The Greene County Democrat

Category: Sports

  • Superintendent reports 90% of 3rd grade scholars scored at reading proficiency level

    Alabama Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has selected Greene County CSFO, Mrs. Marquita Lennon to participate in the organization’s 2024 Leadership Program. The objective of AASBO Leadership is to develop future leaders in school business management to help improve the quality of education in Alabama and their respective communities. Mrs. Marquita Lennon was selected to be one of 12 CSFO’s out of 137 CSFO’s in the state of Alabama.

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular session, Monday, May 20, 2024 with all members present along with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones and CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon. In his report to the board, Dr, Jones stated that 90% of Eutaw Primary School 3rd grade scholars scored at reading proficiency level, a significant increase from the previous year. Jones noted that only 6 students did not score on proficiency level, out of 61 students, but they can enroll in summer school classes and retake the ACAP exam. “We have encouraged the parents to please get their children in summer school to prepare for another opportunity to move on to the 4th grade,” he said. Jones also explained that student scores in remaining grade levels will be released in June.
    Dr. Jones gave a special salute to Mrs. Marquita Lennon for her selection into the AASBO Leadership Program. He presented the following positive school news.
    Robert Brown Middle: Teacher and staff appreciation held May 6-10; Athletic Banquet held May 7 with scholars receiving certificates and trophies; Honors Program held May 8; May Day held May 10; 8th grade graduation held May 14, where Sheriff Jonathan Benison presented $150 Walmart gift cards to 65 eighth graders. ARLA presented tokens of appreciation to students in Math and Science.
    Greene County High: Senior Honors Day held May 1, acknowledging student scholarships from colleges and other organizations; Sheriff Jonathan Benison presented the following awards – Valediction received $15,000; Salutatorian received $10,000; student ranking third received $6,000; students ranking 4-11received $2,000; students ranking 12-50 received $1,000. GCHS graduation was held May 16.
    Greene County Career Center: Dr. Jones shared a video featuring students speaking about their experiences in Career Center programs. He noted that 10 Welding students graduated from Wallace Community College Selma, including 8 juniors and 2 seniors. Modern Manufacturing scholars participated in West Alabama Works Signing Day. Cosmetology Hair Show was held May 2. Onsite Facilities and Compliance Review completed May 17.
    School construction and Renovation Projects Update: New flooring and roof completed at Eutaw Primary School. All units and materials for the HVAC Project at RBMS have been delivered to the site. Mr. Otis Robinson agreed to clean up all debris at Peter J. Kirksey site at no cost.
    Dr. Jones reported that three new buses have been delivered and three additional buses are on order, which will provide air conditioned buses for all students. “ We also have a fleet renewal funding plan in place,” he stated.
    The board approved the following personnel actions recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * Catastrophic Sick Leave for Angela Jones, Elementary Teacher, Eutaw Primary School.
    * Retirement for Cindy Taylor, Truancy Officer for the system, effective June 1, 2024.
    * Rescinding resignation of James Gaines, Transportation Supervisor.
    * Resignations: J’Kia Carpenter, Teacher Aide, Eutaw Primary School, effective April 22, 2024. Shafontaye Myers, 6th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective May 24, 2024.
    Alanda A. McEwen, Ed. D, Counselor, Robert Brown Middle School, effective June 11, 2024.
    Nicole Henley, Health Science teacher, Greene County Career Center, effective June 1, 2024.
    Employment: Dena Jordan, 7th/8th grade Math TEAMS teacher at RBMS; LaJeffery Carpenter, Bus Driver.
    * Supplemental Contracts – Separate Contract (Spring Football): Corey Cockrell- Head Coach; Zaddrick Smith- Assistant Coach.
    * Letters of termination for “Additional Services” contracts to the following employees: (Separate Contract): Greene County High School – Janice Jeames-Askew, Athletic Director; Corey Cockrell, Head Football Coach; Zachary Smith, Assistant Football; Denzel Davis, Assistant Football/ Assistant Baseball; Victoria Moore, Head Volleyball/ Head Girls track/Assistant Softball; Torethia Moore, Assistant Volleyball/Assistant Basketball/Head Softball; Rodney Wesley, Head Boys Varsity Basketball/Assistant Boys Track; Howard Crawford, Head JV Boys Basketball/Head Boys Track; Shafontaye Myers, Head Girls Basketball; Ashley Moody, Assistant Girls Basketball; Quentin Walton, Head Baseball; Halven Carodine, Assistant Boys Basketball. Robert Brown Middle School – Henry Miles, Head Football Coach/Assistant Basketball Coach Boys; Quentin Walton, Head Basketball Coach Girls/Boys/Assistant Football Coach; Tyneshia Fulghum, Cheerleading Coach; J’Kia Carpenter, Assistant Basketball Coach Girls.
