The Brookhaven School District Board of trustees welcomed a new board member and approved their $30 million budget for the 2013-2014 school year at a meeting Tuesday night.

James Tillman signed his oath of office after being appointed by the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen last week to fill the spot left vacant by the death of Dan Brown.

The board also approved the budget presented last week with no changes. Willie Harrison, board chairman, recused himself from the discussion and the vote. The proposal received all four remaining votes.

The board gave 5-0 approval to many other proposals, including those dealing with fundraisers, agreements with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Mississippi School of the Arts, handbooks and four new board policies.

The board approved the hiring of teachers and employees for the maintenance, technology, lawn crew, transportation and administrative support departments.

Stephanie Henderson, interim superintendent, said the district only has three teacher openings remaining.

Henderson gave a special thank you to retired administrators who are helping rebuild the district.

Stan Patrick in turn thanked Henderson for her work since her appointment.

“In the short time, Mrs. Henderson has been in her position, she has used the breath of fresh air to benefit the district,” he said.

The board also approved the appointment of Missy Zinke as direct supervisor of Rod Henderson, Alexander Junior High, in all matters relating to him, due to the fact that he is interim superintendent Henderson’s husband.

Susan Cochran presented the unqualified opinion of Fortenberry and Ballard, PC CPA, on the financial audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. An unqualified opinion is the ideal opinion in a financial audit. It means that the auditors found no material errors in the financial reporting of the district.

The board went into executive sessions to discuss personnel and student matters.