Greene County Democrat

Category: Sports

  • Greene County Board of Education celebrates ‘School Board Recognition Month’

    Board members receive recognition from schools and Central Office

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, in the Central Office auditorium. All five school board members were present.
    It was National School Board Recognition Month, so each of the Board member was honored with gifts from the schools and Central Office staff. This included a healthy edible bouquet of flowers, composed of fruits, from Acting Superintendent Darryl Aikerson, a globe and other gifts.
    In addition to the gifts, the Board also heard reports from the acting Superintendent, CFO on finances and other staff on curriculum and programmatic matters. The Board also approved minutes of its recent meetings on December 15, 18, 30 and January 5, which involved selecting a new Superintendent.
    Ms. Martin, Curriculum Coordinator reported on the Alabama Numeracy Act which requires that all students from K to 5th grade learn basic math skills and are able to do and solve basic math problems. The act, which is similar to the Alabama Literacy Act, requires students to have basic math skills and understanding by 5th. Grade. The act provides math coaches and summer math camps for students who need additional assistance and support in math. There are math coaches assigned to Eutaw Primary School and Robert Brown Middle School, with financing from the State of Alabama, under the Numeracy Act to assist students in Greene County meet these requirements.
    The Board held an Executive Session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The Board made the following Personnel changes:
    • EMPLOYMENTS (CLASSIFIED)
 Williams, Shirleria RBMS CNP 

    • RESIGNATION(S)
 Eubanks, Brandi RBMS Teacher Elementary 
    
• VOLUNTARY TRANSFER
 Davis, Linda RBMS to GCHS CNP Cook 
    
• RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION STIPENDS (RTI)
 McGee, Pamela EPS Teacher PK-3 
 Durrett, Carla EPS ARI Reading Coach.

    The Board also approved these Administrative Service items, as recommended by the Acting Superintendent:
    Quote from RJ Young (Sophos Antivirus License Renewal) $45,356.68

    Quote from Renaissance for Nearpod, Flocabulary and services (Learning License, 1 year) $19,530.00

    Renewal of Service and Support Agreement with Albireo Energy to continue maintenance and support of the Building Management System (BMS) and access control systems, including cameras and HVAC, at Greene County High School (GCHS) and Greene County Career Center (GCCC)

    Proposal from Bailey Group to provide Instructional coaching (ELA English Language Arts) at Robert Brown Middle for 5th & 6th grade in the amount of $15,000

    Proposal from Bailey Group to provide Instructional coaching (Math) at Robert Brown Middle for 5th & 6th grade in the amount of $15,000

    Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll

    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO

    The Board received a financial report from CFO, Marquita Lennon, on the months of November and December 2025. For December 2025, she summarized the results saying:
    *General Fund Bank Balance $5,841,722.47
    reconciles to the Summary Cash Report
    * Accounts Payable Check Register $231,756.27
    *  Payroll Register $929,427.21*Total gross pay, to include employer match items
    * Combined Ending Fund Balance: $7,414,733.33

    Leo Branch, Board Chair announced that the Board Committee had met with Dr. Timothy Thurmond and worked out the details of his contract to be the new Superintendent beginning February 1, 2026.

     

     

  • Greene County Commission assists ambulance service to meet expenses and keep operating

    At a special called meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Greene County Commission responded to an urgent request from the Greene County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) for funds to pay bills, including payroll, to allow the county’s ambulance services to keep operating.
    Commission Chair Garria Spencer said, “We are responding to the Greene County Ambulance Service with an advance of $88,000 to meet back expenses. We expect GEMS to contact others, including, the county municipalities, the Sheriff, the Industrial Board, the volunteer fire departments and others for immediate support. Any money collected from other agencies should be paid to the County Commission, to reimburse for this advance. The advance will allow the ambulance service to continue operating while we seek a more permanent solution to its problems.”
    Vickie Colson, was recently chosen as Chair of the GEMS, when other members resigned. She informed the County Commission of the crisis financial problems and asked for assistance in continuing the vital work of the ambulance service in Greene County.
    Colson also informed the Commission that Chris Jones, GEMS current Executive Director, had submitted his resignation and that the board would be responsible for directing and supervising operations until a new director is found and can be placed in that position.
    Other surrounding rural counties including Sumter, Pickens and Hale have also had problems in maintaining ambulance services in a situation with isolated and aging rural populations, low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and the general uncertainties of the future financial stability of rural health care, under the Trump budget cuts.
    In talking with Ms. Colson, it seems that the Greene County EMS is in need of more guaranteed revenue sources to subsidize operations and capital expenses, like maintaining and expanding the ambulance fleet. Beyond the County Commission, the municipalities, gaming, the fire departments and others will need to make annual guaranteed allocations for the ambulance services. Another possibility is to raise the advalorem milage property tax rate to support the ambulance service.
    The County Commission stepped up to the plate to assure the continuance of ambulance services in Greene County but all of us, residents of the county, businesses and industries, fire departments and others will need to stand firm in figuring a way forward for this vital and needed service.