    * Personnel for Summer Learning program: June 3 -27, 2024, from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm – Monday – Thursday: Eutaw Primary School – Carla Durrett, Lead Teacher; Gwendolyn Webb-Paraprofessional; Pamela Pasteur; Pamela McGee; Montoya Binion; LaShaun Henley; Keisha Williams; Shana Lucy Walter Taylor. Robert Brown Middle – Felecia Smith, Lead Teacher; Vanessa Bryant; Demetris Lyles; Raven Bryant; Pinkie Travis, Teacher Assistant; Mary Hobson, Special Services Paraprofessional; Brenda Lawerence, Nurse; Delois Brantley, -Custodian; Michelle Williams, Custodian. Greene County High – Janice Jeames, Lead Teacher; Sylvia Williams; Drenda Morton; Clifford Reynolds; Angela Harkness; Tameshia Porter; Victoria Moore; Tura Edwards; Dr. Dutchess Jones; Rodney Wesley – (Alternate as needed); Jacqueline Edwards – Custodian. Greene County Career Center – Shamyra Jones, ACCESS Facilitator for Career Preparedness; Tweila Morris, ACCESS Facilitator for Career Preparedness (Alternate as needed). Transportation: (Drivers, bus aides and alternates) – Eddie Coats; William Mack; George Pippen; James Gaines; Marilyn Finch; Ayanna Crawford; Carla Russell; Johnny Pelt; Gerald Holloway; Stanley Lucious; Garria Spencer; Carla Russel; Jerdin Grays; Natasha Lewis; James Powell; Arleen Jackson; Coresha Walton; Denise Horton.
    Summer Feeding Program workers for Eutaw Primary School and Greene County High School at a rate of $19 per hour for managers and $17 per hour for cooks for six hours per day for four days a week beginning June 3 – June 27, 2024. (These schools will be used as satellite kitchens): Youlonda Coleman, Manager; Sandy Wilson, Manager; Mary Hill, Cook; Romonda Askew, Cook; Jimirriam Roscoe, Cook; Rosie Mae Davis, Cook.
    Non-renewal of the following employees: Eutaw Primary School – Barbara Woods, CNP Cook; Sharon Jones, CNP Cook; Quenterica White, Elementary teacher; Sarah Crawford, Elementary teacher; Zaddrick Smith, P.E. teacher. Robert Brown Middle School – Quentin Walton, 6th grade; Jordan Pelt, 6th grade; Tyneshia Fulghum, 6th grade; Valencia Moore, Special Services; Denzel Davis, In-School Suspension Specialist; Tyletha Lord, Media Specialist.
    The board approved the following administrative items:
    * Contractual Agreement for Greene County Board of Education and Denise Horton to serve as Behavioral Aide for the system FY 2024- 2025.
    * Ms. Denise Horton to serve as the behavioral aide for the summer learning program (June 2024).
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Kim Herren to provide developmental services for pre-school children during the 2024- 2025 school year.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Quitt Consulting to provide speech-language therapy services for children in Greene County for the 2024-2025 school year.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Tammy W. Lewis MSCCC-SLP to provide speech services for the 2024-2025 school year.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Behavioral Solutions of Mississippi for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Consultative Services and Functional Behavioral Assessments/Behavioral Intervention Plans for students displaying behavioral issues for the 2024-2025 school year.
    * Out-of-State travel for Shirley Stewart to attend the School Nutrition Association’s upcoming Annual National Conference in Boston, MA, July 14-16, 2024.
    * Service Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to develop and provide a Dual Enrichment (Welding Level I Lab) program for students at Greene County Career Center.
    * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and West Alabama Therapy, LLC to provide physical and occupational therapy to IDEA eligible students for the 2024-2025 school year.
    * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education, Special Services, and H&H Educational Services, LLC to provide psychometric services for the 2024-2025 school year.
    * Greene County School District Credit Recovery Plan 2024.
    * Permission for Otis Robinson to clean Peter J. Kirksey property at no cost.
    * Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Official Association to supply football officials for Spring Game, retroactive to May 7, 2024.
    * 4-day work week for all extended employees beginning June 3, 2024 and ending July 26, 2024.
    * Certificate of Affirmation of School Board Member for Leo Branch, Carrie Dancy, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Meriwether, Robert Davis.
    * Out of State Travel request for Paula Calligan to replace Angela White attending the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9-12, 2024.
    * Permission to publicly sell or dispose of surplus items according to Perkins guidelines.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon presented Financial Snapshot Report as of April 30, 2024.Operating reserve – 5.53 (months) Combined General Fund reserve; 4.07 (months) Cash Reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General Fund Balance totaled $5,008,743.80 (reconciles to the Summary Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $696,547.91. Payroll Register totaled $938,338.36 (total gross pay to include employer match item). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $6,808,512.46. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $36,134.29; Sales taxes – $98,351.50; Other Taxes – $2,429.12; Total – $139,914.91.

