At the Greene County School Board meeting held, Monday, August 19, 2019, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones announced that the school system has been awarded a three-year $900,000 grant to implement the Star Academy Program for At-Risk 7th and 8th graders at Robert Brown Middle School beginning this academic year.
Greene County was one of two school systems selected to receive the At-Risk-Discretionary Grant from the Alabama State Superintendent of Education.
The Star Academy, a school within a school, employs standards-based curriculum in Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Studies. Students navigate through a rigorous progression of varied instructional methods incorporating hands-on, real-world learning experiences, individualized instruction, team instruction, and personal development.
The program re-engages students who may have experienced personal, academic, or social challenges in their lives. It provides these students with an opportunity to recapture a sense of purpose, regain their self-esteem, and succeed academically.Approximately 80 seventh and eight grade students at Robert Brown Middle School will be selected to participate in the Star Academy.
Participating teachers will receive staff development. Orientation sessions for parents will also be designed.
The school system provides the faculty and the facility. The Star Academy, through the grant resources, provides the curriculum design; facilities layout, including classroom furnishings; computers and other related classroom materials and support; staff development; on site coordination and support.
Star Academy transforms existing classrooms into new learning environments. The academy includes computers for every student, all project equipment, and custom furniture workstations that provide appropriate workspace for all of the program’s curriculum activities.
As part of his report, Dr. Jones stated the school system is employing special efforts to increase student enrollment. The Truancy Officers are visiting families to assist in the enrollment of their children.
Dr. Jones noted that the system will continue with the Assessment and Instruction Guide including Benchmark Assessments; Pacing Guides; Instructional Observations; Professional Development and Interventions.
Superintendent Jones explained that he is instituting various motivation guides for students, personnel and school facilities. In this plan, individual students will be awarded for attendance and the school with the highest attendance for the month will receive a school banner. The custodial staff will be awarded for the cleanest school facility.
The personnel items recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board include the following:
- Family Medical Leave/Catastrophic Leave for Raven Bryant, Special Education Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School.
- Resignation of Gloria Watkins, First Grade Teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective August 2, 2019; Ginger Norris Glass, Language Arts Teacher, RBM; Latasha Lewis, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation.
*Employment of Quenterica White, First Grade Teacher, Eutaw Primary School;
Denicia Smith, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation; Sheila Henderson, Long-Term Substitute Teacher for 6th grade, RBM. - Supplemental Contract for Russell Rivers, Assistant Football Coach, Greene County High School; Vanessa Bryant, Head Cheerleader Coach; Henry Miles, Jr. Head Football Coach, RBM; Brittany January, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach.
•Rescind employment of Sanjanika Prince as Long-term Substitute, Elementary Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, did not accept position; Mattie Underwood, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation, did not accept position.
Under Instructional Services, Superintendent Jones recommended accepting the At-Risk Discretionary Grant and implementing the Star Academy at Robert Brown Middle School for selective 7th and 8th grade students. The board approved the recommendation.
The board approved the following Administrative Service Items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
*Contract between Greene County Board and West Alabama Therapy, to provide Occupational and Physical Therapy for Greene County Schools, for 2019-2020 school year.
*Contract between Greene County Board and Kim Herren, to provide Developmental Delay Services, for 2019-2020 school year.
*Agreement between Community Service Program of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start, Early Head start, for 2019-2020 school year. - Agreement between Greene County Board and Mattie Strode, to provide Home Bound services for 2019-2020 school year.
- Agreement between WeCare Therapy Services.
- Agreement between Woods Therapeutic, to provide behavioral Aide, for Special need students.
Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. - District-Wide Time and Attendance System, to strengthen accountability of employees for payroll purposes.
- Travel Policy Provision.
- Class Wallet for Classroom Instruction Supply (CSI).
- Contract between West Central Volleyball Officials Association & Greene County Board of Education for Volleyball Officials for the 2019-2020 school year.
- Contract between Blackboard Inc. and Greene County Board of Education for District Website hosting for the 2019-2020 school year.
In his report, Attorney Hank Sanders advised that the board consider turning over to the attorney, for further action, the Exclusivity Agreement between Lee HVBAC, et. al of Moundville and the Greene County School System. Dr. Jones offered the recommendation and the board approved the same.
The Greene County CSFO presented a financial snapshot of the system as of June 30, 2019. The general fund balance is $1,228,849.73; the same reconciles to the Summary Cash Report; total checks written for the period – $259,806.57; Payroll Register – $855,633.73 (total gross pay to include employer match items; Combined Fund Balance – $3,727,224.02; Local Revenue – local taxes collected totaled $107,243.84; Bingo Collections totaled $45,120.