  • Newswire : Alabama students, professors appeal ruling in lawsuit challenging anti-DEI law

    Flowers on campus

    By Chance Phillips, Alabama Political Reporters

    On Monday, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the anti DEI law SB129 on behalf of college students and instructors at Alabama’s public universities.
    In a press release, ACLU of Alabama Legal Director Alison Mollman called the appeal a “necessary next step to ensuring that the constitutional rights of all professors and students are protected in Alabama.”
    Filed last January, the lawsuit alleges that SB129 is an unconstitutional infringement on Alabamians’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
    “SB 129 unconstitutionally abridges the First Amendment right of the students to receive information and the right of the professors to disseminate ideas without undue imposition of governmental viewpoints,” the original complaint asserts. “SB 129 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it was enacted with intent to discriminate against Black professors and students, and those who ally with them.”
    APR reported earlier this year that documents submitted as evidence in the lawsuit showed professors concerned that their classes would be effectively banned by SB129 and describing a general “pall of distrust, anxiety, and fear.”
    “As a senior, I have watched our campus change overnight, as students are afraid to speak, opportunities for thoughtful engagement have disappeared, and students’ shared sense of belonging has eroded,” Sydney Testman, a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, stated. “With this appeal, we hope the courts will recognize the real and lasting damage that SB 129 has caused to me, my classmates, and my professors.”
    Before SB129 was enacted, Testman was the finance coordinator for UAB’s Social Justice Advocacy Council, which had received funding from the university that was terminated after UAB and other public universities closed their offices meant to encourage and help students who are members of minority groups.

    Signed by Governor Kay Ivey during the 2024 legislative session, SB129 formally prohibits state agencies and public universities from sponsoring diversity, equity and inclusion programs or requiring individuals to “personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to a divisive concept.”
    In August, a federal district court judge denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction against SB129’s enforcement. He wrote that the University of Alabama Board of Trustees “clearly has an interest in regulating the type of classroom indoctrination forbidden by SB 129” and referred to the current Trump administration’s stance on “preferential treatment based on race.”
    Requesting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit approve a preliminary injunction, the appeal filed earlier this week charges that the district court judge “committed an abuse of discretion” by ruling that the students and the Alabama NAACP lacked standing, which contributed to the denial of the request for an injunction.
    It also challenges claims that SB129 is not unconstitutionally vague and that professors’ speech affected by SB129 is not protected by the First Amendment.
    “The law continues to censor classrooms, restrict student expression, and disproportionately harm Black and LGBTQ+ students,” Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel Antonio Ingram wrote. “We will continue to challenge SB 129 because every student in Alabama deserves an accurate, high-quality education free from discrimination, fear, or undue interference from politicians.”

