Softball Boosters Pitch Plan To Build Concession Stand At New Field

Lane True and Chad Kimzey show diagrams of a proposed concession stand to school board members at Monday’s meeting – Photo by Jack Gurner

By Jack Gurner
Reporter

WATER VALLEY – Representatives of the softball booster club appeared before the School Board Monday night seeking permission to build a concession stand at the Lady Devil Softball Field.

Chad Kimzey and Lane True of the Fans of Fast Pitch brought drawings of the field and the new facility to reinforce their presentation. “We need your approval to put it inside the track,” True told Board members.

Kimzey pointed to the drawings of the proposed location of the concession stand as both men explained that it was their understanding that any construction had to leave room for the track.

“We’re not asking for any money, of course,” True said and emphasized that the group was trying to get an answer as soon as possible.

“We’ve got about half the money to do this thing,” he continued. “We’ve got to get some other fundraiser going. We’ve got to get some restrooms down there before next season.”

Taylor Trusty made a motion to allow Federal Programs Coordinator Trey Allman to grant approval of the project in order to save time. Trusty added that the only stipulation would be that the concession stand couldn’t interfere with the track.

The Board approved the motion unanimously.

Among other actions at the August 2 meeting, the School Board:

• Approved an intermediate resolution that allows District Business Manager Randy Goodwin to move to the next step toward approval of the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSAB) and the three-mil note.

• Approved a trip to Greenwood for the 5th and 6th grade elementary school students to attend the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation Program on Sept. 20.

The program helps children discover the joys of reading and the excitement of learning through the wonders of live horses and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books.

“It’s something that we really think will really excite our kids about reading,” said Allman.

• Disposed of surplus property from the elementary school library including an overhead projector, a CD/radio player, several computer monitors, and assorted other items.

• Heard the Superintendent’s report.

Dr. Deborah Moran told Board members that she was looking at some professional development training for staff members that would be paid for with Title 1 money.

She added that district personnel would return for duty starting Monday morning, August 9, at 8 a.m.

• Agreed to continue the policy of providing complementary passes to district sporting events for retired school district employees.

“I think it is totally appropriate,” said Casey Washington. “They have given their time and efforts here. I’m in favor of it.”

• Scheduled a special meeting of the board for Monday, August 9, at noon to prepare tax resolutions for both Yalobusha and Lafayette Counties.

The resolutions have to be in the hands of the respective Boards of Supervisors by August 15. The school district will be making a monetary request to the taxing authority and the county will determine how much in tax millage is required to produce that amount.

• Entered executive session to discuss personnel recommendations.

• Hired several substitute teachers including former softball coach Shane Brown, who is already a bus driver for the district. Brown will also continue as an assistant football coach and a baseball coach.