The decision to accept the resignation from Demopolis High School’s softball coach, Wayne Harris, was made at last night’s Demopolis City School Board meeting.

The details of the decision were discussed in an executive session and are not available at this time.

“It’s more of a judgment call at this time,” superintendent Wesley Hill said.

“He just felt like he had an opportunity that would be positive for him professionally,” Demopolis High School principal said about Harris’ departure for another school system. “We wish him the best. He’s a great guy and a state championship coach.”

Espy said Harris’ replacement for the upcoming season is coach Joey Browder.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the board also discussed a request from the DHS’ Band Boosters for a $9,000 payment for new band uniforms.

“We have two options,” Hill told the board. “We could give them the money or we could support or back a loan for them.”

The main concern for board members Bobbie Armstead and James Stanford was setting a precedent for other groups to come to the board for large sums of money, while board member Laura Foster believed if the board was to give the band money, it should pay the entire sum.

“These are our children and we should do right by them,” she said.

With the understanding the uniforms would become school property once purchased and would last an estimated 10 years, the motion to pay half of the money, $4,500, and loan the remainder was accepted with a 3-2 vote.

Foster and Stanford, both said no although it was for different reasons.

“I think we should pay it all,” Foster said.

“I don’t think we should pay any of it because of the precedent we might be setting,” Stanford said.

Board members received word from Espy and Demopolis Middle School principal Clarence Jackson the Saturday Opportunity Program was successful in its first day.

“The first session of the Saturday Opportunity Program went well and we appreciate the board for helping us implement it,” Espy said. “The children showed up and I can tell that it’s already made an impact on specific behavior issues.”

Five field trips were approved for city students and the board agreed to permit use of the U.S. Jones gym for the “International Miss” Beauty Pageant and Youth Development Program on Feb. 4.

The board also accepted a resignation from Sherita M. Williams, effective Jan. 20, and hired Rex Vaughan as a part-time bus driver.

The next Demopolis City Board meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 5:15 p.m.