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At the regular meeting of the Municipal School Board held. Monday March 19th, a decision was reached on realignment within the school sysiam for next years school term. The transferring of the 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students now enrolled at Valena C. Jones to Bay Junior High and keeping grades 1-7 at Valena C. Jones. The board reached a decision to close grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and' 12 at Valena C. Jones on a motion by Howard Adams and seconded by Frank Wheat. Paul Henley cast the1 only vote against this motion."
Due to the ?freedom of choice? plan which the school system began during the 1966-67 school term several of the negro students chose to attend previously all white schools. This number has rapidly increased, and due to a decline of students in high school at Valena C, Jones, the school board felt that they could not justify operating the high school with only approximately 75 students enrolled. The board also felt from both the educational and financial standpoint it would be feasible to close the 8, 9,10, 11 and 12th grades.
In other action Bob Hamilton was re-nominated president of the board, making this his third 5 year term to serve ' in that capacity. Paul Henley was re-appointed as secretary, for a one year tenn.
In other action the February'' claim docket was ?approved on a motion by Howard Adams and seconded by 3112 Breland.
A discussion was brought up by Bob Hamilton as to the vital need of mora fire safety precautions being taken at Bav Junior High. According to Hamilton outside fire escapes should be placed at the ends of the upstairs hallways. The board agreed to look into the matter further and get price lists of needed equipment to do a corrective job.
Aetna Insurance Company representatives have recommended needed increases in insurance coverages on buildings and equipment within the school system. The Company?s recommendation to the ' board was to increase the present coverages ^y $550,207.00 at an. approximate increase in premium of $2,500.00, Action will be taken on this matter at a ? later date according to the' board.
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