Gulf Coast School Boards Association

Picayune School District

Minutes

October 21, 2010

Picayune School District hosted a meeting of the Gulf Coast School Boards Association on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Picayune Junior High School Cafeteria located at 700 Goodyear Boulevard, Picayune, Mississippi.

The meeting was called to order by Gulf Coast School Boards Association President James Stubbs.  The invocation and welcome were provided by Mr. Edward Stubbs, President of the Picayune School Board.  As members dined on a tasty meal prepared and served by the Picayune Food Service Department, they were entertained by the PMHS Jazz Band and Show Choir.

Picayune Superintendent Dean Shaw introduced guest speaker Senator Ezell Lee, District 47.

Senator Lee is also a retired educator of 18 years.  Senator Lee thanked those in attendance for giving their time to serve their communities and said he was proud of the efforts put forth by school board members, teachers, superintendents and educators.  He spoke about the high cost of drop outs and how they are costly for health care.              He told the group to use their influence and keep up with how legislators vote so you know if you want to return them to office.   He reminded GCSBA members to send people to the legislature that will represent the children of this state.

Dr. Sherry Ponder, Board Chairman of Bay St. Louis Waveland -School District, introduced Mr. Jimmie Ladner Tax Assessor/Collector for Hancock County who spoke about section 42 developments assessment.  He explained how these type developments cause homeowners to carry a larger tax burden.  He asked for help to get legislation passed that will make these property owners pay equitable tax with others in the community.  He and others tried to introduce a bill to correct this but the lieutenant governor won't allow it to come up.  He asked for support to put pressure on the lieutenant governor to bring it out of committee.  He explained that this is not just happening on the coast but is a statewide issue.  Mr. Ladner entertained questions from the audience.  It was suggested that a resolution and letter be drafted (with correct wording) to be sent to legislators, the governor and the lieutenant governor.  Once the letter and/or resolution is received by President James Stubbs, he would in turn e-mail it to Coast School Boards Association members.  President Stubbs said we need to continue to share this kind of information.

President Stubbs then said if there are no changes or corrections to the minutes, a motion is needed for adoption.  Motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adopt the minutes of April 15, 2010, as presented.    He then called for a motion to adopt the financial report.  Motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adopt the financial report as presented. 

President Stubbs asked Gulf Coast School Boards Association members how they wanted to utilize the money in the Gulf Coast School Boards Association account.  He asked if they would like to suspend collecting dues until some of the present budget is spent.  He suggested members e-mail him with some suggestions. The budget will be an agenda item at the next meeting (January 2011).

Door prizes were then awarded by Picayune School District.

Hancock County won the door prize for having the most people in attendance.  The next meeting will be hosted by Poplarville School District in January 2011.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

______________________________                        _____________________________

Teddy Harder                                                              James Stubbs

Secretary                                                                     President