  • School Board selects Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent

    The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 and selected Mr. Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent, effective immediately in order to allow for a smooth transition with Dr. Corey Jones, whose last official day as superintendent is September 30, 2025.
    Following the preliminary opening, including removing the executive session item from the agenda, Mr. Aikerson was asked to give a presentation to the board, staff and community members present. He noted that he has served in multiple leadership positions in public education, including teacher, principal and superintendent. Specifically, he served for six years as superintendent of Tuscumbia City Schools (2015-2021). Prior to that, he served as Director of Federal Programs for the Bessemer City Schools for 21 years.
    More recently, Aikerson served three months in 2024 as interim superintendent for the Selma City School System. According to Aikerson, Selma City Schools were having financial challenges once the ESSER Funds were depleted. “Much of these funds had been applied to high salaries, which the system could not continue,” he said. He also stated that he left the Selma City Schools in a good condition.
    Responding to board inquiries on his style of administrative leadership, Aikerson noted the following: Leadership starts with building relationships; that always comes first; that’s more important. I will communicate regularly with individual board members, meet principals and administrators, connect with parents including attending PTA meetings, athletic and other school events.”
    In closing, Aikerson said, “ I am available to contract with the board as a consultant to help with the seamless transition with the new superintendent.”
    Following questions from the community members, Board Vice President, Veronica Richardson, moved to accept Mr. Aikerson as interim superintendent. Ms. Carrie Dancy seconded. There was unanimous approval. A second motion, authorizing the Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Richardson, along with Board Attorney Hank Sanders, to work out the details with Mr. Aikerson, was made by board member Brandon Merriweather, seconded by board member Veronica Richardson. The board gave unanimous approval. President Branch stated that the timeline of the arrangements with Mr. Aikerson will be worked out in the negotiations.
    The meeting was adjourned.


    School board calls meeting to transfer investments and update bank signatures

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting on Thursday, September  25, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Auditorium with a focus on administrative issues.  Board member present included Robert Davis, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Merriweather and Board President Leo Branch. Carrie Dancy was absent.  Administrative items  included: – Closure of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Synovus as of September 23, 2025.
    Opening of Certificate of Deposit (CD) at the 13 month term rate with Merchants and Farmers Bank in Eutaw and necessary signature updates; out of state travel of GCHS football team and coaches to attend Atlanta Falcon game on November 16, 2025. Richardson made a motion to approve the items as a blanket; Davis seconded, and there was unanimous approval.  The meeting was adjourned.  

  • School Board delays decision on bid to initiate Phase I – Track and Field Project at GCHS

    Phase 1- Track and Field Project

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting, Thursday April 10, 2025 to consider a bid for athletic improvements to Greene County High School – Phase I – GCHS Track and Field Project. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones stated that the purpose of the meeting was to lock in material and other costs for the Project in light of current US economic conditions.

    He explained that the two initial bids from Game Day, Inc at $2,244,444 and J.T. Harrison at $1,899,000 were both over budget, therefore there was a re-bid with only Game Day Inc. proposing a cost of $1,683,748.

    CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon, displayed the category of funds available for the Phase I Track and Field Project at GCHS: FY 2024 K12 Capital Grant – $1,100,000; FY 2025 K-12 Capital Grant $84,615.38; Fy 2024 Education Trust fund Advancement and Technology Fund – $111,900; FY 2025 Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund (Proposed) $575,000. These fund categories total $1,871,515.38.

    The board members questioned the difference between Game Day Inc.’s initial bid and the second re-bid. Dr. Jones and CSFO Lennon explained that changes and/or substitutions to the plans and specifications were reflected in the re-bid.

    Although Superintendent Jones was able to reach the Architectural Firm of McKee & Associates during the board meeting and the board was able to make inquiries at the time concerning deletions to the original Project Specs, they seemingly were not satisfied and requested an in-person meeting with Walter McKee at the next board meeting. No further action was taken on the GCHS Phase I -Track and Field Project.

    On the superintendent’s recommendation, the board did approve the quote of $27,570.62 from AngelTrax to upgrade camera/surveillance system and add windshield cameras on school buses.

  • Superintendent Jones shares school system’s budgeting process at AASB Conference

