Cumberland School Board Hears About Bullying, 6th Grade Volleyball

Cumberland school board members heard about bullying and harassment and about sixth grade volleyball at their January meeting.

Local resident Linda Bruner spoke to the bullying and harassment issue, asking Board members to continue addressing the issue and to consider increasing awareness and education.  Bruner also volunteered to assist any way she could.

Board President Marje Jackson noted that the Board formed a committee to address the issue and that the definition of what constitutes bullying and harassment was strengthened in its policies.

Local resident Angie Myers presented a written statement on behalf of some sixth grade parents regarding all of the sixth grade volleyball girls being able to travel to the away matches.  In past years, none of them traveled to away matches, then some did and some didn't, and now none are traveling.  It was suggested that a meeting be held at the start of the season to decide what to do.  Jackson promised the Board would further discuss the issue.

In other business, the Cumberland board approved the psychologist service agreement with the Casey-Westfield, Shiloh-Chrisman, and Paris Crestwood schools for next school year so the districts would share the cost.

Superintendent Russell Ragon reported that four people filed for three seats available on the Cumberland Board of Education in the April election...Ben Bland, Rob Plummer, Kim Starwalt and Bob Blade.

Ragon reported on the start of work on next year's school calendar, and on staffing needs for next school year.

In personnel moves, the Cumberland board accepted a letter of retirement from Janet Sherwood at the end of the school year, hired Jodi Higgs as a full-time elementary cook, accepted a letter of retirement from Linda Martin as a grade school cook as of the end of January, hired Kenny Flier as high school assistant girls softball coach and hired Jamie Carreon as elementary PBIS Coach.

As reported earlier, the Board hired John Hasten of Marshall as interim superintendent for the 2013-2014 school year with grade school principal Todd Butler to take over starting with the 2014-2015 school year.  The vote was 5-2 in favor, with members April Flood and Laurie Titus voting No.