Bryan Merritt will be returning to Chickasha to take over the boys basketball program.

The popular former assistant coach for Dewayne Bradley and former Fightin’ Chick player was officially hired at Monday’s school board meeting to replace Kelly Jobe, whose contract was not renewed.

Merritt applied for the head coaching job at Chickasha when Bradley resigned, and when Jobe was hired, he accepted the head coaching job at Duncan.

In other board action,

--Superintendent Jim Glaze recognized Joyce Richardson support employee of the month. Joyce was hired in 2001 at the central kitchen and It has been said that Joyce is a silent supporter of Chickasha students. Glaze said she puts money in the lunch accounts of disadvantaged students without their knowledge.

--Assistant superintendent Pete Bush updated the Board as to the progress of the debris removal at Intermediate School. He said, hopefully, by next week all asbestos will be removed and then the boilers removed. And, weather

--The board approved a revised transportation plan aimed a cutting down on fuel costs. Provisions include high school groups such as cheer and pom squads traveling on the same bus with sports teams to reduce the number of busses.

--Former Blanchard fastpitch coach Jimmy Darnell was hired to take over the Lady Chick program and “spring” coaches - Dustin Belden (tennis), Brad Gore (baseball), Chad Randle (golf) and Gary Sampson (track) – had their contracts renewed.#