JISD picks Dean as sole finalist
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

By unanimous decision, the Jasper Independent School District Board of Trustees named Bill A. "Butch" Dean sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

Dean has been Acting Superintendent since the departure of Dr. Eddie Dunn. After a waiting period of 21 days, the decision becomes effective and the board can hire.

Carolyn Foster presented a proposal to rescind the current taxation of Freeport goods, and the board voted to adopt the new resolution.

Foster's presentation explained the background and the need for change. In 1989 an amendment was passed by the voters of the State of Texas to exempt certain tangible property from taxation. Freeport goods are goods and wares that have been detained in the state for 175 days or less for the purpose of assembly, storage, manufacturing, processing or fabricating.

In December of 1989, the Board of Trustees approved a resolution to continue taxing all Freeport goods and these taxes have been imposed since the 1990 tax year.

Foster explained that in order to support the efforts of the county and city of Jasper and to encourage economic development and growth of the community, it is in the best interest of the district to rescind this taxation for the 2008 tax year and all subsequent years.

Foster stressed that the expected economic benefit of adding commercial realty and the additional ADA expected will offset the cost of the small loss in revenue that this exemption will generate.

"This means that we will not tax inventory held 175 days or less," Dean said. "We will still tax buildings, property and inventory held longer than 175 days. The resolution also applies to any business that meets the requirements."

Jeff Anderson, Director of Finance for Tiger Truck and JEDCO Director Tom McClurg thanked the Board following the vote.

"We wanted them to see that we are 100 percent behind their locating here," Dean said after the meeting.

The board also voted to rehire the firm of Hereford, lynch, Sellars & Kirkham for retention of independent audit services for the 2006-2007 school year.

Career and Technology Director Stanley Johnson presented an administrative report on the purchase of Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS)instructional software using Federal Carl Perkins funds. BCIS is a class taught at Jasper High School.

The purchase includes $26,400 for the lifetime license of the software. Johnson explained that a one-year license would cost from $10,000 to $12,000; therefore, it is more economical to purchase the life-time license.

Chris Coleman reported resignations of Jasper High School coach Eric Farrar, effective April 13, and Jennifer Farrar, third grade teacher at Parnell, effective May 25. They will be moving to Garland.