New fence caps off baseball upgrades
By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
At its last meeting, the Russellville City Board of Education enacted an emergency bid clause in state law to facilitate the rapid replacement of the fence around the Russellville High School baseball field.
The fence was blown over when Hurricane Katrina passed through the area last September.
The materials contract was awarded to Master Halco, an out-of-state fencing supplier. Smith Fence Company of Russellville is installing the new fence. State law permits local school boards to enact the emergency bid clause when public health, safety or convenience issues leave no time for competitive bidding.
Ray said the board's decision to enact the clause at the Feb. 16 board meeting was prompted by the upcoming Golden Tigers baseball season, which begins this month.
Other recent improvements to the baseball field and surrounding area include 50 to 60 new parking spaces, landscaping changes, and the enlargement of the outfield.
Ray commended RHS baseball boosters for doing “a tremendous amount of work” in order to prepare the field for this year's games.
The board also approved an after-school tutoring program for students who will take state-mandated graduation examinations later this year.
Each tutor will work three hours a week from Feb. 27 through April 25, except during holidays. The tutors will be paid at their current hourly wage according to their teaching contracts.
The teachers participating in this year's tutoring program are Susan DeArman (English), Suzette Posey (science), Jeanne Hester (math), and Kim Burney (social studies).
In other action, the Board did the following:
