She is the mother of one of the most successful comedians and social commentators of our time, and she is coming to Fairfield County for the 2010 Back to School Rally, Aug. 14

Rose Rock, mother of comedian Chris Rock, and author of the acclaimed “Mama Rock’s Rules: Ten Rules for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children,” will be in town for the festivities, and at half her normal cost.

The Fairfield County School Board voted July 26 at a special called meeting to approve Rock’s $2,000 price tag. The district received a break on Rock’s usual $4,000 fee since she was already going to be in the area for another engagement.

The board also approved the purchase of new accounting software at a cost of approximately $9,000. The new software, known as the CSI Student Activity Module, is an addendum to the district’s current software package and will allow the financial department to better handle the flow of cash from student fees.

The purchase came on the recommendation of a recent financial audit.

By acquiring the new software, the district will be eligible for a free upgrade of their entire accounting system, which will save the district more than $46,000.

The board also came closer to wrapping up the district’s hiring for the 2010-2011 school year, leaving only a pair of positions open at the District Office and an assistant principal’s position open at the high school.

Board Chairwoman Annie McDaniel said the positions may very well go unfilled, but will have no impact on the beginning of the school year.

The board also voted not to hear a pair of grievances that were pending before them, one by former Purchasing Director Eddie Nelson and another by Marylin Fredrick, a district office employee.