  • Kickoff held for $6 million Sports Complex at Greene County High School

    This past Saturday morning, May 4, 2024, Dr. Corey Jones, Superintendent of Greene County School Board held a public kickoff celebration for the construction of a $6 million Sports Complex to serve the students and residents of Greene County.

    The Sports Complex will include three phases. Phase 1 includes a Football Field with bleachers, lighting, a press box, entrance plaza, which will be surrounded by a running track and broad jump and pole-vaulting areas for Track and Field, toilets, and a concession area. Phase 2 will construct a Football Fieldhouse with home and visitors dressing areas. Phase 3 will include a Softball and Baseball Complex, with toilets and concession stand.

    The Greene County Board of Education, with help from our state legislative delegation of Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Curtis Travis, secured $1.1 million, from the Lieutenant Governor’s Discretionary Fund for Educational Capital Projects, to begin Phase 1 of the project this year. The Board has established a “Sport Complex Committee” of community leaders and volunteers to give advice and help to raise funds for the project.

    At the Kickoff celebration, there were several large placards with drawings of the potential elements of the Sports Complex. One of which we have photographed and included with this news story.

    Superintendent Jones explained the project at the Kickoff celebration. He was joined by Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson , Coach James E. Morrow, from the City Council of Boligee, Representative Curtis Travis and Board President, Leo Branch of the Greene County Board of Education, in giving greetings and support for the project. The Greene County High School Band and Cheer-Leaders performed several musical and dance numbers.

    The initial $1.1 million will be spent on preparing the football field, constructing the track and field areas, and as much of the other facilities that the funds can be stretched to purchase. McKee and Associates of Montgomery, an architecture firm with experience designing schools and school facilities, has been contracted to provide architectural design and inspection services. Contractors will be asked to bid on elements of the project.

    The Sports Complex Committee has been meeting regularly to discuss strategies to raise private funds from citizens, organizations, churches, business, and other sources to help match public funds that may become available for the project.

    Leo Branch, President of the Greene County School Board, commented, “We want to have a way for everyone, from the smallest donors to the largest, to participate in helping to build this project. We plan to sell bricks or stones, which will be engraved with the names of donors, to construct walkways at the Sports Complex. We also want to offer large corporations that operate in our communities, like Love’s Truckstop, RockTenn, Alabama Power, Consolidated Catfish, Black Warrior Electric, Colonial Pipeline and others, the naming rights on the football field, buildings, and other facilities at the Sports Complex.”

