Author Archives: greenecodemocratcom

Eutaw City Council meeting devoted to disagreement over Class Day after-party

Posted on by

By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher

The Eutaw City Council held a Special Meeting at Noon on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Much of the meeting, including a 38-minute executive session, was devoted to a discussion of the actions of Mayor Latasha Johnson and the Eutaw Police Department in closing down an after-party held by the Dangerous Divas Social and Savings Club, after Class Day on Saturday September 16th, at the Robert H. Young Community Center, formerly known as Carver School.

The meeting was packed with members of the Dangerous Divas and their supporters, many of whom had attended Class Day and the beginnings of the afterparty.

The Dangerous Divas, a social and savings club with a membership of 13 local young women, had secured a contract for the use of the field behind Carver School for outdoor activities during the day, like bar-be-ques, and the use of the gymnasium for the after-party that night. The contract does not allow for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages unless a special permit is secured from the state ABC Board.

Kelvia Hunter, President of the Dangerous Divas, in a telephone interview said, “We were never told about needing a special permit to serve alcohol. If we knew this, we would have gotten the proper permits.” Hunter did say that alcohol was served at the party, that there was a ten-dollar admission fee to the after-party, which entitled the attendee to free drinks. She also indicated that there were off-duty police security at the door, who were instructed to deny admission to anyone under the 21-year drinking age in Alabama.

Hunter asserted, “The Mayor knew we were serving alcohol, because we have had six prior events at the same place, under the same rules, without an ABC permit. We also put out on social media our admission charge and that drinks were included. The mayor knew what was happening, but she still stopped our after-party without giving us any explanation.”

Mayor Johnson said, “I ended the party because liquor was being served. I saw children and others under the age of 21 attending the party. They invited the high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, who are all below the drinking age. We also had four ambulance runs for people who got sick at the field program and a police report of an altercation between young men, who had guns. This situation was just too dangerous, and our police force was undermanned for the large crowd. We just had to stop the party before it got out of hand and endangered the people there and others in our city.”

Mayor Johnson said, “The City dropped the ball, we should have more clearly explained the rental contract and rules for the sale and serving of alcohol. We accept some of the responsibility for the problems at this event, but we feel the Dangerous Divas must also take responsibility for their mistakes connected to this event. We must learn from this for future events to be hosted at the city owned community center.”

At the City Council meeting, when the issue came up, a resolution was adopted to return the $1,150 contract fee to the Dangerous Divas, due to the misunderstandings concerning the event. Ms. Kelvia Hunter said, “ Our organization lost much more than the contract fee and we want to be reimbursed for all of our losses.”

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Approved participation in the 2024 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, February 23-25, 2024.
• Received financial reports from Financial Consultant, Ralph Liverman, concerning USDA water system accounts at Citizens Trust Bank.
• Tabled action on lending the city’s street sweep to Aliceville for a day to clean the streets prior to an event.
• Approved travel for staff to attend the APCO Conference at Perdido Beach on November 15-18, 2023.
• Moved several items dealing with City vehicles, credit cards, rental agreements for use of the Robert H. Young Community Center and other matters to a Council Work Session to be held in October.
• Approved payment of bills for September.

USDA extends application deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024

Posted on by

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was October 31, 2023.
This deadline extension is responsive to feedback from potential applicants, nongovernmental program administrators and community-based organizations working closely with USDA to inform and assist eligible individuals. The new deadline will allow more time to reach and help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners through direct, no-cost technical assistance and training sessions. The extension will also ensure everyone has adequate time to apply, including producers whose harvest season falls during the original application period.
“USDA knows it must earn the trust of the farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who are eligible for this program. That makes transparency in the administration of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program crucial,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “In that spirit, after receiving feedback from organizations that have been supporting producers throughout the application process, we have made the decision to extend the deadline. We believe this is the appropriate action to take to ensure all eligible individuals wishing to apply are adequately informed about the program and have the opportunity to receive any necessary assistance.”
Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF , a cooperator organization that has been assisting with outreach and technical assistance on DFAP applications, said “ We are pleased that USDA has extended the deadline to January 13, 2024. This will give us a chance to reach the hundreds of farmers who have contacted our offices across the South seeking assistance in filling out their DFAP applications. We will be able to devote time to planning and preparing quality applications for each farmer instead of rushing to meet the October deadline.”
This program delivers on Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Congress provided a total of $2.2 billion for this program. The amount of money awarded to individuals through this program will depend on the number of eligible applicants and the consequences of the discrimination. Eligible individuals have the option to apply online or by submitting paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to local program offices. Applicants are not required to retain an attorney and should take precautions to protect themselves from potential scams.
In addition to the application deadline change, the deadline to request records from USDA’s Farm Service Agency for use in applications has been extended to Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. The application process was designed so that FSA records are not required, though relevant records may be attached to an application as additional evidence if they are available.
To learn more about the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program or receive assistance in English or Spanish, visit www.22007apply.gov, email info@22007apply.gov or contact the national call center at 1-800-721-0970 from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT, every day except federal holidays. If you use sign language to communicate, you can use the 711 relay service to call. You may also email or contact the national call center if you have a disability and need another accommodation. Information about the program, resources, recent office openings and local events across the country is also available through a weekly e-newsletter.
Persons interested in contacting the Federation of Southern Cooperatives for technical assistance in filling out applications may call : 1-888-533-3271 or contact: 22007dfap@federation.coop to schedule an appointment for technical assistance in the application process.

