Bessemer School Board hires several people

By MEGAN HUGHES

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — The Bessemer School Board approved the hiring of several staff members at an Oct. 28 meeting.

Persons hired include Lawrence Inabnit as a behavioral interventionist for the Washington Elementary School and Courtney Vincent as an at-risk paraprofessional, both pending a favorable background check.

The board also approved the hiring of Mitch Matilla as the junior high basketball coach.

In addition, the board approved the first reading of two different sets of September 2024 Neola policy updates.

One set involved traditional policy updates, and the other set involved EDGAR UGG revisions regarding conflict of interests for all groups and professional staff, cash management of grants, spending federal funds, procurement of federal grands and funds, travel payment and reimbursement, disposition of surplus property, and property inventory.

According to an interview with Superintendent Richard Matrella, the board voted to table the June 30, 2024, audit due to not having the audit available on time for the meeting. The audit was revisited at a special meeting held Monday night.

The board approved the Midwest Athletic Fields proposal for upgrades to the baseball field, thereby contributing $2,717 of the total cost, which is being split between Bessemer, the Wakefield-Marenisco School District and the local baseball club.

Upgrades include adjustments to the bases and pitcher’s mound.

The board also tabled action regarding the summer tax resolution, which will be discussed in the board’s November meeting.

In other news, the board:

— Discussed the new accounting system for fixed assets and the electronic faxing for Washington Elementary School and A. D. Johnston Junior and Senior High School.

— Approved the 2024-25 school handbook, attendance policy and cell phone policy with corrections.

— Set the November monthly meeting date for Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. The December meeting will be held on Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.

— Accepted the resignation of Brandy Babich from food service.

— Approved the 2024-25 co-curricular policies and code of conduct for the junior and senior high school.

— Approved the EzRouting Software Agreement.