The Lincoln County School Board of Trustees were recognized for their work this year by Superintendent Terry Brister.

“People do not understand what you do for the students of Lincoln County,” Brister told the board members. “I do appreciate your loyalty.”

Brister said he knows they sometimes get the negative attention when parents are not happy.

“They look at you as if you can solve all the problems,” he said. “You do not get enough credit.”

The board also took the next step on the Enterprise cafeteria project. Waycaster & Associates Architects, the architect in the project, recommended the board accept Paul Jackson & Son’s bid. Their bid, at $682,000, was not the lowest, but it had the quickest projected construction period of 110 days. The lowest bid, by Smith Painting and Contracting, Inc., was $604,000 and an estimated work period of 170 days.

“We’ve got to get in there,” Brister said.

In this instance, Brister said the timeline was a greater factor than the price.

Johnny Waycaster, of Waycaster & Associates Architects, said according to Mississippi law they can negotiate to lower the project cost by 10 percent. Waycaster said they will adjust the project to justify the decrease in price.

The board approved the recommendation to award Paul Jackson & Sons in the amount of $551,700, contingent up the successful negotiation of the scope of work.

In other board business, the trustees approved the following:

• Collection of money at cheer tryouts.

• Collection of money to purchase optional practice gear and backpacks.

• Accept $200 for West Lincoln’s robotics team from Woodmen of the World Lodge No. 9.

• Accept $1,000 for West Lincoln’s tennis team from the West Lincoln Booster Club.