Outgoing Board of Education members Mike Marshall and Diana Carter were honored at the close of the meeting on Thursday August 14. The two were highly complimented on the jobs they have done and were awarded service plaques for their 8 year two terms and 4 year one term respectively.

Marshall and Carter will turn over their seats in September to newly elected board members Ronald Birdwell and John Wheeley.

Fairlane Elementary is one step closer to a new roof after last Thursday night's meeting where a bid from A-lert Roofing for $513,990 was accepted. The board discussed the cost and the fact that the company had already proven their record here on previous roofing projects.

“We would be foolish to not put on a metal roof at this price,” said board member Steve Walton. A motion was made to accept the bid contingent on funding to be discussed with county commissioners.

J.R. Gaw Produce, Cookeville, was selected for the low bid on produce items for 2008-2009 school year.

Macon County Junior High will be upgrading their security system providing greater coverage after a recommendation was presented by Principal Bransford of MCJH. A lightening storm damaged some equipment and the insurance company has assisted with the replacement equipment.

A motion was passed to advertise for bids on two 1,000 gallon propane tanks, a boiler set conversion and a one year supply of propane gas for Westside School.

School trips were approved for Mr. Gattis to take the Cross Country team students to the Great American Cross Country Festival in Alabama on October 10 through October 11 and also to Chickasaw trails on September 5 to Huntsville, Alabama.

The school budget was approved for the new year but not before Board Member Jimmy Cook spoke to the group about the lack of art and music in the school system. “We don't bat an eye when it comes to giving money to sports,” he said adding, “we need more money for music and art.”

During a discussion regarding whether a parking fee should be in place for students electing to drive to school the marked differences in the quality of the parking areas between Red Boiling Springs and Macon County High School were brought up.

Bill Wilmore was appointed Interim Board Chairman from September 1 until the September 11 board meeting.

A motion was approved to advertise for bids for the purchase of a 4 -wheel drive 35-40 horsepower tractor with accessories needed for school maintenance. A detachable back hoe is needed for trenching along with a front-end loader. The tractor would also be used to gravel and grade, and also as a bush hog in areas too rough to mow.