Eventually a quorum arrived...

...with Coleman, Gooden, McBride, Moore, and Harris in attendance.

The BOE voted to enter closed session at 5:38 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 6:22 p.m.

Melissa Hawkins was hired for the Cairo Elementary 3rd Grade teaching position. (There were five applicants for the position...Two teachers previously RIF from Cairo and three applicants who have no teaching experience.)

Jasper Cornelius was hired for the night custodian position.

The BOE voted to accept the resignation of Larry Walker as CJSHS Spanish teacher. (Larry took a full-time position in KY.)

The BOE voted to adjourn at 6:24 p.m.

CAT Track's Editor's Note:

They say that: "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

Well...

In Cairo School District Number One, let it be said that: "There must be 1001 ways to screw a CAT." (Actually, the number is certainly much, much higher, but I quit counting when we entered the new millennium.)

DISCLAIMER: I have nothing against Melissa Hawkins. She is a Cairo High School alumna, aka 'Missy' Fair. Welcome aboard!.

I mentioned that two of the applicants were former RIFed CATS...

...one teaching one year, one teaching four years.

In short, they were known quantities...had proved their ability to teach Cairo students. Most school districts (hell, most employers period) would prefer the known over the unknown, especially in a profession as volatile as teaching.

Then, again...

This action by the Cairo Board of Education, while again disappointing, comes as no surprise. (Ran across the old saying in an article this week: "They could screw up a two-car funeral.")

The deed is done...

...and the Cairo Board of Education expects you to turn the other cheek, kiss their butt cheeks, and teach happy!

And, if you value your employment, it's the advisable option. (Even Rafe Esquith recommended that approach....a chapter entitled: "The Quiet Man".)

But...

The next time the Cairo administration climbs upon their high horse and preaches about how employees should have respect for and loyalty to the District...

...remember how much respect and loyalty they show their employees...

...time, after time, after time, after time...

...till firing, retirement, or death do we part.

You teach the children, you give your all to the children, that is your job.

You don't owe Cairo School District Number One another damn thing.

Respect and loyalty...

...is a two-way street!

The Cairo Board of Education members need to quit counting their gold and start practicing the "Golden Rule":

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

The original post:

The Cairo Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of hiring a 3rd Grade teacher and a night custodian. They will also vote on the resignation of Larry Walker as CJSHS Spanish teacher.

Following this Special Meeting at 6 p.m., the Cairo Board of Education will have a "Board Training/Workshop Session Only School Board Meeting" (during which, no decisions will be made.)

Immediately below are the notices and agendas:

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