Six parents were named Brookhaven School District’s best andbrightest when school officials announced their choices for Parentsof the Year at Tuesday night’s monthly board meeting.

“Research has repeatedly shown that parental involvement isextremely important to the success rates of public schools,” saidAssistant Superintendent James Tillman as he introduced theprincipals to give the awards to the honored parents who werepresent.

Parents of the Year for the respective schools were: SusanBoutwell for Mamie Martin Elementary, Emily Henderson forBrookhaven Elementary, Sarah Foster for Lipsey School, ShannonClark for Alexander Junior High School, Claraetta Jenkins forBrookhaven High School, and Georgia Payton for Brookhaven TechnicalCenter.

After each parent present was given a plaque, Tillman thankedthem for their selflessness and sacrifice through the year.

“Thank you all for going the extra mile,” he said.

Board president Carl Holloway expounded on Tillman’s praise ashe awarded the Overall Parent of the Year Award to ClaraettaJenkins.

“To me, Parent of the Year means that someone went more milesthan all the others,” he said. “We’re honored to present this toMs. Jenkins.”

Although new to the school, Brookhaven High School Principal Dr.Jay Smith said he was well aware of Jenkins, who was not at Tuesdaynight’s meeting. Smith said he had not had a chance to get to knowher as well as his predecessor, Susan Chapman, but that he knew shehad been an integral part of the school system for a long time.

“I know she has been involved with the Brookhaven School Systemsince her kids were very young,” he said, pointing out that heryoungest child just graduated and she has another child atMississippi State University.

In other business, the board approved Business Manager SusanQuin’s request for a resolution to cover a $223,102 shortfall in advalorum property taxes.

“At the beginning we did present a request for $7,004,191 intaxes,” she said, requesting that the board approve a resolution tocover the shortfall and pursue a shortfall loan to do so.

Superintendent Lea Barrett also told the board that Smith hasupdated Brookhaven High School’s Web site to show important newsfor BHS students, including orientation for the 2008-2009 schoolyear and schedules for senior portraits. The information can befound at www.brookhaven.k12.ms.us.