England School District hires new teachers and band director; board accepts band director resignation

The board approved several personnel actions during the meeting. With permission from the Secretary of Education noted for conflict-of-interest reasons, trustees approved hiring Victoria Thai as the seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher on a 210-day contract; the superintendent noted she is the spouse of a board member and that safeguards (recusal from voting) apply.

Trustees also approved hiring Ray Harum as junior and senior high band director and choir leader on a 210-day contract; the board discussed Harum’s background (Delta State training and regional experience), the addition of beginner band and consultant support from Sarah Morris, and that the band position carries a stipend. The board later accepted the resignation of Mitch Begman as band director.

Additional hires approved included Janette Jackson as a cafeteria worker and two paraprofessionals (Mercedes Oliver and Felicia Jones). Each hire was moved, seconded and approved in open session.

Why this matters: Staffing decisions affect daily operations, program offerings (band and choir revival), and extracurricular opportunities for students. The board documented conflict-of-interest protocol for the hire of a candidate related to a board member and committed to following hiring safeguards.

The personnel motions were approved during the meeting; the board will complete contractual paperwork and assign stipends where applicable.