Newswire : African leaders show new militancy amid growing environmental crises

Posted on by

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana addresses UN General Assembly

Sep. 25, 2023 (GIN) – “We must make up for time lost to foot-dragging, arm-twisting and the naked greed of entrenched interests raking in billions from fossil fuels.”
 
That was Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the U.N. speaking to world leaders at a General Assembly symposium at United Nations headquarters this month.
 
The world still has the capacity to course correct if only global leaders would take action and support developing countries in addressing the crises, he added.
 
“Our focus here is on climate solutions – and our task is urgent. Humanity has opened the gates of hell,” Guterres said. “If nothing changes we are heading towards a 2.8 degrees temperature rise towards a dangerous and unstable world.
 
Meanwhile, in speeches before the U.N., African leaders presented a new and militant message: The continent is done being a victim of a post-World War II order. It is a global power and must be partnered with — not sidelined. 
 
“We as Africa have come to the world, not to ask for alms, charity or handouts, but to work with the rest of the global community and give every human being in this world a decent chance of security and prosperity,” Kenyan President William Ruto was reported to say by the Associated Press. 
 
He urged countries in the Global South to pool together their trillions of dollars in collective resources to independently finance climate initiatives.
 
Neither Africa nor the developing world stands in need of charity from developed countries,” he said, proposing a universal tax on the sale of fossil fuels.
 
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo blamed Africa’s present-day challenges on “historical injustices” and called for reparations for the slave trade. 
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said the continent is poised to “regain its position as a site of human progress” despite dealing with a “legacy of exploitation and subjugation.”
 
“Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future,” said Nigerian leader Bola Tinubu, who leads a country that, by 2050, is forecast to become the third most populous in the world.
 
With the largest bloc of countries at the United Nations, it is understandable that African leaders increasingly demand a bigger voice in multilateral institutions, said Murithi Mutiga, program director for Africa at the Crisis Group. “Those calls will grow especially at a time when the continent is being courted by big powers amid growing geopolitical competition.”
 
“Africa has no need for partnerships based on official development aid that is politically oriented and tantamount to organized charity,” President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said. “Trickling subsidies filtered by the selfish interests of donors will certainly not allow for a real and effective rise of our continent.”
 
Tshisekedi’s country has the world’s largest reserves of cobalt and is also one of the largest producers of copper, both critical for clean energy transition.
 
What Africa needs instead, according to Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, is a more inclusive global financial system where Africans can participate as “a partner that has (a) lot to offer to the world and not only a warehouse that supplies cheap commodities to countries or international multinational corporations.”
 

Newswire : Remembering Hollis Watkins, Veteran of Mississippi Civil Rights Movement ,who died at 82 last week

Posted on by

Hollis Watkins Muhammed

Bio compiled by Mississippi Department of Archives and History

A native of Mississippi, Hollis Watkins, was born in 1941 and grew up on a small farm in Chisholm Mission and became one of the first young Mississippians to commit to full-time work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Watkins also served as founder and president of the Pike County Nonviolent Direct Action 
Committee,

He was a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and a county organizer in the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project.
Inspired by civil rights leader Bob Moses, Watkins began organizing local voter registration drives within the Pike County community. He organized one of the first sit-ins in McComb at a Woolworth’s lunch counter with fellow activist Curtis Hayes and was arrested and jailed multiple times for participating in various demonstrations.
Watkins was known for his use of freedom songs as an inspiration to encourage others to join the movement. He traveled across the state and worked on voter registration campaigns with other civil rights leaders such as Vernon  Dahmer. Watkins was also involved in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party that challenged the state’s 
all-white delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Hollis Watkins dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of Black Mississippians,” said Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums. “He was heavily involved in the creation of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, lending his voice to the museum’s central gallery. Museum staff are disheartened to learn of his death, but
 his legacy continues to inspire us.”