    Anyone interested in supporting the Sport Complex Committee may contact the Greene County Board of Education and Superintendent Corey Jones, at 220 Main Street, Eutaw, Al 35462, phone 205-372-3109.

     

  • Newswire : Alabama Legislature wants state workers to choose Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis’s Birthday

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
    A bill introduced this month in the Alabama Legislature aims to revise the state’s holiday calendar by adding Juneteenth as a recognized state holiday. The proposed legislation, known as HB367, also proposes that state offices will no longer close on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday, sparking debate among lawmakers and activists.

    The bill seeks to amend Section 138 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which currently lists holidays resulting in state office closures. Under the existing law, state offices close on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthday, and Confederate Memorial Day.

    Alabama GOP Rep. Chris Sells of Greenville, the original proponent of the bill, proposed that government employees could decide whether to take off the first Monday in June for Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday or Juneteenth on June 19. Sells asserted that this proposal does not add another holiday to the existing 13 state holidays, addressing concerns raised by some state legislators. The national average of state holidays is 17, four more than Alabama currently recognizes.

    However, Alabama Democratic Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa argued against the proposal, stating that there are already three state holidays recognizing the Confederacy, making it unnecessary to give employees an either/or choice between Davis’s birthday and Juneteenth.

    The controversial bill comes on the heels of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declaring April 2024 as Confederate Heritage Month in that state, which reportedly keeps alive a 31-year-old tradition that began in 1993. Beauvoir, the Biloxi museum and historic home of Jefferson Davis, which receives funding from the state, announced the proclamation in a Facebook post.

    The Mississippi Free Press reported that Beauvoir is owned and operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a neo-Confederate organization that promotes “Lost Cause” ideology, a revisionist history that whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. The Free Press noted that Beauvoir annually receives $100,000 from the State of Mississippi for development and maintenance.

    Meanwhile, the Alabama bill has faced criticism from activists and community leaders. Tuscaloosa County NAACP President Lisa Young expressed concerns over honoring Jefferson Davis, citing his legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery.

    “Confederate President Jefferson Davis left a legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery, making many feel a holiday in his honor is inappropriate,” said Young. “One of Davis’s most infamous comments is ‘Our inferior, fitted expressly for servitude.’ We clearly know in 2024 that African Americans have contributed greatly to the growth of the United States and civilization across the world. So, we know that’s a falsehood. And we don’t want to celebrate anybody who held those beliefs.”

    Young described Juneteenth as a learning holiday for the entire state. “Juneteenth represents the day the last slaves in the country learned of their freedom,” she said. “We do better when we know better.”

    If passed, the proposed legislation will add Juneteenth to the list of recognized holidays in Alabama and introduce Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day, set for the first day of December each year. If approved by the Alabama Legislature, the bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

  • Madison Mills crowned as Ms. Debutante 2024

    L to R : Paris Henderson, Madison Mills and Katelyn Perry  and Debutantes : Kalyjah Allen, Paris Henderson, Shaniah Jones, Amber Lewis, Madison Mills, Tia Moore, Katelyn Perry, Ariel Richardson, Hannah Robinson. Escorts : Demarcus Allen, Darrack Davis, TJ Hatch, Jayden Lewis, Marcus Steele II, Tavis White , Camden Williams, John Foster

    Greene County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its 38th Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Eutaw Activity Center in Eutaw, AL. Nine lovely young ladies made their debut to families and friends.

    Debutante Madison Mills of Tuscaloosa, AL was crowned Miss Debutante 2024. First Runner up was Debutante Katelyn Perry of Moundville, AL and Second Runner up was Debutante Paris Henderson of Epes, AL.

    The guests enjoyed an elegant evening that was An Extraordinary Affair. Dr. Florence Williams is the Chapter President and Mrs. Nancy Cole and Ms. Sharon White were Committee Co-Chairs.

