By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education hired a new assistant principal at the elementary school during a special called meeting on Tuesday, August 30, where a budget hearing was also held.
April Justice was hired as assistant principal at Leeds Elementary School. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)
The meeting began with the budget hearing presented by Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller, in which he gave an overview of the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2023, beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30. The report features funds to be received and generated from state, federal, local, and other financial sources.
Among the projected outcomes for the fiscal year is the general fund revenue, where the fund balance would begin as $3,718,965 and end with $3,235,837. Total revenue from the state, federal, local, and other sources would be $22,314626, with other fund sources being $337,818.04.
Afterward, the regular meeting was called, and the board hired April Justice as assistant principal at Leeds Elementary School. She has been with the Leeds district for four years, where she began teaching fifth grade English Language Arts (ELA) before going on to be a PE coach and reading interventionist.
Prior to Justice, Rachel Haley was recently hired as principal of the elementary school.
“I’m hoping to be able to do what Ms. Haley does in establishing those healthy relationships,” Justice said. “Just to be able to empower everyone around us. We’re all working for the same thing in making kids successful.”
The board then voted to approve a public works project for a sign board at the Leeds High School softball field for an estimated cost not to exceed $50,000. The board would include LED panels, a new seven-inning scoreboard, mountain pole, and truss and art. The overall estimated cost is $45,000.
The project is projected to begin in the fall season. Board member Scott Sisk said they are looking at fundraising to help pay for costs.
Shortly before the meeting was adjourned, Superintendent John Moore mentioned that the district is looking into another source to buy milk as the current vendor, Borden, closed its plants in Mississippi and Alabama, prompting a search for a new distributor.
In other business, the board:
- Approved its contracts with Impact Family Counseling, Elizabeth Johnson Myers Interpreting, and Crescent Counseling.
A second budget hearing and the regular meeting will be held on September 13. In addition, meetings are regularly held at the Leeds Board of Education building at 6 p.m. on 1517 Hurst Avenue.
Nathan Prewett can be contacted at Nthomasp6@gmail.com.