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, March 17, 2025 with all members present except Ms. Carrie Dancy. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones began his report to the board with a summary of the recent Financial/Budget Presentation shared at the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) Annual Spring Conference held in Florence, AL, February 27-28, 2025. Board President Leo Branch and board member Robert Davis also attended the conference.
    Dr. Jones noted that the invitation from AASB was an opportunity to showcase the team work that is needed to operate a school system, especially the financial component. “A key component is building relationships and trust in budgeting and finances, Dr. Jones said.
    The presentation, entitled Proactive vs Reactive Budgeting – Navigating Financial Stability Post-ESSER, contained the following elements:
    * Proactive budgeting requires proper planning, staying in control of resources. Reactive budgeting is responding to events or problems as they occur, often in a crisis.
    Necessary to focus on the importance of controlling funds for long-term benefits.
    Building relationships and trust in budgeting and finances. “ Our District prioritizes involvement with all stakeholders when developing a budget and maintaining financial health, he said.
    Superintendent Jones’ report showed that the school district received over $9 million in ESSER Funds from 2022-2024. The final funds expired September 30, 2024 with the district utilizing the entire amount to upgrade curriculum tools including additional instructional staff for intervention and providing smart boards and hotspots for students; upgrading facilities including a new HVÅÇ system for Robert Brown Middle School and providing students with air conditioned buses. Jones said that many benefits were gained from ESSER Funding, but the District now focuses on a sustainable future.
    Dr. Jones also gave an overview of the ACAP Practice Test in Reading and Math for the 4th through 8th grades. The practice test indicate instructional areas teachers and administrators must focus on to assure students’ improvement and success. The ACAP Test are scheduled for April.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon provided the Financial Snapshot for the period ending February 28, 2025. The operating reserves totaled 7.98 months and the cash reserves totaled 7.70 months. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The general fund budget totaled $8,120,338.91. (This reconciles to the summary cash report). Accounts payable check register totaled $389,641.42; Payroll register totaled $939,400.36, with the combined ending fund balanced totaling $8,424,516.40. In local revenues, property taxes totaled $71,136.85; sales taxes $97,201.68; other taxes $12,641.27; Amendment 743, $60,000. Local revenue totaled $240,979.80.
    The board approved on e personnel item recommended by the superintendent- the retirement of Mrs. Angela White, Career and Technical Counselor at Greene County Career Center, effective February 28, 2025.
    The following administrative items were approved by the board.
    * Permission to sell used district office chairs at $15 each and to dispose of salvage chairs.
    * Retroactive approval for March 10, 2025, quote from Uniti Fiber to upgrade and install 49 network switches at EPS and RBMS in the amount of $38,617.31. (FY 2025-2026 E-Rate Mini Bid. Optional equipment not accepted as part of the bid).
    * Air travel and overnight stay for chaperones and two students to attend the National DECA Competition in Orlando, FL April 26 – 29, 2025.
    * Travel to SREB Conference in New Orleans, July 15-18, 2025, for 10 faculty/staff (to be paid from CCR Grant; 11 faculty/staff to be paid from federal funds.
    * Travel for Shamyra Jones to attend JAG National Training Seminar in Louisville, KY, July 14-18, 2025.
    * Science textbook adoption (6 years).
    * Quote from Savvas Learning Company to purchase science textbooks, Grades K-12 in the amount of $130,790.63 (6-year purchase).
    * Permission to sell three Transportation Department vehicles as is by sealed bids
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * School Calendar 2025 – 2026.
    * Contract between the Greene County School system and Alicia Hodge-Scott/Educate to Excellence LLC, to provide special education services to the Greene County School System for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * FY 2025 Special Education Teacher Supplement per guidelines outlined by the Alabama State Department of Education.

  • School bus and vehicle incident injures student and parent

    Editor’s Note: At press time, the Democrat received this statement from Greene County School Superintendent, Dr. Corey Jones, regarding  yesterday’s school bus and vehicle incident that injured a student and parent.

    The Greene County School system acknowledges the unfortunate accident involving one of our scholars and her parent at the bus stop on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. During this difficult time, we ask the community to come together in offering prayers and support for the family. It is vital that we show compassion as we hope for a speedy recovery for both our scholar and her father.

    As we navigate this situation, let us remember the strength of our community and the importance of empathy. Together, we can provide comfort and encouragement during this difficult period.

    The school bus involved followed the system’s procedures for caution and safety and we work diligently to make our transportation safe for our children. The school system and law enforcement are continuing the investigation regarding this incident

  • Newswire : Shooting at Tuskegee Homecoming kills one and injures 16

    By Shannon Dawson, Newsone

    The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is collaborating with Tuskegee University to investigate a devastating shooting that unfolded in the early hours of Nov. 10, leaving one person dead and 16 others injured, according to NPR.

    The shooting occurred early Sunday morning as students and alumni gathered on campus to celebrate the university’s 100th homecoming, a highly anticipated event for the historically Black institution in Macon County. ALEA agents were alerted to the scene at approximately 1:40 a.m., where they discovered that a non-university individual had been fatally shot. The victim’s family was notified.

