The Troy Board of Education declared this week Education Week in Troy to honor the service schools give to the community.

“Public schools are the backbone of America,” said Dr. Lee Hicks, superintendent. “Public schools are equipping young Americans and giving them hope for the future. Faculty, staff all employees work tirelessly to serve their communities with care and professionalism.”

The board also introduced its plan for 2019-2020 that would update testing materials. The board will vote on the plan at its next meeting.

Utilities costs from August to September were $37,083, a 17.5 percent decrease from last year, while sales tax for the month of October was $308,700, a 3 percent increase over last year.

The school board also approved several personnel changes, including the hiring of new head baseball coach John Gluschick.

Other personnel action included:

• Approved a leave of absence for Cortnee Pugh, pre-K teacher at Troy Elementary School, from December 23, 2019, to February 17, 2020

• Approved the retirement of Dale Pynes from the Child Nutrition Program at TES

• Approved the resignation of head baseball coach and physical education teacher Matt Whitton at Charles Henderson High School

• Approved the hire of Tony Adams as JROTC instructor at CHHS.

• Approved a leave of absence for Shelby Sikes, special education aide at CHHS, from December 2, 2019, to January 24, 2020