The Magee Courier from Magee, Mississippi • A4

FROM PAGE1 the Foundation had invited them to attend the luncheon. He explained that he was showing only possible options for the district to consider. The plan he showed featured a high school facility with athletic fields. Cowart was not specific about the location of the high school but told the Foundation that it would be centrally located and near the center of the demographic base. Superintendent Holloway reported that the one high school concept had been discussed at community meetings in Magee, Mendenhall and at Simpson Central.

He said the district is appointing an advisory committee to establish two way communication between the district and the community. Board member Stan Bulger said that in his opinion a consolidated high school is the best option, that it is what all the studies have indicated, and he was going to stand for what he thought was the best decision despite any public opposition that may arise. In other business the board voted to seek a $9.5 million loan to build a new consolidated facility. The proceeds of the loan will be used to pay off two former loans that were made in 2014. The county is refinancing at 1.79 percent, which is a 1 percent lower interest rate, a significant savings on such a large amount of money.

The original two loans were at 2.5 and 2.7 percent. Pri- orityOne Bank will be one of the institutions involved in the loan. The board intends to have the notes paid and submit paperwork before the close of the year. This move will leave the school board close to $6 million in funds that can be used for a consolidated high school. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 A3 HE AGEE OURIER School: $6 million available FROM PAGE1 personnel.

Two out of ten were found. 3. Surety Bonds for elected officials were not on file with Chancery office. 4. Reports due to the State Department of Education were not filed by deadline.

5. All banks that were depositories of school funds were not named as being a depository for the district. 6. Sixteenth Section funds were transferred to maintenance funds without approval from the Board of Education. 7.

It is required that the superintendent provide to the board financial statements of receipts and disbursements by fund on or before the last working day of the month. Bank statements had not been reconciled, which prevented the district from being compliant with state law. 8. State law prevents payroll from being paid from activity funds. This was happening for bus drivers for school field trips.

The report concludes that the auditor as well as the State Office will review findings on the next audit to ensure that these issues have been properly addressed. St. Claire went on to tell the board that additional safe guards need to be in place to prevent so much authority over specific duties of employees responsible for the bookkeeping. Segregating activities allows for better internal control. Adjusting journal entries were made, which created a misrepresentation of activities for the current year.

The bank statements for payroll clearing had not been performed for the entire fiscal year. Non- typical entries were made to justify balances that were vague and not characteristic of payroll transactions. A separate consultant had to be hired to complete reconcila- tions. Proper accounts were not used when transacting payroll and in some cases deposits were nine to twelve months late. Additional audits will be completed before this situation is rectified.

The county has had to pay late and delinquent fines and penalties, but indications are that records and requirements are currently being properly maintained. Fewell resigned from his position with Simpson County School District in 2020 and is now employed by the Smith County School District in a similar capacity. Audit: Records now maintained The Magee Courier USPS 325-560 Established 1899 Periodical postage paid at the post office in Magee, MS 39111 Published weekly POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: The Magee Courier P.O. Box 338 Magee, MS 39111 BY MARLAN JONES NEWS EDITOR A historical marker was placed at the site of New Hymn School last Sunday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. between New Hymn Church and Simpson Central School on Highway 28.

Peggy Bowden and William Clark hosted a ceremony to mark the occasion. Bowden is the great-granddaughter of the founder of New Hymn School, Professor Edgar Quitman Collins. The program was attended by several guests who included Jim Woodrick with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, School Board Representative Lillie Hardy, Simpson Central Principal Dr. Antionette Woodall, and Mendenhall Mayor Todd Booth. According to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, New Hymn School was an African American school located in the Union community of Simpson County.

It was founded around 1897 on the grounds of New Hymn Church by Edgar Quitman Collins, who also served as a teacher and the first principal. Edgar Collins' wife, Malinda Herron Collins, also taught at the school. Students were taught through the 12th grade, and the school was active until the late 1960s when it was eventually consolidated into the Simpson County School system and renamed Simpson Central Elementary School. The ceremony was opened with a word of prayer before guest speakers gave brief remarks honoring Professor Edgar Quitman Collins for his accomplishments and founding New Hymn School. Lillie Hardy stressed the importance of knowing our history and appreciating the people who came before us.

She said, stand on the shoulder of giants every day without realizing who they were and what the story is behind Bowden said, laid this on my heart to do this and when he gives you an assignment he leave you. so grateful for everyone who showed up. It was a marvelous day and a blessing to Simpson Bowden is happy to see her great-grandfather honored and it means a lot to her family. She stressed that the marker should serve as motivation and an example to future generations that they too can leave their mark on the world. She wants all students to know that anything is possible and advised them to take advantage of every opportunity.

In regard to the marker she said, a small token of appreciation to Professor Edgar Quitman Collins for his contributions to Simpson Bowden extended special thanks to her cousin William Clark, all Collins descendants, Jim Woodrick, Neal Bass, Marlan Jones, the Magee County News, television stations, and everyone who attended. The historical marker now stands for all to see and remember the legacy of Professor Edgar Quitman Collins, a leader in education. Founder honored A historical marker for New Hymn School was unveiled last Sunday. The marker details the legacy of Professor Edgar Quitman Collins, an African American teacher who founded the school. The school was operational until the late 1960s when it was consolidated and renamed Simpson Central Elementary School.

Great granddaughter of Edgar Quitman Collins, Peggy Bowden (right) is joined by Jim Woodrick of the Mississippi Department of Archives to commemorate the unveiling of the New Hymn historical marker..