At the close of the monthly Hartselle school board meeting superintendent, Dr. Mike Reed, made an unexpected announcement.

Reed announced his intention to retire effective close of business June 30, 2013. Reed mentioned that he had promised both the board president and board members he would not leave until the new high school is completed and occupied.

He also mentioned that had enjoyed his tenure of eight years in Hartselle and looks forward to spending time with his grandson and family. When asked about his plans Reed commented that they were still up in the air but a move back to Mississippi was possible.

Reed is not the only person leaving the system. The board also approved the resignation of Sarita Tapscott, chief school financial officer, effective Feb. 28. Tapscott will assume the same position for the newly formed Alabaster City School System.

Also three long term custodians from F.E. Burleson, Jack Orr, Linda Orr and Janice Terry, will be retiring as of July 1.

The new high school being occupied by the end of Reed’s time is still a possibility. During the nearly two hours board meeting held a Hartselle Junior High School Jim Maynard of Martin & Cobey Construction gave an update on the construction.

According to Maynard all of the building is in the final stages except for the auditorium. Landscaping is taking place and sod will be laid as soon as the ground is a little firmer. The cafeteria is now completed and the floor varnished.

Classroom sections A, B, & C have been punched out with the floors being stripped and three coats of wax applied.

Jeff Little of Goodwyn, Mills, & Caywood also reported to the board that the western half of the new athletic facility had been poured.

By a vote of 4-1 the board approved spending an additional $220,000 to make the necessary changes to the new athletic facility so that girls’ softball will also have space in the structure. Board member Randy Sparkman voted against the expenditure, citing concerns about other facilities needs in the school system, including upgrades at the current high school which will be used by seventh and eight grade students next fall. The board also approved purchasing wooden lockers for the new athletic facility at a cost of $80,000 which is $5,000 above the planned cost for metal lockers.

will probably have to dip into reserves to find the two additional costs of the new school.