RIPLEY – South Tippah trustees recently expressed their appreciation to a woman who was a vital part of the South Tippah School District for nearly a half –century.

At trustees’ January meeting, they recognized Lou Ann Miskelly for wide-ranging service to the district.

Mrs. Miskelly retired some time ago, then returned to work for the district on a part time basis before concluding her employment with the district.

Said Superintendent Frank Campbell: “Mrs. Lou Ann Miskelly has played an integral part in the South Tippah School District for the last 49 years.

“During those 49 years, Mrs. Lou Ann has been a teacher, a supervisor, a director, a confidante, and a friend. Her whole professional career was based on her desire to better her students and the overall betterment of South Tippah School District,” the superintendent said.

Over the years, she served as a classroom teacher and principal at Blue Mountain Elementary School, was federal programs director for the district, and also did consulting work for the district.

The district is also well known for comprehensive, detailed minutes of its board meetings; Mrs. Miskelly was responsible for preparing those minutes.

Added Superintendent Campbell: “The legacy of students and colleagues, obtained from years of hard work and dedication given with an attitude of love and sacrifice, is immense and I am proud to be a part of that legacy. We wish Mrs. Lou Ann Miskelly the best of everything.”

Said Mrs. Miskelly: “I love that district and felt very dedicated to teaching the children and making the school system a good one for them. I appreciated that after my retirement they let me come back as part-time employee. I loved every minute I was there.”

In other action during the meeting, trustees:

--Elected board officers for the coming year. David Duncan was elected chairman, Ron Sanderson, vice chairman; Kerry Cockrell, secretary.

--Recognized Patti Medin as the district’s Teacher of the Year.

--Re-employed Price Elliott as board attorney.

--Dropped membership in the National School Board Association. Quitting the organization will save the district dues of about $4,000 annually, district officials said.

--Gave the superintendent a satisfactory evaluation. Superintendent Campbell remains under contract to the district until June 30, 2012.