    Several others, including Tuskegee University students, sustained injuries and were rushed to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, the university announced in a press release.

    Disturbing footage shared on social media Sunday depicted the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, showing students scrambling for cover as gunshots rang out. In one video posted by user @DukeofLight, bullets were heard ricocheting off a fence as a student sought shelter behind a car.

    According to 12 WSFA, the shooting occurred at the West Commons on-campus apartments. Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown stated that the event was not an official or approved university-sanctioned homecoming event.

    “We did not nor could we have planned for security at an event that was not approved in advance or officially sanctioned by the university,” Brown told reporters. “Nonetheless, it happened on our campus, and we take full responsibility for allowing a thorough investigation and implementing corrective actions.”

    In response to the tragedy, Tuskegee University canceled all classes on Monday (Nov. 11) and Tuesday (Nov. 12) to help ALEA with its investigation efforts. The university has also made grief counselors available to support students as they cope with the traumatic event.
    “Students should not hesitate to reach out for help through the Student Health Center if they choose to do so privately,” officials from the HBCU said.

    Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was arrested while leaving the scene of the campus shooting and was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, ALEA said, as reported by NPR. Myrick is facing a federal charge of possessing a machine gun, though ALEA has not indicated whether he used the weapon during the shooting or provided further details on the investigation. The agency also did not confirm whether Myrick was a student at Tuskegee University. ALEA has secured the campus and is now working in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement to continue the investigation.

    According to 12 WSFA, the victim of Sunday’s tragic homecoming shooting was identified as 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson from Troy, Alabama. Johnson, who was not a student at Tuskegee University, had been enjoying the festivities with friends before the chaos erupted. His close friend, Janyla Avery, who was also injured in the shooting but survived, told the news outlet in an interview published on Nov. 11, “All we wanted to do was have fun. And one thing about us is we never leave each other. We all come together, everybody’s going to leave together. I just don’t understand.”

    Johnson, who was described as a vibrant and outgoing young man by friends and family, was about to begin a new chapter in his life—he was set to start a job with the Alabama Department of Transportation the following week. Those who knew him remembered him as a “lively soul,” with his mother, Tamika, affectionately calling him a “mama’s boy.” However, she spoke with deep sorrow to the media, saying, “That was my baby.” His father, Larry, added while struggling to hold back tears, “He was a loving person. The life he had…”

    Tuskegee University announced during Monday’s press conference that its campus would be closed to the public, effective immediately. All visitors will now be required to wear and display visitor badges while on campus. Additionally, starting immediately, everyone—students, faculty, and staff—will need to present a university-issued ID to access campus. The university emphasized that IDs must be worn at all times while on the premises. For those without an ID, the Public Safety office, located across from the main gate, will provide them with one.

    Brown also announced that Tuskegee University had terminated its security chief and hired a new one, who will conduct a thorough review of the shooting incident.

    Expanding on the details of the shooting, Brown explained that the unapproved homecoming event took place after all officially sanctioned events for the university’s 100th homecoming had concluded. While the campus remained open following the approved festivities, Brown noted that for the official events, the university had hired over 70 additional law enforcement officers from Alabama and Georgia to assist with crowd control. Tickets for all approved events were sold in advance to minimize ticket lines, although the university acknowledged that security checks would still cause delays and advised visitors to expect some inconvenience.

    Brown stated that he has no intention of ending the university’s annual homecoming tradition, emphasizing its significance to both the university and its students. He highlighted the importance of the event to the HBCU community, reaffirming the university’s commitment to preserving the event’s rich legacy.

    “We connect this generation of students with alumni who walked the same paths,” Brown stressed. “We reunite our students with old friends. We participate in a football game. We create elaborate step shows with links that go back as far back as our ancestors in West Africa. We sponsor concerts featuring popular entertainers. We celebrate our journey and how the university helped us along the way, and yes, we invest financially in the university that transformed our lives and that we all love dearly. Nothing we do in any way is associated with violence,” the university official added

  • School Board approves expenditures for student services including after-school tutorial, STEM, College and Career Readiness and TEAMS

