approve the transfer or it could decide to take applications and set up a screening committee to interview and consider all applicants.

In addition to accepting Winslett’s transfer to the newly recreated federal curriculum coordinator position in thedistrict, the board accepted the resignations of Chuck Jones, teacher and coach; Andrea Yates, speech-language pathologist; Courtney Powell, speech-language pathologist; Sherry McMillen, yearbook sponsor position only; Kay Cripps, middle school parentinvolvement coordinator position only; Chuck Jones, seventh grade girls’ basketball coach; Nick Bartmier, seventh grade boys’ basketball coach only.

The two speech-language pathologists were a part of the consortium between Decatur, Gentry, Gravette and Pea Ridge schools.Yates was assigned to Decatur and Powell to Pea Ridge.

Daren Ward was hired (as an extra-duty position) to coach the two seventh grade basketball teams. Tim Rippy will coach boys’ and girls’ golf this summer and fall.

Coach Brian Little will assume, for one year, coaching duties for all the girls’ track teams.

Rachael Thrailkill was granted a semester leave of absence from her teaching duties at the intermediate school.

Tammy Smith resigned ascafeteria cook at the middle and high school campus.

Extra days were added to contracts for Kathy Pipkin - 33 days; Trella Yates - eight days; Daniel Ramsey - 50 days; and Tim Rippy - 50 days. The extra days will be paid because of the additional duties assigned.

News, Pages 1 on 05/26/2010