Board OKs travel funds for teams

By MIKE WEST, Courier Editor

Discussion led to compromise Thursday night (Nov. 13) over plans to set aside travel funds for Cannon County High School's minor sports teams.

The teams involved include baseball, girls and boys soccer, volleyball, softball, cheerleading, band and Special Olympics. After debate and two failed motions, funds were approved for the groups.

"These teams struggle," said newly elected board member Frank Walkup. "If I was up there tonight I would probably make a budget, perhaps $1,200 for the nine teams. We give them the $1,200 and they can choose how to spend it (for travel.)"

Walkup was present for the meeting, but won't officially take his seat on the school board until December.
Board member Nathan Sanders questioned the timing of the proposal and offered a motion to delay action on the issue.

"We're in the middle of the budget year and the budget is tight," Sanders said, suggesting a specific amount, perhaps $1,000, for the band and minor sports. Football and basketball are self-funded.

"I want to look at it and see what we can do to help," said Board member Shelley Walkup said. "Is that too much to ask?"

Sanders' motion failed due to a lack of a second.

"Do I have another motion?" asked Board chairman Randy Gannon. "Would you like to put it on the agenda for next month?"

"I would like to let the people know something," Sanders said.

Board member Bruce Daniel moved to defer the discussion to next month. Chairman Gannon seconded.

It was pointed out that girls soccer and volleyball seasons are already over.

"We're whittling it down to where it will be $9,500 or so," Gannon said.

Daniel's motion failed with Daniel casting the only affirmative vote.

Mrs. Walkup then made a motion to approve $1,400 and to look at the expenditures for next season per team. Gannon seconded. Her motion passed.

Director of Schools Barbara Parker advised the board members about the resignation of controversial State Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman.

"That may change some of the things we are doing," Parker said. Huffman, among other things, was the chief backer of the controversial Common Core program.