In 1989, Watkins co-founded Southern Echo, a community organization which works to develop leaders and empower local residents in support of the welfare of African American communities throughout Mississippi. He also served as chair of the Veteran of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement. Watkins was honored with a Fannie 
Lou Hamer Humanitarian Award from Jackson State University in 2011 and received an honorary doctorate from Tougaloo College in 2015.
Watkins died on September 20, 2023, at the age of 82.

Newswire: Annual Congressional Black Caucus conference concludes with power remarks from Biden and Harris

Posted on by

 Vice President Kamala Harris

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference concluded with resounding calls to action by Black lawmakers and their unwavering commitment to uphold democratic values and advance the rights of Black Americans.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to the dedication of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) in their pursuit of progress and equality.
“I chose to run because silence is complicit, and I would not be silent,” Biden said in an impassioned address at the Phoenix Awards, hoping to underscore the urgency of the moment. “Democracy was at stake in 2020, and thank God, because of you, we won,” Biden said.
However, the president also issued a sobering reminder that the threat to democracy persists. “I wish I can say the threat to our democracy ended with our victory in 2020, but it didn’t. Our democracy is still at stake, don’t kid yourself,” Biden insisted.
Vice President Harris, herself a former CBC member, lauded the Caucus as the nation’s moral compass, emphasizing their role as truth-tellers about the past and advocates for the future. “Across America, there is a full-on attack on many of the hard-fought, hard-won freedoms that the CBC has achieved,” Harris asserted.
The evening also celebrated leaders and trailblazers who have dedicated themselves to advancing the cause of Black communities. The 2023 Phoenix Awards recognized individuals whose work is creating opportunities for the next generation:
• White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre received the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Honorary Co-Chairs’ Award.
• Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass was honored with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Award.
• House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) received the Congressional Black Caucus’s Body Award.
• Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-TN-52) was presented with the Congressional Black Caucus Chair’s Award.
• MC Lyte and LL Cool J were bestowed with the 2023 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Culture Icon Award.
The conference featured insightful panels and discussions addressing critical issues facing Black communities throughout the week. Notable sessions included a press conference hosted by the Hip Hop Caucus, calling for continued activism around issues of policing and overpolicing.
Additionally, a panel led by CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford and Small Business Association Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman highlighted the significant increase in SBA-backed loans going to Black-owned businesses under the Biden-Harris Administration.
Other sessions delved into critical topics such as advancing equity in infrastructure access, protecting voting rights, and celebrating arts and foreign affairs achievements. A panel discussion on the battle for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the face of growing opposition was of particular significance.
The conference also addressed critical issues such as transportation and the impact of innovations on Black communities. A panel on artificial intelligence delved into leveraging the potential of AI while mitigating risks and ensuring that Black voices are amplified in discussions surrounding emerging technologies.
With the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action and challenges to DEI initiatives, this year’s ALC took on added importance, said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of CBCF. “It is vital that we all engage…to fortify our democracy, protect fundamental freedoms, and celebrate the richness and vibrancy of our cultural heritage” as the nation looks ahead to a pivotal 2024 presidential election,” Austin-Hillery asserted.