  • Celebrating Our Own, Dr. Dionne Edison, Author and Craftsperson

    Dr. Dionne Edison is an educator, author, crafter and artist. These activities are opportunities to learn by doing, telling stories through crafting/art and facilitating financial stability.

    As an author, she has published two books. The MARCH OF THE C.O.W.S: Creatures of Wonderful Simplicity, is a whimsical book featuring cows. The pictures are scenes she photographed around Greene County, Alabama. THIS IS MY FATHERS’ WORD is a compilation of Rev. Milton Hurst’s sermon notes. She collaborated with daughter, Asenath Edison, to publish SUCCESS BEYOND ACADEMICS: How to Set Expectations for Life. Initially for high school students, this book is ideal for guidance in developing other transitioning plans in life.

    She has also contributed to three anthologies. Pam Ryans was the lead on the collaborative effort for PEN IT! vol. 1, and PEN IT! vol. 2: The People’s Accounts, Emotions, and Thoughts of 2020 by Pam Ryan. They dealt with observations of life and COVID-19. Voices of Valor by Dr. Mary Gaskins gives voice to stories of African Americans that would otherwise be lost in time.

    Arts and craft skills serve as therapy, opportunities for self-expression and financial resources. She is passionate about crochet, drawing and painting. These activities provide visual perspectives when words fail. She enjoys working with youth using arts and crafts to develop transferable skills in science, technology, engineering, math, marketing, business, and self-care. Dr. Edison says, Share your story. Each one, reach one, touch one, teach one. Everyone has a story to tell. Take time to share and listen. The message may not be for you but for someone you meet.”

  • Newswire : Superstar Kenyan marathon runner dies in car crash

    Kelvin Kiptum
    

     Feb. 19, 2024 (GIN) – Kelvin Kiptum, a superstar of long distance running and the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, died tragically in a late night car crash in western Kenya.
     
    He died along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana , when he veered off the road into a ditch and hit a large tree, the authorities said. He and Hakizimana were killed instantly. A third person in the car, Sharon Kosgei, was injured. Kiptum was 24 years old.
     
    His record of world records began with his first marathon in Valencia, Spain, in 2022, with a winning time of 2:01:53. At the London Marathon in 2023, he crushed the field to win in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time in history, 16 seconds short of the world record of 2:01:09 held by Eliud Kipchoge, also of Kenya.
     
    Finally, he broke a new world record at the Chicago Marathon, obliterating the world record with a score of 2:00:35
     
    Kiptum was born on Dec. 2, 1999, in Chepsamo, Kenya. As a young man, he worked as a goat herder and trained as an electrician before deciding to become a runner.
     
    In an interview with the BBC, coach Hakizimana recalled the little boy herding livestock barefoot. “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels, and I would chase him away.”
     
    News of Kiptum’s death brought tributes from Kenya, throughout Africa and across the world of road running. William Ruto, Kenya’s president, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe.”
     
    Kiptum’s victories came at a time when nearly 300 athletes from Kenya were being punished for using banned substances, tarnishing the country’s image as a running powerhouse.
     
    As a result, the 23-year-old record-holder — who has not been accused of doping — found himself defending not only what he had done in Chicago, but what he had not. His record time, he said, was the product of running 150 miles or more per week at altitude, not the use of banned substances.
     
    “My secret is training,” he said. “Not any other thing.”
     
    World Athletics president Sebastian Coe offered his condolences. “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach,” he wrote. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”, 
     
    Kiptum’s survivors include his wife and two children.
     
    Meanwhile, in Cairo, around 10,000 runners participated in a Run for Gaza marathon. Ticket sales will be used for much needed humanitarian aid for the people in the Gaza Strip
     
    Runners from 30 different countries took part, with French participant Lauren Cocula telling the AP news: “If we don’t save people in Gaza, we are going to just fail humanity as humans so I think it is important.”
     
    The event was organized by Egyptian minister of Social Solidarity Nevin Al-Qabbaj in cooperation with the Egyptian Tribal and Families Council, the Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and the Minister of Youth and Sports.
     

