The Haywood County School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 9, and among other issues, discussed money for new positions, bonuses and for an energy loan. They also approved a trip for students, mini-grant awards, a technology contract, and budget amendments.

The Haywood County School System received $848,518 in US Education Jobs Program funds, money that can only be used to retain existing employees in schools, hire new ones and provide bonuses for employees. Superintendent Marlon King and Vincent Harvell, Chief Financial Officer, presented a plan of how that money will be spent. Plans are to sustain some positions, add several new positions in the schools and to give bonuses to teachers, based on years of service.

In other business, the board agreed to let Superintendent King approach the county commission about applying for an energy savings loan. According to CFO Harvell, the best bid on a heating and air system for Haywood High School will cost almost $2.4 million. A loan application for a $1 million interest-free loan will be presented to the county commission and submitted to the state contingent upon the commission’s financing of the project.

Board members also agreed to give 12 teachers $200 Fall Mini-Grant Awards. Among those receiving awards are Julie Carver and Tonya Baltimore at Anderson; Kenneth Emerson and Gay Thomas at Haywood High; April Horn and Barbara Gavin at Haywood Elementary; Thomas Young, Sarita Johnson and Jimmie T. Wilson Jr. at Haywood Junior High; Amelia Morrison and Leslie Essary at East Side Elementary.

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 14.