parking lot and empty lots that are north of the junior high gym and bus lot on Lexington Street. He said the Pontotoc Technology Center volunteered to help with clearing and leveling.

“PTC is going to donate their heavy equipment class to come over and do some work,” Hiatt said. “So, they’re supposed to be here after Christmas. They’re going to level that, take those trees down, get that cleared, then the county is going to start hauling in rock and we’ll start to get that lot cleaned up.”

Hiatt said e-sports is in full swing, and powerlifting will be starting soon.

“I talked to Coach (Luke) Ring about that today, he’s going to a conference to build a schedule,” Hiatt said. “We don’t have a schedule yet, but we’ll get that going and get our kids in some meets. He’s got a lot of kids in the weight room working out, a lot of junior high kids, too, so he’s happy with what he’s got to work with.

Hiatt said both boys and girls are participating in powerlifting.

Hiatt mentioned that the girls’ basketball team will be playing four games over the Christmas break. First during the Mustang Tournament December 26th-28th, then they will play at Stroud January 3rd.

Hiatt spoke to the board about a basketball rebounding machine that athletics purchased. He said the new machine cost about $7,000 and Prentice Oil donated $3,500 of the cost.

“This one will rebound and kick it out, and I guess you can have more than one person shooting,” Hiatt said. “It passes it out to two or three different people, but also you can set it up like you’re a post player. It’ll make you pass it so you can make like post moves without somebody passing you the ball, the machine will do it for you.”

Hiatt said the machine came in the day of the meeting, so he would know more later.

“So, I want to thank Prentice Oil for helping us fund that,” Hiatt said.

Consent Agenda The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of November 11th, Regular Meeting and November 20th, Special Meeting; the fiscal year 2024-2025 Purchase Orders and Encumbrances: Fund 11 -- General Fund numbers 225 through 233 ($10,992.99); Fund 21 – Building Fund numbers 44 through 47 ($46,000); Treasurer’s report; Activity Fund report; Building Fund Supplemental Appropriation Form 307 - $40,801; and Travel Request – TR 15 – Track & Power Lifting Clinic.

Executive Session The board entered into executive session, and upon returning, voted to accept the resignation of Tracy VanHagen, a junior high paraprofessional. The board also approved a contract for paraprofessional Erin Holland, and drivers’ education contact for Racquel Countryman.

The board also voted for teacher empowerment contracts for Allie Mudd, Dottie Slabaugh