Dr. Prentiss L. Smith was honored Tuesday for his 10 1/2 yearsof service to the Brookhaven School District as a member of theboard of trustees.

Smith, who will not seek , was lighthearted as he reminiscedabout his time on the board during his last meeting as a boardmember.

“I can truly say this has been the most emotionally rewardingboard position that I have ever held, allowing me to be part of thepositive growth in our school system over the past 10 years,” hetold fellow board members and district officials.

Smith received a plaque, a cake and a standing ovation inappreciation for his service. He was also complimented by boardmembers for his dedication to the school system.

“You always had students and people first most in your mind. Irespect you for it and I admire you,” said board member CarlHolloway.

Board member Carl Aycock, who has served with Smith for eightyears, thanked him for his guidance and leadership.

“The public kind of sees the results of things but most of thework goes on underneath. We’ve all struggled with decisions… andI appreciate Prentiss’ leading on that,” he said.

Board members Karen Braden and Dan Brown Jr. thanked Smith forleading and teaching them by example.

Smith assured board members that while it was his last meeting,his heart and spirit would always be with the Brookhaven SchoolDistrict.

He said he was thankful to have two “outstanding young men”vying to take his place, referring to candidates Dustin Walker andStan Patrick.

“Although I am saddened to leave the school board, I feel likethe time is right for a younger board member to take my place whohas their children in the school system and can inject new energyinto our board,” Smith said.

Other matters discussed during the short meeting included anupdate from Superintendent Lea Barrett on the proposed stateeducation budget for the 2005-06 school year.

She told board members the picture had not improved and cutscould be even deeper than expected.

Barrett said the district would also have to shoulder the costof a 1 percent increase in teacher retirement benefits and a$124,000 increase in insurance costs next year along with the statemandated teacher pay raises.

The total budget increase for the Brookhaven School Districtwill be more than $770,000, officials said. Proposed educationfunding would not give the district would not receive enough tocover those costs.

“We have a group of parents at the Legislature lobbying on ourbehalf for full funding of MAEP (Mississippi Adequate EducationProgram),” she told the board.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 22.