NEWPORT-During a pre-meeting, Newport City Board of Education members discussed the drainage problem caused by recent rains at the newer parking lot near the front of the school by the Charlie Ruble property off College Street.

Don Large explained to the board members the sod could not be put down until the topsoil has dried. He said that means there must be a week without rain.

Discussing drainage options, he said two more drains could be put in place then all three drains can be connected to get the water out of the area.

During the discussion, it was pointed out with torrential rains, the drainage becomes a "wall of water" that washes out gravel and washes red clay mud into the street.

Large was asked to get an estimate for completing the project with the drains, complete with running the pipes and a concrete basin with a top.

Board chair Mims said after getting the estimate, a called meeting can be set to discuss the project.

"If we can fix the problem and pay for it, I think we should," said Mims.

"I agree this needs to be taken care of," said board member Bobby Smith. "It needs to be fixed properly."

It was announced Sontoria King has received the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) Student Recognition Award for Newport Grammar School.

Mims announced the Newport City Board of Education has been named a Board of Distinction by the TSBA.

After starting the actual meeting, the board approved on second reading to amend board policy relating to personnel pay dates. All personnel will be paid on the 20th day of the month and if that falls on a non-working day, employees will be paid on the last working day prior to the 20th of the month.

All certified personnel and all full-time support personnel will be paid in 12 monthly installments. All part-time personnel will be paid once each month for which they are employed.

Also on second reading, the board approved group hospital and dental insurance plans.

Also on second reading, the board agreed that the school will not be obligated to pay for any expenditure made by a teacher or student or by any other employee unless he or she first received a written purchase order from the proper office.

Steve Thompson was appointed as chief negotiator for the Newport City Board of Education.

The board also approved purchasing various software and site licenses.

The purchase of a playground canopy for the Pre-K playground from Outdoor Recreation Inc. for $8,000 was approved. It was pointed out this was the low bid and funds will come from Pre-K.

In other business, the board approved revising the 2008-2009 budget.

Smith explained it was a minor change and the board was allowed to change within categories, while larger changes have to be approved and made by City Council.

In amending the 2009-2010 budget, $15,000 was added to the food services budget. Smith explained it was stimulus money received to purchase cafeteria equipment.

Director of Schools David Bible said an additional $135,000 in stimulus funds has come in to be added to the budget.

Smith said the funds could be used for bigger projects, such as roof repairs, but it should be listed in capital outlay until how the money will be used is decided.

The next regular board meeting is set for July 20.