By BETH ALSTON
beth.alston@gaflnews.com
americustimesrecorder.com

AMERICUS — Even with board members Meda Krenson, Jim Reid and Sylvia Roland absent, the Sumter County Board of Education had a quorum Thursday for its regular monthly session.
In his report, Superintendent Donnie Smith pointed out the positive news in the local media, pointing out several items published in the local newspaper, the Americus Times-Recorder.
The board took the following action.
• Approved the financial reports, accounts payable and preliminary cash flow report for October.
• Approved payment of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) dues of $4,165, which is unchanged from last year.
• Approved reimbursement to board members and superintendent for expenses at the GSBA/GSSA annual conference in Atlanta Dec. 3-5.Reimbursables are capped at $2,500 per person.
• Approved the following personnel matters. Resignations: Melvin McCluster and Michael Wilson; employment: Olivia Castillo; transfers: Jeannette Mitchell and Leila Hilliman; Family Medical Leave: Whitney Bowen, Gloria Walker, Vontessa Kendall, Virga Moore, Jeraldine Houston and Jennifer Rupel.
• Approved a short version of the RFQ (request for qualifications) for the architect for the new high school.
• Approved purchase of 31 new computers and 31 new monitors for the Sumter County Middle School Computer Lab at a cost of $18,972 and the purchase of a new copier in the amount of $594, both of which will be paid from SPLOST revenues.
• Approved the MOU with Archway which includes an annual payment of $10,000.
• Approved a student teacher agreement with Grand Canyon University.