Talent found in school system

SIKESTON - Tuesday's school board meeting was just an example of the talent that can be found in the Sikeston Public Schools System.

A student at Senior High, Jessica Cox was introduced as the R-6 District's candidate for the John T. Belcher Memorial Scholarship. Currently working at Super-D, her goal is to go into the field of medicine.

"Jess is an outstanding student as you gentleman saw by her application last month," Superintendent of Schools Steve Borgsmiller told board members. "This is your candidate guys and I think that you should be very proud of Jess, she's an outstanding student."

Although not present at the meeting, Ashley Ray was honored for being one of the Senior High students who will attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at Southwest University in Springfield.

Then there was Charles Mitchell, a custodial staff member, who was recognized for saving a child's life at Lee Hunter Elementary School at the end of last school year.

"And last, but certainly not least, we have the Orchestra Teacher of the Year, Gay French," said Dr. Larry Bohannon, assistant superintendent of secondary education and staff development.

"Gay, I believe there is some concern, at least by another fellow instructor in the area. From the correspondence that we've received from him he remarked that if everyone else gets a raise, we need to make sure we give you a raise because he doesn't want you taking his job up in Cape Girardeau," joked Borgsmiller.

Also at the meeting the board accepted Bob Limbaugh's letter of retirement and the resignations of Gloria Schumer, Donna Morgan, Shawn Taylor and Paul Sharp. Although Sharp's position of assistant principal at Middle School has not yet been filled, it was pointed out that there are at least 14 individuals who have applied for the job.

Meanwhile, the board approved the hiring of new teachers Molly Pfefferkorn Noe to the position of Junior High social studies teacher and Jamie Graeff as the new social studies teacher at Middle School. In addition, Toni Kellett was hired as principal of the fifth grade center.

It was also noted that there will be an in-service on Friday, which means work for teachers and no school for students.

School will be out Feb. 18, as well, for President's Day.