    School board members receive Certificates of Completion from the Alabama Association of School Boards in recognition of successfully completing all School Board Governance Improvement Act training requirements for 2023-2024. L to R: Board members Robert Davis, Carrie Dancy, Board President Leo Branch, Vice President Veronica Richardson, Board member Brandon Merriweather and Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, October 21, 2024 with all board members present. The board’s preliminary activities included roll call, welcome to visitors and approval of the various minutes including called meetings for Budget Hearings I and II; September 16 regular meeting and September 20 called meeting.
    Superintendent t Dr, Corey Jones report began with the statement that there were no COVID cases reported at the schools since the last board meeting. He also gave positive news updates on student and community activities at each district school including guest speakers, PTA meetings, students participation in WOW activities as well as students visits to various HBCU’s ( Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Alabama. He noted that similar visits are scheduled for HBCU’s in Mississippi.
    The board approved the following personnel service items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Zaddrick Smith, Assistant Football Coach; Lorissa Holder, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach; Quentin Walton, Baseball Coach.
    * Stipend in amount of $1,500 for services rendered, attendance/participation in the Black Belt STEM Institute Program and implementing the program at Greene County High School and Robert Brown Middle School for the following teachers: (Funding: UWA Black Belt STEM Institute): Krystal Flantroy – GCHS; Nashondra Ruffin – RBMS.
    * Greene County School District After-School Tutorial Program 2024-2025 for the following at a rate of $30 per hour for teachers, $25 per hour for aids, and $22 per hour for bus drivers (2 hours per day):
    Eutaw Primary School – Shelia Tillman – Kindergarten; Ms. Pamela Pasteur – 1st Grade; Montoya Binion – 2nd Grade; Keisha Williams – 3rd Grade – Accountability Grade Level; LaShaun Henley – 3rd Grade – Accountability Grade Level; Gwendolyn Webb – Aide; Carla Durrett – Lead Teacher/Coach.
    Robert Brown Middle School – Demetris Lyles – 4th Grade and 5th Grade; Ashley Binion Lilly– 4th Grade and 5th Grade; Naomi Cyrus – 6th – 8th Grade; Felecia Smith – Lead Teacher/Coach; Raven Bryant – Special Services.
    Greene County High School – Janice Askew – Lead Teacher; Drenda Morton – Aide; Tura Edwards – English/Science; Tameshia Porter – Reading/English; Angela Harkness – Special Services; Dutchess Jones – Math; Patricia Maiden – History.
    * Permission to pay the following for any approved College and Career Readiness (CCR) activities for fiscal year 2024-2025. May include after-hours Career Readiness Indicators (CRI) study sessions, ACT Prep workshops, college/industry visits, etc.: Paula Calligan, Tomora Morris, Shamyra Jones, LaMonica Little, Patricia Rhone, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, Tweila Morris, Teresa Atkins, Andrea Perry, Tura Edwards, Tamesha Porter, Janice Askew, Jaqueline Raby, Kirin Greene.
    * TEAMS Contracts 2024 – 25 for the following: Funding: ALSDE: Dutchess Jones – GCHS, Math (1 Year Contract); Dena Jordan – RBMS, Math (1 Year Contract); Krystal Flantroy – GCHS, Science (1 Year Contract); Lorissa Holder – GCHS, Science(1 Year Contract); Nashondra Ruffin – RBMS. Science (1 Year Contract); Talicia Williams – RBMS, Math (1 Year Contract); Kaneeda Coleman – GCHS, Math (Year 3, Expires June 30, 2027).
    The administrative items approved by the board included the following.
    * MOA between Greene County Board of Education and Alabama A&M University Graduation Social Work Program to host social work internships.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and Druid City Basketball Official Association for basketball officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year at GCHS.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Officials Association for football officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year at RBMS.
    * 2.5% raise for support staff, effective October 1, 2024.
    * Updated support staff salary schedule to reflect 2.5% increase.
    * Out of state and overnight field trip request for Ms. Lamonica Little and select students to travel and participate in a Mississippi HBCU College Tour on November 13 – 14, 2024 (CCR Grant Funds).
    * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to do Welding Enrichment on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month (CCR Grant Funds).
    * Lowest bid submitted by W.H. Thomas Oil for gas and diesel for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * Lowest bid submitted by Pruett Oil Company for motor oil products for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * Retention bonus for bus drivers in the amount of $1,500 to remain a bus driver for the school district for a period of two years.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Mental Health Coordinator salary in the amount of $40,000.
    The Financial Snapshot for the previous month was not presented at this meeting since the CSFO and the financial team are preparing the financial closeout reports for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

  • Eutaw City Council approves loan to complete Streetscape and other road projects; raises sewer rates and adopts budget

    Mayor Latasha Johnson presents certificate of completion for City Clerk’s training over a four-year period at the University of Alabama, to Joe Powell, Assistant City Clerk. Shekelvia Spencer, City Clerk, earned a similar certificate but she was not able to attend the meeting.

