News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Clay County Director of Schools Diana Monroe announced Thursday night that she would not be retiring in February.
Monroe said she will fulfil the rest of her contract, which expires in June of 2027. The board approved keeping Monroe as the director and has forgone the applications they received for the position. Chairman Benji Bailey said Monroe expressed interest in returning as the director in a letter she submitted to the board.
“After reconsidering and speaking with her family she thought that she could continue and commit to her contract and continue with her current obligations and she was glad to do so,” Bailey said.
Monroe announced last month that she would be retiring, because of illness in her family and a desire to spend more family time. The School Board began the process of advertising for the position. Monroe refused to elaborate on why she reversed her decision.
Monroe said she is appreciative to be able to fulfill her contract.
“I just want to thank you all very much for allowing me to finish the contract out,” Monroe said. “I really appreciate it and we will work really hard and do the very best we can do with every decision.”
Bailey said the board received a total of six applications and that all of the applications were quality candidates. Bailey said the board chose to stay with Monroe over evaluating the applications as Monroe has been in the school system for quite some time.
“They weren’t currently up to speed as Mrs. Monroe would be,” Bailey said. “We got a lot of things going on and a lot of things in the works. For example, the CTE building that we bid tonight Mrs. Monroe has been a vital part of that so you don’t lose any momentum there.”
Bailey said the board was shocked when she originally made her announcement to retire. Bailey said the board is relieved to have Monroe back and that the board will have more time to evaluate a replacement for Monroe closer to the end of her contract.
In other business, the board approved a quote to replace an HVAC unit in the Celina K-8 gym. Finance Director Ashley White said the school has a grant of $10,000 to help pay for the replacement of the unit. White also said since one of the quoted prices came in under $25,000 the school board would not have to bid out the project. Richie’s Heating and Cooling will be doing the project.
The board agreed to enter into a contract with Montrose Environmental Solutions Inc. to fulfill the BRAG investigation grant. Bailey said in order to use the grant the Central office and Clay County High School will have to be inspected for Asbestos. Bailey said the grant would cover the cost of the inspection.
The school recognized the Celina K-8 Junior Football Team for their accomplishment in winning the 2024 Cumberland Valley Conference Championship. Aiden Keen and Brady Dailey were also recognized as they participated in the TSSAA State Golf Tournament. Camden Baxter was recognized for scoring a perfect score on the ACT.