  • Newswire: Biden unveils new sweeping Student Loan Debt relief measures, surpassing 3.7 million beneficiaries

    Student loan debt


    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


    President Biden continues to make significant strides in alleviating the student loan debt crisis, announcing the approval of debt cancellation for an additional 74,000 student loan borrowers. The latest action contributes to the record-breaking relief the administration has provided to more than 3.7 million Americans.

    Earlier this month, Biden announced the accelerated implementation of a crucial provision under the Student Aid for Voluntary Education (SAVE) plan, which the administration said has helped 3.6 million Americans by canceling their student debt. Biden said the plan aims to create a more affordable student loan repayment structure while providing life-changing support to students and their families.

    “Today, my administration approved debt cancellation for another 74,000 student loan borrowers across the country, bringing the total number of people who have had their debt canceled under my administration to over 3.7 million Americans through various actions,” Biden said in a statement on Jan. 19.

    The beneficiaries of the latest round of relief include nearly 44,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other public service professionals who have earned forgiveness after a decade of dedicated service. Additionally, close to 30,000 individuals who have been in repayment for at least 20 years without receiving relief through income-driven repayment plans will now see their debts forgiven.

    Biden credited the success of these relief efforts to the corrective measures taken to address broken student loan programs. He asserted that these fixes have removed barriers preventing borrowers from accessing the relief they were entitled to under the law.

    The president outlined the broader achievements of his administration in supporting students and borrowers, including achieving the most significant increases in Pell Grants in over a decade, aimed at assisting families with incomes below approximately $60,000 per year. Other accomplishments include fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and introducing the most generous income-driven repayment plan in history, known as the SAVE plan, he said.

    Borrowers are encouraged to apply for this plan at studentaid.gov.
    In response to challenges, including the Supreme Court’s decision on the student debt relief plan, Biden affirmed the administration’s commitment to finding alternative paths to deliver relief to as many borrowers as possible, as quickly as possible.

    “From Day One of my administration, I vowed to improve the student loan system so that higher education provides Americans with opportunity and prosperity, not the unmanageable burdens of student loan debt,” Biden asserted. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams.”
     

  • School board holds work session with school principals highlighting scholars’ Road Map to Academic Success

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, October 16, 2023 with all board members in attendance. Prior to the meeting the board held a work session, in the Central Office at 3:00 pm, with the principal of each school presenting her plans for student academic success. Summaries of these plans are presented following the report on school board actions.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
    Resignations: David Peterson III, Mechanic, effective October 6, 2023; Elroy Skinner, Math Teacher, Robert Brown Middle, effective June 30, 2024; Dr. Sharron D. Martin, Literacy Coach, Robert Brown Middle, effective September 30, 2023; Toneshia Bullock, Custodian, Robert Brown Middle, effective September 14, 2023.
    Employment Robert Brown Middle School: Carlene Garnett, Long-term sub, effective August 18, 2023.
    TEAMS Contracts: Victoria Moore – Greene County High, effective August 1, 2023;
    Kaneeda Coleman – Greene County High; Dr. Dutchess Jones – Greene County High; Elroy Skinner – Robert Brown Middle.
    Supplemental Contracts Robert Brown Middle School: Quentin Walton, Head Boys Basketball; Henry Miles, Assistant Boys Basketball; Quentin Walton, Head Girls Basketball; Jkia Carpenter, Assistant Girls Basketball; Tyneshia Fulgham, Cheerleader Sponsor.
    The Administrative items approved by the board are as follows, with board member Robert Davis abstaining on the contract with Corey Morton.
    * Contract between Greene County Board and Corey Morton to serve as technology assistant to provide technical support for the district.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board and MSSI Staffing Agency to provide a Speech Language Pathologist for FY 2023-2024.
    * Quote in the amount of $71,465 from Bagby for elevator modernization at Robert Brown Middle.
    * Proposal from Bailey Education Group, LLC in the amount of $45,000 to provide professional development and on-site consultation for teachers and administrators.
    Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. (Financial Report for September and October will be provided at November’s board meeting.)