Newswire: U. S. Supreme Court rejects Alabama’s bid to use congressional map with just one majority-Black district

Posted on by

 Alabama voter holds up a voting sticker issued at the polls

By Lawrence Hurley, NBC News


WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday handed a defeat to Alabama Republicans for the second time in three months, rejecting their latest attempt to use a congressional map that includes only one majority-Black district.
The court in two related applications refused emergency requests from Republican state officials to block lower court rulings that invalidated the new map. Lower court proceedings to approve a new map are still ongoing. Today, a Special Master chosen by the appellate court, delivered three maps, with two majority Black voting age population districts, before the Supreme Court ruling.
The decision was in line with the Supreme Court ruling against the state in June that reaffirmed a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act in rejecting the state’s first effort to draw congressional district boundaries.
There were no noted dissenting votes and the court did not explain its reasoning.
“Alabama’s open defiance of the Voting Rights Act stops today,” said Abha Khanna, a lawyer who helped challenge the maps. She expressed hope that the decision might “prompt Alabama to rethink their dogged resistance to providing equal political opportunities to Black Alabamians.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, doubled down on the state’s approach, saying in a statement Tuesday that both maps the state has drawn should have been upheld.
“It is now clear that none of the maps proposed by Republican supermajorities had any chance of success. Treating voters as individuals would not do. Instead, our elected representatives and our voters must apparently be reduced to skin color alone,” he said.
“We will comply with the district court’s preliminary injunction order, while building our case for the 2023 map, which has yet to receive a full hearing. We are confident that the Voting Rights Act does not require, and the Constitution does not allow, “separate but equal” congressional districts,” AG Marshall concluded.
The Supreme Court’s earlier ruling forced the state back to the drawing board. But the new map — like the previous one — includes only one district where Black voters are likely to be able to elect a candidate of their choosing. Alabama has seven congressional districts, and 27% of the state’s population is Black.
The new map was thrown out in two different lower court rulings, with the judges saying an additional minority-Black district was required, in line with the Supreme Court’s June ruling.
“We are not aware of any other case in which a state legislature — faced with a federal court order declaring that its electoral plan unlawfully dilutes minority votes and requiring a plan that provides an additional opportunity district — responded with a plan that the state concedes does not provide that district,” one of the court rulings said.
A new map with a second majority-Black district could help Democrats in their bid to win control of the House of Representatives in next year’s election, with Black people in the state more likely to vote Democratic. There are currently six Republicans and one Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation.
The two consolidated cases arose from litigation over the congressional district map the Republican-controlled Legislature drew after the 2020 census. The challengers, including individual voters and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, said the map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against Black voters.
Lower court judges have now repeatedly ruled that under existing law plaintiffs had shown that Alabama’s Black population was both large enough and sufficiently compact for there to be a second majority-Black district.
Two conservatives — Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh — joined the three liberal justices in the majority in the Supreme Court ruling in June.
But the court did leave open future challenges to the law, with Kavanaugh writing in a separate opinion that his vote did not rule out challenges to Section 2 based on whether there is a time when the 1965 law’s authorization of considering race in redistricting is no longer justified.
Marshall seized upon Kavanaugh’s pronouncements in his request to block the lower court rulings. He also cited the court’s decision in June to end the consideration of race in college admissions as an example of why a remedy for historical race discrimination that may have once been lawful and justified is no longer appropriate.

Newswire: Biden visits the picket line in Michigan to show solidarity with striking UAW

Posted on by

President Joe Biden joins striking United Auto Workers on the picket line, in Van Buren Township, Mich. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain stands at left.

