Attendance was back to normal this week at public schools after a greater than usual incidence of illness during the first weeks of school, Superintendent Dr. James Price told the Vicksburg Warren district’s trustees Thursday.

Fever viruses and early outbreaks of flu, including H1N1 swine flu, as well as other illnesses caused high absentee rates as the first term got under way Aug. 4.

By late August and early September, schools were reporting 200 to 400 more students than usual absent each day, Price said. “In the last two or three weeks we’ve gotten closer to normal, and this week has been normal.” About 350 students, about 4 percent, were out Wednesday.

District nurse coordinator Cyndee Nash said Thursday that about 153 cases of swine flu have been diagnosed.

The schools will be administering free swine flu shots in October. Parental permission will be required.

Schools this year have dealt with deaths of five students, one from bacterial meningitis, one from still-unknown medical problems, one from accidental causes and two from progressive conditions.

Price told the board the school year got off to a “difficult start” from health issues.

During its business meeting, the board rejected a below-par bid for timber on 16th Section land. One bid was received, for $24,181 from Good Hope Inc., a Natchez firm.

“This was significantly lower than what we anticipated,” said Price, adding that he will come back “when times are more favorable.”

Trustees voted 4-0 to reject Good Hope’s bid. Board member Zelmarine Murphy did not attend.

Trustees had authorized Price at their July 30 meeting to initiate the bid process on one of the district’s 16th Section parcels, a 144-acre tract on Kings Point Island. Various types of timber including hardwoods, pecan and other softwoods and pulpwoods grow there.

The board was advised by County Forester Tommy Walker to reject the bid.

Board member Joe Loviza asked Price about the difference between what was expected and what was bid. Price declined to answer, stating he didn’t want to “set up a benchmark” that could alert future bidders and possibly undermine the ability to command the highest possible price for the timber rights.

Each district in the state includes 16th Section, undeveloped land which was set aside to provide a way for schools to bring in income. Districts sell hunting rights, easements and some natural resources.

Price also said preparations are being made for the first intercession period. Between 600 and 1,800 elementary students who need help mastering core curriculum might be invited to attend classes.

Schools are preparing an enrichment component this year for perhaps 300 more, he said. “These are designed to be high-interest, fun learning experiences for those who have mastered the benchmarks.”

The first nine-week term ends Oct. 2. Report cards are scheduled to go home the week of Oct. 5, with intercession following Oct. 12 to 16.

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Contact Pamela Hitchins at phitchins@vicksburgpost.com