The workforce of county school custodians is dwindling, but one official has a plan to find replacements.

“We’ve got several that are really good there, but are on the verge of retiring or (are) in bad health,” Sam Stewart, director of finance for the Lincoln County School District, told the school board Monday.

Stewart suggested the district create a list of substitute custodians who could “try out” the job before committing to long-term employment. The move will also allow principals to oversee potential custodians to find out if they can adequately handle the duties.

“It would be a good way to let them come in and work a day or two,” Stewart said. “That way, they get to see what the job is.”

Board members were concerned about the security involved in hiring substitute custodians.

Stewart said subs are required to go through a background check before being allowed on campus, and they are also covered by workers’ compensation when they are on the clock.

Stewart said the schools would most likely need only two or three names for the list.

The board approved Stewart’s idea.

Also, Jeffrey Lea Logging was awarded a bid to harvest timber in Section 16, Township 8N, Range 5E. Lea offered to pay a lump sum of $304,843.88. Lea also offered to furnish a performance bond in the amount of $10,000 within 30 days. 

The board took no action regarding two student matters discussed in executive session.

In other business, the board approved:

• To remove Roshuna Banks from and add Kimberly Stewart to Loyd Star’s substitute teacher list.

• A request from Beta Club sponsor Kimmy Eubanks for permission to take 11 students in personal vehicles to the Beta Leadership Summit in Tupelo Oct. 23-25.

• For Eubanks, Diana White and the senior class at Enterprise to take a senior day trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Nov. 1, where the class will get a behind-the-scenes tour of The 13th Gate, visit the Baton Rouge Zoo and stop in Hammond to play laser tag.

• A request from Loyd Star Principal Robin Case for permission to take the Loyd Star Band on a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, on March 10-12. The Loyd Star Band Boosters held fundraisers to offset the trip’s cost.

• Assistant Superintendent Letha Presley to approve a list of contractual services for the district to use for the 2016-17 school year.

• A contract with Balfour for the 2016-17 school year.