By Betsy Klein and Nikki Carvajal, CNN

President Joe Biden on Tuesday joined members of the United Auto Workers in Michigan on the picket line, a historic moment for a modern president that comes amid a tense reelection race against a familiar foe. Biden is the first sitting U. S. President to join a union picket line.
The trip comes as Biden faces consistently low polling numbers on his handling of economic issues, and, back in Washington, the looming threat of a government shutdown this week. Both a prolonged strike and a shutdown could have economic consequences – something the White House is seeking to avoid as Biden tries to convince voters his economic policies are working. He’s also appearing in the battleground state of Michigan just one day before his chief political rival – whom he defeated in the 2020 presidential election – comes to the crucial swing state to make his own appeal to union workers.
Former President Donald Trump, the front-runner in the GOP presidential primary race, is scheduled to skip the second Republican debate to deliver a prime-time speech to an audience of current and former union members, including from the UAW, in Detroit on Wednesday. Trump has slammed the president for the visit, claiming Biden “had no intention” of walking the picket line until Trump said he would make a speech in Michigan. 
Biden, wearing a UAW hat, spoke into a bullhorn to the workers on the picket line recounting that “the fact of the matter is that you guys, UAW, you guys saved the automobile industry” during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Biden said the companies have recovered and are doing “incredibly well” now.
“You should be doing incredibly well too,” Biden said.Biden told the autoworkers marching that they “deserve the significant raise you need, and other benefits,” reiterating, “We saved them, it’s about time they step up for us.”
He added, “Folks, you’ve heard me say many times, Wall Street didn’t build this country, the middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. That’s a fact, so let’s keep going. You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than you’re getting paid.”
Biden is attempting to use the trip to support autoworkers without getting involved in the specifics of the negotiations. Amid mounting political pressure to ramp up his public support, Biden is expressing solidarity with the union members, who are striking against the Big Three automakers – General Motors, Ford and Stellantis – for a second week. 
“I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under,” Biden said Monday during a meeting with his HBCU advisory board when asked whether he supports the UAW’s asks in the negotiations. “They gave everything, from their pensions on. And they saved the automobile industry. And I think that now that the industry is roaring back, they should participate in the benefit of that.
“If you take a look at the significant increase in salaries for executives, growth in the industry, they should benefit from it. So, yes, I support – I’ve always supported the UAW.”
The answer was reflective of the fine line that the president is attempting to walk by standing in solidarity with striking autoworkers while not getting directly involved or putting his thumb on the scale of negotiations. The administration lacks any legal or legislative authority to act as a participant in the negotiations, but top officials, including Biden, have met with UAW leadership to discuss broader policy changes that would be seen as favorable, even as the union has criticized the administration’s support of a transition to electric vehicle manufacturing. 

Greene County hosts its 2023 homecoming: GCHS Tigers took on Tuscaloosa Academy Knights in its Friday night contest

Posted on by

By: Kayla Nickson
Greene County High School Student

Greene County Tigers played in a 2A area competition game on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took on the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights. Tuscaloosa Academy defeated Greene County with the final score being 48 – 7. Greene County Tigers Quarterback Ronald Wilder (Sophomore) had a total of 108 passing yards. Wilder also led the team in rushing yards with quarterback keepers. Markevis Collier (Sophomore) led the Tigers with the most receiving yards during Friday night’s contest. On the defensive side of the ball Shayla Hill (Junior) led the team with 4 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles. Although the Tigers didn’t get the outcome hoped for, the week was filled with a lot fun activities during its homecoming spirit week. Greene County Tigers will now move on to face Winston County on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Winston County. The Tigers record is now 2-2 (0-2 in the 2A region 5). The Tigers are still looking forward to your continued support as we continue this season. Goodluck to the team and coaching staff this Thursday.

Goals and implementation of Title IV, Part A funding highlighted at School Board meeting

Posted on by

The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, September 18, with all board members in attendance except Ms. Carrie Dancy.
A special feature of the meeting was an inclusive report of the system’s Federal Programs for the current fiscal year by Dr. Charlayne Jordan Riley, Federal Program Coordinator, including the following goals:
• Goal 1: Build a playground at Robert Brown Middle school which will foster a healthier environment for those middle school scholars and extend the learning from primary school to middle school.
• Goal 2: Incorporate STEM/STEAM activities which will support accountability areas in grades 3-12 including mathematics and science.
• Goal 3: Purchase social emotional equipment and supplies which will assist in providing for a safe and healthy environment for all scholars.
The implementation of these program goals depends on the utilization of $84,534 of Title IV, Part A funds received by the Greene County Board of Education. The program will develop the RBMS playground in two phases, as an extension of the playground at Eutaw Primary School. The STEM and STEAM work will provide a well-rounded education with both hard and soft problem-solving skills to all students in our schools, with emphasis on safe and healthy schools.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones report including the following positive school news.