    Principals Presentations at Board’s Work Session

    Eutaw Primary School Principal Brittany Harris began with the school’s Motto: Every Child, Every Day. Her presentation included the following:
    * Three Tiers of Classroom Instruction: Tier1 – Core Instruction; Tier 2 – Targeted Intervention; Tier 3 – Intensive Intervention.
    * Small Group Instruction: Small Group times are embedded into the Master Schedule. Educators must provide small group instruction to scholars, including Reading and Math Interventionists.
    * Coaching Support Reading: Kindergarten Team – Four Weeks Mini Coaching Cycle; First Grade – Six Weeks Coaching Cycle; Second Grade Team – Six Weeks Coaching Cycle; Third Grade – Four Weeks Mini Coaching Cycle.
    Principal Harris noted that a Math coaching Cycle is currently being modeled and will begin when completed.
    * Educators have analyzed scholars’ beginning of the year data. Data meetings are held during Extended Planning Times.
    * Professional Development include: S.P.I.R.E; ARI/OMI; ENVISION; I-READY and LETRS.
    * Academic Programs: After-School Tutorial with 155 scholars enrolled; Saturday School with 17 enrolled.
    * Parent meetings are held monthly.
    * Promoting Literacy: Book Vending Machine – scholars awarded with books for exhibiting excellent behavior.
    * Popping Sight words Challenge – Scholars reading 109 sight words correctly are awarded a prize.
    Next Steps include: Literacy Night; Math Night; and Benchmark Celebrations.

    Robert Brown Middle School Principal Tammy Anderson opened her presentation with RBMS Mission and Motto: Mission is to provide a positive, safe, healthy, nursing and respectful environment in which scholars can learn and become productive members of society.Motto: The Harder We work, the Smarter We Get. She elaborated on the following:
    * Building Relationships: Administration Team, Faculty, Staff, Central Office, Board Members and Community Stakeholders; Teacher/Student/Parent Involvement; Join all relationships to ensure all students succeed.
    * Behavioral Plan: One-on One Counseling Sessions; Mental Health Coordinator on site and referrals; Good Character Plan with incentives; Peer tutoring; Full Support (4th – 8th Grades Administrative Team).
    * Reconstructing Greene County’s Future Generation of Leaders.

    Greene County High School Principal Andrea Perry opened her presentation with scholars’ ACT Data 2023 in Math and Reading and then discussed the following Next Steps.
    Math: 45.72 % – In Need of Support; 29.64 % – Close; 16.05 % – Ready; 8.58 % – Exceeding 24.63 %- Proficient.
    Reading: 36.04 % – In Need of Support; 33.58 % – Close; 17.29 % – Ready; 13.09 %- Exceeding.

    Next Steps:
    The Math Specialist will support and work closely with math educators 
* Educators will participate in Instructional Rounds where they observe their colleagues and offer feedback 
* The administrators will do walk-throughs and visit classrooms on a daily basis
* The district will observe classrooms, mentor, and support educators
* Educators will participated in on-going embedded Professional Development
* Scholars will work on Pathway from I-Ready Benchmark Assessment at a minimum of thirty minutes per week. 
* Alabama Rural Learning Accelerator (ARLA) will collaborate and work with math teachers 1st and 2nd periods to help improve ninth grade math skills. Educators from UAB will work virtually with scholars for four days a week and face-to-face once a week. Power hours will be offered once a week during homeroom. Power hour is also intervention for the ninth graders. 
* We will analyze data from Pre-ACT. Our focus will be on scholars who are closed and in need of support. Those scholars will participate in ACT Prep, Math and Reading Intervention, and After-School Tutoring. ACT Consultants will be working with scholars throughout the school year. 
* Educators will implement ACT Bellringers  (Mastery Prep) every day. 
* Math educators will implement intervention time the last fifteen minutes of each class period. Educators will work with small groups.
* The PE educators will allow students to work on IXL one day out of the week. 
* IXL ( I EXCEL)is a program that helps high school students at all levels learn math, reading, and english more effectively. IXL stands for Innovation, Excellence, and Leadership.
* All eleventh graders will have a free online ACT Prep account from the ALSDE
* Incentives will be provided for scholars who benchmark on ACT and WorkKeys.
* Students will also attend After School tutorial to focus on ACT standards.
* ACT BootCamp will also be offered one Saturday out of the month.
* ACT Practice test will be administered throughout the school year.
    Superintendent Dr. Jones’ report highlighted many of the points presented in the principals’ presentation, for example Saturday School and the Book Vending Machine at EPS. RBMS will hold Conflict Resolution Workshops for 7th and 8th grade scholars. GCHS chartered a Science National Honor Society. He also noted that the CSFO Ms. Marquita Lennon would not present a financial report at this meeting. “We are in closeout at this time. The October and November financial reports will be presented at the next board meeting,” he said.