    The Eutaw City Council met on Tuesday October 22, 2024, for the third meeting this month and completed consideration of issues posed in the prior meetings on October 8 and 15, 2024. All Council members were present.

    The Council heard a report from Craig Williams, Thompson Engineering of Tuscaloosa about outstanding projects. The concrete work for Streetscape is nearing completion for sidewalks and universal access around the old Courthouse Square. The final landscaping phase, where trees and shrubs will be planted is yet to come.

    Williams said the project cost was $1 million paid to the contractor and a matching $270,000 for 20% matching and design and engineering cost. There was an agreement between the County Commission, Industrial Development Authority and the City to share in the matching. The GCIDA did contribute $80,000 but the County Commission said it could not find authority in its minutes to pay a share of the matching costs. This left the City of Eutaw to bear an additional part of the cost.

    Williams also reported that the Rebuild Alabama Project to repave 3 miles of the Lower Gainesville Road has been awarded and signed by S. T. Bunn, prime contractor. The State will pay $316,672 for the project, in a lump sum up front payment. The City will be responsible for the remaining matching and engineering cost of $113,000 for this project. This project will be started in November and be finished by the end of the year.

    The Eutaw City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-28 which allows the City of Eutaw to borrow up to $300,000, from Merchants and Farmers Bank, for the completion of the Streetscape and Lower Gainesville Road projects. The resolution allows the City to pledge revenues from its Four Cent and Seven Cent Gas Tax Accounts for a period of up to 24 months,
    as security for the loan.

    With this loan, the city will be able to satisfy its financial matching obligations for these two important projects. The City had planned to use the gas tax funds, for matching, to make these and other improvements to roads and bridges in the city, so these resources will still be committed to this purpose. The City may need to schedule additional road improvement work, based on funds available in the gas tax funds, taking into account the loan repayment.
    The City Council approved Ordinance No. 2024-7 which raises garbage collection rates from $15.00 to $18.00 for residential customers and $18.00 to $21.00 for small businesses. These rate increases go into effect immediately and will be reflected in the next water and sewer bills for the month of October. The Council already approved an increase in water and sewer rates to cover the costs of these city services.

    The Council also adopted Draft No. 3 of the City of Eutaw Budget for 2024-2025 fiscal year which began October 1, 2024. This draft reflects the new water, sewer and garbage rates, which should cover the cost of these services and not reflect a deficit, as in previous earlier versions of the budget for the current fiscal year. Other smaller changes were made to the General Fund in this third version of the budget, prepared by Ralph Liverman, Financial Advisor.

    In other business, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved Resolution No. 2024-29 establishing a credit card policy
    • Approved a statement limiting overtime hours to 2 or 3 hours weekly, for employees, unless there is a disaster that requires more work time.
    • Approved use of the R. H. Young Community Center Gym, at no cost, for the Greene County Childrens Policy Council, for a public purpose.
    Approved $1,380 for installation of a K-9 kennel for the police dog.
    Approved $4,800 yearly software subscription for the Eutaw Police Department for Code Enforcement Case Management, which is required by state regulations.
    Approved reimbursements to city employees for supplies they purchased, based on receipts submitted
    Approved $300 for meals, parking and other travel expenses for Mayor Latasha Johnson to attend Annual Neighborhood Community Leadership Institute in Baltimore, Maryland on October 31 to November 3, 2024
    Raised questions about and did not approve a contract submitted by Eagle Internet for use of the city’s water tower for wireless high-speed internet.
    Approved payment of bills.

    In her mayor’s report, Latasha Johnson asked for a moment of silence for the victims and survivors of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Month. The Mayor also announced a citywide celebration for all children of Halloween on October 31, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the RH Young Community Center. This will be a safe way to do “trick or treating”.