By Randy Hammons

The Daily News

Before any new business was discussed during Thursday’s Bogalusa City School Board meeting, board members paused to thank retiring Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Lois Adams for her service and wished her well.

Adams is retiring after 26 years on the job. She received a plaque and a bouquet of flowers, and each board member took a turn telling Adams what her presence over the years meant to him or her.

“This is bittersweet,” Adams said. “I’ve had five bosses, and they were all unique. I give God the credit. I appreciate working here.”

Board member Dr. Brad Williams recalled her professionalism whenever he called the office.

“Thank you for being so polite when I called the School Board office,” Williams said. “I want to thank you personally for what you meant to me.”

Calvin Hymel said the Bogalusa School System needs more professionals like Adams.

“This School System would be more successful if we had more people like you,” Hymel told Adams. “Thank you.”

Board President Adam Kemp said he learned something about Adams during many school-related trips.

“I discovered a beautiful singing voice on one of those trips,” Kemp said.

Eleanor Duke said Adams will often be on her mind.

“I’ll never pass a TJ Ribs without thinking of you,” Duke said to Adams.

“You’ve been a blessing and we will miss you,” the Rev. Raymond Mims said.

Board member Paul Kates also added his remarks.

“You took care of me,” Kates said to Adams. “You’re just a wonderful person and we’re really going to miss you.”

“Thank you for your service and what you’ve done for this school system,” Board Vice President Curtis Creel added.

In new business, the School Board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding between Northshore Technical Technical College-Sullivan Campus and the Bogalusa City School System for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment allows high school students to meet the requirements of high school graduation and simultaneously earn college credit toward a post-secondary diploma or certification.

The purpose of the memorandum is to facilitate the coordination between NTCC and the Bogalusa City School System to provide dual enrollment for work skills and college credit courses for qualified high school students.

The School Board also gave permission to discard old or broken district-wide equipment. Equipment includes computers, scanners and furniture.

Additionally, the School Board approved the Code of Conduct. The school handbook outlined what is considered minor acts of misconduct and their consequences, along with the consequences of major acts of misconduct.

Regarding personnel matters, Human Resources Supervisor Karla McGehee said 99 percent of the system’s teachers are certified. She said 18 certified teachers have been hired, but four resigned on July 2. She said five more teachers need to be hired.

Lastly, high school principals were recognized. They included Tonyah Jefferson, Jennifer Beninato and Linda Pittman. New Central Elementary School Principal Eric Greely was also recognized.