Pledging to put children and not teachers, staff or administrators first, Manika Kemp became Clarksdale Municipal School District’s newest board member.
The appointment was made by Ward 3 Commissioner Willie Turner at the city’s regular board meeting. The appointment was not on the city’s vetting meeting agenda where all issues are allegedly discussed and the community made aware of issues to be brought before the board.
But Turner said it was not a hasty decision.
“I prayed about it and felt she would do everything she could to make the district better,” said Turner, who goes to church with Kemp. “She’s an educator, she from Clarksdale and knows Clarksdale. I also think she has the energy to push to make things better.”
Appointing people to city committees and community boards is a key power and responsibility of all city and county officials.
“Our children are our future,” said Turner.
Kemp replaces Delores Harris, a longtime educator and the Clarksdale School Board President.
Kemp was also director of federal programs for Clarksdale Municipal School District, but when she was moved to director of the alternative school, she sued the district saying it was a demotion.
Other Trustees of the Clarksdale Municipal School District Kemp and the city official who appoints them are:
• Clay ‘Sandy’ Stillions – Ward 1 Commissioner Bo Plunk.
• Joan Morris – Ward 2 Commissioner Ken Murphey.
• Kemp/Harris – Ward 3 Commissioner Willie Turner.
• LaFiesta Roland – Ward 4 Commissioner Ed Seals.
• Zedrick Clayton – Clarksdale Mayor Chucky Espy.
Kemp will take her post at the March 22 regular school board meeting
Mississippi school boards are charged with four specific duties: Set the school district’s budget; raise revenues necessary to meet that budget; hire a superintendent; and set district policy.
The superintendent is charged with executing the wishes of the board, managing staff through principals who in turn manage the teachers and staff of schools. Principals bring their staffing needs to the superintendent who approves them and presents them to trustees.
Board members must complete annual training from the state on policy, procedure and laws relating to law and Mississippi schools.
Board members must live in the district of the Commissioner who appointed them.
Clarksdale trustees are paid $67 per meeting, but not allowed more than 36 meetings per year. Board members are also paid for travel and expenses.
In a clause unique to Clarksdale Municipal School District, Trustees are required to spend one day each year visiting any school or schools in the district.
The Clarksdale Municipal School District Board of Trustee has its regular monthly on the third Thursday of each month, at 5 p.m. at the Central Services building on Wildcat Drive. Board meetings are open to the public.
Clarksdale’s extensive and complete school board policy can be found on the district’s website.