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

    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.

  • School Board approves FY 2024 budget in excess of $20 million including remaining $5 million in ESSER funds

    The Greene County Board of Education met at its Central Office for its scheduled Budget Hearing #2, on Monday September 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm, which was followed by a special call board session at 4:00 pm. The Budget Hearing #2 provided FY 2023 Wrap-Up, Investments, Key Factors Affecting Budget Process and FY 2024 Budget Objectives and Highlights. The FY 2023 Wrap-Up indicated the supplemental appropriations funded totaled $935,656. Investments balance, as of September 30, 2022, was $2,369,225.75 at a 0.10% rate, however, CSFO Marquita Lennon indicated a new rate of 5% on investments has been negotiated for FY 2024.
    The board’s proposed budget revenues for FY 2024, including the remaining the $5 million in ESSER III Funds, (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) total $20,405,939. Expenditures are indicated at $20,308,588.14, with a projected FY 2024 ending General Fund Balance of $4,746,747.09. The FY 2024 budget components reflect State Funds at 36% – $7,357,509; Federal Funds at 37% – $7,564,055 and Local Funds at 27% – $5,484,375. ESSER III Funds must be obligated by September 30, 2024.

    Budgetary Highlights include the following:
    * The System’s Average Daily Membership decreased by 30.65 (Pre-School class counts not included in the ADM); Funded teacher units decreased by 2.07; Foundation Program net increase by $140,631; Transportation funding increase by $46,041; Capitol funding decreased by $5,853; Millage local match increased by $249,870. (CSFO noted that the State Department will contribute $99,148 which can be applied to millage match).
    * The system has 161 employees this year, a decrease of 3 from prior year. Current school enrollment is 858 students: Eutaw Primary – 271; Robert Brown Middle – 333; Greene County High – 254. The Budget #2 Report stated the following: “Out of the $1.82 million of local salaries budgeted, approximately $800,000 is budgeted for teacher salaries and benefits over the number of units that we have earned. This is equivalent to 10.96 (11) teachers…the system must streamline and operate within our earned units, due to ending of ESSER III Funds and possible reduction in gaming funds.” As of now the Greene County Board of Education is not receiving gaming funds.
    * Major local funding for the system includes County Ad Valorem at $695,000; 4 Act 1999 at $600,000; Sales tax 2% at $500,000; Motor vehicles at $35,000; Helping Schools at $4,000;
    Indirect Cost at $392,000. Totaling $2,261,000.
    * The CSFO noted that plans are already in process for streamlining FY 2025 Budget.

    Board’s Special Call Meeting
    In its special call meeting, the school board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
    •Retroactively placing Ms. Barbara Martin on the salary matrix as Instructional Coordinator as of 8/29/2023 according to education and years of experience.
    Administrative items approved by the board are the following:
    *Approve Annual Budget for Fiscal Year October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.
    *Lowest bid in the amount of $824,500 from Stateline Mechanical LLC to provide HVAC equipment for the Robert Brown Middle School HVAC project.
    * Educational Consultant Agreement between Dr. Lucretia Prince and Greene County Board of Education for consulting and coaching services for building administrators.
    * Deposit of $50,000 to Synovus Bank CD.
    *Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Greene County Sheriff Department for Resource Offices for the 2023 – 2024 school year.