Troup school board approves new Internet security system

Principal Derek Driver recognizes Melissa Freeman as teacher of the month at Monday's school board meeting. Ms. Freeman is the high school theater instructor.

Monday's Troup board of trustees meeting began with the presentation of students of the month and teacher of the month for the district.

First grader Joshua Williams, fourth grader Kara Benge, eighth grader Peyton Gilbert and eleventh Jared Ayres were honored for their positive attitude and academic excellence.

Melissa Freeman, UIL academic coordinator at Troup High School was honored as teacher of the month by the board and her principal Derek Driver.

Administrative reports included an update from Dewayne Brown on the vocational ag building. The concrete is cracking because of shifting underneath the slab. At this time, the problem is not a safety issue but does need attention. Brown stated that he was working with contractors to get some figures to the board as soon as possible.

Any rework would have to take place during the summer break because of the location of the problem areas and it extending into the office.

Brown's report also informed the board of the progress on the baseball complex. Bleachers have been relocated to work around the existing poles. A punch list and walk through is planned for the next couple of weeks.

Jill Spearman reported on the financial matters of the district.

Shannon Capps gave a presentation of the Eduphoria program which brings a broad range of advantages to all areas of the district. The program is designed to act as a reporting system which expedites requests throughout the district. The district was able to purchase this system with cost sharing in mind. The cost was divided between the technology, curriculum and maintenance departments.

The daycare report from Judy Daniel stated that their numbers were up to 39 children and two more coming before week's end.

Written reports were submitted by John Eastman in Athletics and Katie Preast from Curriculum.

Superintendent Mar vin Beaty submitted a written report as well as asking the board to approve a date for a workshop to set board goals and team building. The trustees approved June 4, 6 p.m. as the date for this workshop.

May 15 was the date voted on to canvass the votes from the May 12 election which will match incumbent Johnny Johnson against opponent Hank Gilbert. This will also be the date of the May board regular meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Ms. Capps returned to the podium to enlighten the trustees on a proposal to purchase the Astaro Internet Security System. The previous firewall system had completely stopped working and Astaro has been in use for the past month. "The people at Astaro were kind enough to extend our free 30 day trial period to 60 days to give us time to make this presentation to the board."

The three year package of complete hardware, software, updates and platinum tech support was approved for purchase from the capitol projects fund at a cost of $35,000.

Beaty has been in contact with the Troup Youth Association as well as the district's attorney and they are all waiting to hear from the TYA attorney concerning an extended agreement on the softball complex. The item was tabled until the next meeting in hopes that the agreement will be ready at that time.

A resolution authorizing the president of the board of trustees to approve a bid for the sale of struck-off property was endorsed.

Following an executive session all professional personnel contracts presented were approved for renewal.

The Troup board of trustees will meet again Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.