CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

You have heard the saying:

"It's lonely at the top."

If Madam CAT President needed a reminder, she got one tonight...

...as I remained in the confines of the cat cave, licking my wounds.

However...

"Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Gloom of Night" shall keep De De O'Shea from her appointed rounds.

Below is what she observed (keeping in mind our new policy...that if there is no mention otherwise, whatever is listed on the official agenda is, in fact, what happened.)

All BOE members were present, except for Arnold Burris.

Regina Brown's 5th Grade class did a presentation for the meeting's "Examples of Excellence".

Former BOE Member/Current BOE Candidate Danny Brown addressed the BOE during the "Recognition" section...asking a number of questions, e.g. the continuing lack of a teachers' contract, the disparity in class sizes, and the punishment meted out for food fights.

Under the Superintendent's report, Cairo School District Number One is officially out from under the Financial Oversight Panel (FOP). Apparently, however, they will maintain a distant vigil. (CAT Tracks Editor's Note: Anybody wanna start a pool...how long it will take the BOE to squander the 3 to 4 million dollars that has sat in the First National Bank for years now? As they say, as it dwindles..."Follow the money.")

The BOE voted to enter Closed Session at 6:57 p.m. The BOE voted to exit Closed Session at 8 p.m.

Changes to the agenda from Closed Session:

1c. Bernard Brown hired as Boys Jr. High Track Coach

1e. Rehire Rose Gayle Pickett as CE Principal

1f. Rehire Zena Madison as CJSHS Principal