Memphian Eric Cooper, principal at Sherwood Middle School, has been named assistant superintendent of the Helena-West Helena School District.
After a 70-minute executive session Monday night, the H-WH School Board voted 7-0 to hire Cooper at the recommendation of new Superintendent Willie Williams.
“Eric is a Memphis native who has been with the Memphis School District for several years,” Williams stated following the executive session.
Cooper became part of the new superintendent’s administrative team after an extensive study of prospects by the school board.
Cooper will also assume the responsibilities of building and grounds supervisor previously held by John Brownlee who retired at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.
Board chairperson Connie Jarrett asked Williams for a “clarification” of Cooper’s compensation and duties.
Williams proposed a salary of $97,000 and a vehicle furnished by the district. Williams said Cooper would assume the building/grounds duties in addition to assistant superintendent.
The effective date for Cooper’s employment will be July 8.
Board member Larry Wilson made a motion to accept the recommendation and Tommy Stephens seconded it.
The board also accepted the resignations of the following: Tyson Pease, art teacher at Beechcrest; Maxine Bell and Priscilla Dockery, cafeteria workers for the 9-10 grades; Ashanti Hubbs, art teacher at J.F. Wahl; Vivian Godsey, math teacher at Eliza Miller Junior High and Lawana Walker, choice and music teacher at Miller.
HELENA-WEST HELENA —
