The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with all board members present. The purpose of the meeting was to consider a partnership with Sumter County School System in support of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility Grant aimed at developing a regional CTE facility to serve high school students from both Sumter and Greene County.
The project will create the Sumter-Greene Career Collaborative Center (SGCCC) as a regional CTE facility serving high school students from both Sumter and Greene County schools. Funding for the project is supported by the enactment of Alabama Senate Bill 253 (Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, different pathways for high school diplomas based on future career plans.)
Prior to the called meeting, the Greene County Board held a work session to discuss the CTE Proposal with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Attorney Hank Sanders, Sumter County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marcy Burroughs, and State Department of Education Consultant, Mr. John Heard. At the close of the work session and following an executive session, the Greene County Board of Education, on the recommendation of Superintendent Jones, approved the proposed joint project, in open session, with four positive votes. Board Member Veronica Richardson opposed the measure.
The request for State funding for the project will be submitted by the Sumter County School System. The dateline for submission is July 31, 2025. SB253 requires a collaboration between two school systems. Sumter County School System will be the Lead LEA and Greene County Schools will be the Partner LEA. If Sumter County is awarded the CTE grant, there will be no cost for Greene County’s participation.

If funded, the SGCCC Project will support the construction of a modern CTE training facility on the grounds of Sumter Central High School near York, AL. The Sumter School System will have approximately 18 months to construct the facility, and 30 months to begin operations.
The initial CTE program labs will include Welding Technology; HVAC/Electrical systems; Health Science; Automotive and Diesel Technology; Information Technology; Advanced Manufacturing. Greene County School System can enroll students in CTE career courses not available at its local Career Center.
The project will integrate industry-standard equipment to support credentialing opportunities for scholars; provide collaboration with regional postsecondary institutions; and create partnerships with West Alabama Works. The SGCCC will serve as a shared regional resource, reducing duplication and maximizing the impact of state and local investment.
The board also approved the following personnel items recommended by Dr. Jones.
* Employment: Marva Smith – Long term sub (ACCESS) – GCHS; Anglee Coley – Gifted Specialist/Intervention teacher; Brandi Eubanks – Elementary teacher – RBMS.
* Termination: Wanda Blakely, Special Education Director, effective July 29, 2025.