Jeremy Pittari
POPLARVILLE — The school board for the Poplarville Special Municipal Separate School District on Monday night honored two top teachers in the district, zipped through a nine-item agenda in about 15 minutes and then adjourned to March 8.
Honored by presentation of board letters of appreciation was Middle School Teacher Sarah Mason, who was named Teacher of the Year, and Keith Broom, who’s agriculture class has consistently placed in the top-performing agriculture programs in the state.
The letters of appreciation were presented to both teachers by Chip Nodurft, board president.
Mason, whose husband was named teacher of the year last year, was nominated by her peers and was selected by a committee. Her name will now be submitted to the state for competition in the state’s teacher of the year program.
Said Supt. Carl Merritt shortly before Nodurft presented Mason with the letter, “She is a dedicated teacher and a wonderful person, and her students adore and love her. We thank you for all you have done and the example you have set before your peers and students.”
Glenda Malley, coordinator of curriculum and testing, in introducing Broom, said that Broom is modest and was reluctant to take credit for what his students and program had accomplished in state testing results.
“But I told him, when you have a record like this, it’s not just luck; there has to be a lot of skill involved, too,” Malley told the board in introducing Broom to board members.
Since testing began in 2006, Broom’s students have placed 1, 2 and 3 in all areas of testing, and No. 1 statewide in some areas. Broom’s official title is instructor of the Agricultural, Environmental and Science Technology class.
Said Broom, “We thought about making some changes, but since the budget cuts, we decided to keep the class just as it is. You can’t fight success. We will just keep on doing what we do. I am fortunate. I have great students, great support and a great administrator.”
In other matters, the board:
— Approved an addendum to MSP test security plan.
— Approved a request to advertise for professional development services.
— Tabled for further discussion proposed easement agreements.
— Adopted Merritt’s personnel recommendations.
— Approved the consent agenda, which included: alternative school travel contracts, acceptance of an out-of-district student, out-of-state travel, a donation, substitute list, dispose of equipment, and claim docket, payroll, financial statement, activity fund receipts and minutes of the Jan. 11 and Jan. 28 board meetings.
— Adjourned to March 8.
