NK School Board responds to band boosters’ allegations

New Kent School Board members addressed concerns from band boosters Monday night surrounding recent allegations regarding the fate of high school band director James Minnix and middle school band director Reba Marrs.

During the board’s May 6 meeting, a delegation of parents and a few students took issue with what they perceived to be action by the board to not renew both band directors’ contracts.

School officials have not commented publicly, saying the situation is a personnel matter. Minnix and Marrs have also remained silent on the issue.

Monday night, school superintendent Rick Richardson said he has responded formally to band boosters’ questions as well as directed the group to appropriate parties concerning other issues including tax exemptions and preparation for an audit. He did not elaborate further on the response.

Board members, however, said they wanted to get across a message to the public about comments made at the earlier meeting that claimed the board did not support the group.

“We thought we made a collaborative effort with them,” said board member Sarah Grier Barber.

“In the news recently, there has been inaccurate information on an issue that’s been long closed,” she said, referencing a recent report by a television news station.

“This board has given $36,000 to them,” added District 5 representative Gail Hardinge. “The facts haven’t come across correctly. That is not a collaborative matter.

“Personnel matters are bound by the law and as a board we will continue to abide by those laws,” she concluded.

“We have always showed support financially and in other ways,” added chairwoman Leigh Quick.

In other business Monday night, board members gave thumbs up on the first concepts for the Historic School renovation plans as well as new security measures for existing school buildings.

(County supervisors on Tuesday indicated they could be reconsidering the Historic School project. See the story on page 1.)

Members received the first concept drawings along with an overview from Richardson and Barber. Drawings indicate 25 classrooms upon completion, as well as multiple functioning elevators, restrooms, and a new entranceway.

While the concept met unanimous approval by board members, the time frame for completion has been pushed back a year. Students are now expected to fill those hallways in the fall of 2015.

In another matter, a swipe key card system is expected to be implemented in all four schools for the upcoming year.

A thorough review of security measures conducted by local and state authorities along with experts recommended the system. Richardson said schools plan to replace the traditional key locks.

While not revealing further details of plans to implement security, Richardson said the card readers will be the first steps to help with access to the school. Cost is estimated to be $35,000-$37,000.