EPS Positives News  •  Educators have completed Reading and Math Data Meetings for all Beginning of the Year Assessments.
• Scholars of the Month were recognized for displaying the following Character Education Traits: Citizenship, Self-Control, Punctuality, Self-Respect. Scholars were awarded with an Ice Cream Party.
* Reading and Math Intervention has started for scholars in first through third grade.
RBMS Positives News
* Grandparents Day on 9/12/2023 was great. Enjoyed by all of our Grandparents that came out.
* Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. RBMS and their Court along with Mr. Unique.
* Spirit week was awesome.
* We had Positive Attendance from students this Month which is Attendance Matters Month.
GCHS Positive News:
* The school year is off to a great start; we have had great parental involvement at our Freshmen and Senior Orientation.
* Homecoming festivities were a success and our Adopt-A-School Partner, Cook Unity in the Community donated a water hydration system to GCHS football team.
* We would also like to welcome our New Adopt-A-School Partner, Boss Ties, LLC on board!
*Officers for 2023-2024 were installed for PTA.
GCCC Positive News
* Skilled Trades of West Alabama participants are at the mid-point of the 10-week program. (Electrical, Plumbing, Construction, HVAC)
* Class meets on Wednesday & Thursday from 5-8pm
* CCR Grant awarded for $129,400.00 for activities which increase the number of students graduating with one or more College and Career Readiness (CCR) indicators. (Programing for all schools were included in the grant)
*  LaMonica Little, Career Coach was selected to receive a professional learning scholarship to participate in the 2024 Professional Learning our and STEM leaders in the Dominican Republic, February 15-20, 2024.
* Military Monday’s have begun. All branches of the military and colligate level ROTC programs are scheduled to come in to speak with students and make connections with those interested in the military.
* GCCC faculty & staff will celebrate “College Wear Wednesday” on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Maintenance Updates: RBMS – HVAC- All reported HVAC issues have been repaired; Temporary Press Box- A storage building has been rented for the remaining of the football season. We have added the PA system as well as temporary lighting; PA System-has been delivered and installed; Scoreboard- the scoreboard has been delivered and installed.
Maintenance Updates: GCHS – Roof- Johns Kirksey has not yet provided the information on the warranty. Bakers Roofing has completed the repairs that the system was responsible for. GCCC – Roof- Bakers Roofing has completed the repairs; Welding booth- Reynolds has started on the welding booth and estimated time of completion is two weeks.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones
* Employment: Jasmine Armstead, Science Teacher, Greene County High School.
* Resignation: Cynthia Crawford, technical services, effectively immediately.
* After-School Tutorial Program – Eutaw Primary School: Cara Durrett, Reading Coach; Gloria McGee, Kindergarten Teacher; Sheila Tillman, Kindergarten Teacher; Kaleigha Jemison, First Grade Teacher; Pamela Pasteur, First Grade Teacher; Montoya Binion, Second Grade Teacher; Sarah Crawford, Second Grade Teacher; LaShaun Henley, Third Grade Teacher; Keisha Williams, Third Grade Teacher; Shana Lucy, Third Grade Teacher; Gwendolyn Webb, Paraprofessional.
* After-School Tutorial Program – Robert Brown Middle School: Felecia Smith – Lead Teacher, 7th/8th Grades; Pinkie Travis – Assistant; Vanessa Bryant – 4th Grade Teacher; Demetris Lyles – 4th Grade Teacher; Tyletha Lord – 5th Grade Teacher; Quentin Walton – 6th Grade Teacher; Elroy Skinner – 7th/8th Grades Teacher; Raven Bryant – Self Contained (Special Services); Mary Hopson (Special Service Aide).
Wennoa Peebles, as bus driver for Stillman College Upward Bound Program for 2023-2024 school year
* After school Tutorial program Bus drivers for 2023-2024 School year: George Pippen; Eddie Coats; Stanley Lucious; Gerald Holloway; Natasha Lewis; Freddie Merriweather; Ayanna Crawford; David Peterson III.
•After School Tutorial Program – Greene County High School: Victoria Moore – Science Edgenuity; Tameshia Porter – Reading Edgenuity; Tura Edwards, – Reading/Language Arts; Dutchess Jones – Math; Drenda Martin – Assistant; Angela Harkness – Special Services; Rodney Wesley – Math.
Administrative Services approved by the board are as follows:
* Contract between Greene County Board and Demisha Stough, Gifted Specialist for 2023-2024 school term.
* Agreement between Greene County Board and Hammill Recreation for Installation of Playground Equipment at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $329,800 from Frasier Ousley to construct a press box at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Greene County Board Five Year Capital Plan.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $218,400 from Paige Properties and Construction, LLC dba Bama Flooring for Re-roofing Project at Eutaw Primary School.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $258,575 from Floors and More, LLC for new flooring at Eutaw Primary School.
•Greene County School District Yoga + Wellness with Keya Nkonoki.
•Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
• Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Greene County High School to travel to Biloxi High School for 7th annual Lady Indians Holiday Classic.
* LaMonica Little, Career Coach, selected to receive professional learning scholarship to participate in 2024 STEM leaders in the Dominican Republic, February 15-20, 2024.