By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Progress was the theme of the March 31 Pelham Board of Education meeting as they continued to work to achieve the July 1 separation date from the Shelby County School System.

The board unanimously approved Interim Superintendent Dr. Tim Alford’s recommendation to accept bids for a WAN network, Internet access and PRI and analog lines for the new Pelham City School System, which he stated were “very good deals.”

They also agreed to hire Maureen Alexander of Fit Kid Solutions as a child nutrition program consultant on an as needed basis while they continue to search for a permanent director of nutrition. Alexander was the former child nutrition director for Shelby County Schools, and she currently runs a consulting business, Fit Kid.

“This will be a temporary solution until we find something permanent,” said Pelham School Board member Angie Hester.

Alford said he plans to include Alexander in the interviewing and hiring process of candidates for the nutrition director position, and she will assist in the “voluminous and exacting paperwork” involved in federal school nutrition programs.

“We are fortunate to have her available,” Alford said.

At the close of the meeting, a parent voiced concern about the continuation of programs for special needs students currently offered under the Shelby County School System. While the board did not address the issue in detail, Pelham Board of Education President Rick Rhoades ensured that the board would discuss the issue.

“In this change over we can’t drop the ball,” Rhoades said. “There is a difference between ‘a child’ and ‘my child,’ and we have to treat all of them as ‘my child.’”

The Pelham Board of Education will meet again on April 14 at 4 p.m.