At the March 31 Troy City Schools Board of Education Meeting, the school board offered condolences to the family of Owen Johnson, a Charles Henderson Middle School student who passed away last week. 

Troy City Schools Superintendent Cynthia Thomas said the funeral, which took place this past weekend, was beautiful but tough.

“I would like to say to keep the Vinson and Johnson family in your prayers as things go forward as we know that when the visitations stop, and when people stop checking, those are the hardest times,” Thomas said. “Just continue to keep them in your prayers.” 

All the of the school board members echoed condolences to the family and school board president Dr. Jonathan Cello also reflected on the student’s passing while holding back tears.

“There is not adequate words to express my grief or my appreciation for you all and what you do everyday,” Cello said to the teachers and faculty in attendance at the board meeting. “I encourage you all to keep prioritizing our children. You all are in the business of working with children everyday and I’m in the business of coming home and having some in my yard from time to time, but this has been a moment of reflection for me to just ask myself if I’m making an adequate impact.

“Let’s not forget those moments we have and to love on our community’s kids and as much as the grief is present with us today, let’s honor this young man by continuing to love on his peers and his family.”

In school system business, the board approved the surplus of four air conditioning units that have been replaced in the school system. The board also approved the adoption of science textbooks that were recommended by the school’s textbook committee. 

Additionally, the board approved an out-of-state trip for the Charles Henderson High School art program to Atlanta, Ga., to visit the High Museum of Art. The cost will be $24 for each student. The board also approved a number of personnel actions. All board actions were approved unanimously.

Personnel actions: 

Resignation: 

Megan Carson, Pre-K teacher, Troy Elementary School (effective May 23); 

Paris Glover, custodian, Troy Elementary School (effective March 11); 

Maria Pearson, math teacher, Charles Henderson High School (effective May 23); 

Deandre Pitts, English teacher, Charles Henderson High School (effective April 30); 

Employment:

Ian McGaughey, volunteer golf coach, Charles Henderson High School (effective March 25);

Yagya Pokhrel, volunteer soccer coach, Charles Henderson High School (effective March 25); and 

Clayton Lang, math teacher, Charles Henderson High School (effective July 31).