A new, faster way of contacting parents was approved by the Rector School Board at Monday night's meeting. The School Reach Program, which already is in use at some other area schools, provides a message service that school officials can use to contact hundreds of parents in minutes.

Superintendent Rob Louder said the school only has to make one call and the message will go out to parents instantly.

"We just have to supply it with current phone numbers, and the service will send out whatever message we require," he explained. "If it gets a busy signal, it will call back."

Louder said the system will be invaluable for inclement weather, school closings, and even events like parent teacher conferences. "In fact, a coach can create a list of player numbers and send out messages about practices." Louder went on to say the system can be used for email alerts. "We don't have anything like this right now," he said. "If we let out for snow, the elementary teachers are on their cell phones trying to reach parents for hours."

The start-up cost for the program is $1,725, and subsequent years of service cost $1,550. "It's worth every penny for the peace of mind it will provide," Louder said.

"I'd say we're almost obligated to do it," commented board member Michael Lindsey. Other board members agreed the program will prove invaluable, and it was approved unanimously.

High school principal Wade Williams told the board the high school is very busy this time of year.

"The end of the year is within a couple of weeks," he said. "We've had all kinds of trips and the band and choir had their concerts. The juniors and junior sponsors did a great job on prom. Honors Day is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:30 and graduation will be Friday at 8 p.m. sharp.

"We've had the softball tournament going on, and my wife met another coach in Jonesboro who told her he's never been to a better run tournament."

"I want to commend Coach Manchester and Coach Rabjohn," Louder said, "The state softball tournament up at the park has been a nice effort between the city and the school. Our mayor has even been doing some of the announcing at the games. The teams have been happy and everything has been perfect."

In other business the school board:

* accepted the resignation of high school special education teacher Scott Snyder.

* approved school choice for elementary student Houston Highfill.

* voted to continue carrying supplemental insurance for school athletes with Steve Jarrod at $45.50, the same rate as last year.

* noted the school's total assets are $1,652,996.37.