Democrats sweep Greene County but lose statewide

Terri Sewell
Bobby Singleton
Curtis Travis

In the November 8, 2022, General Election, Greene County voted overwhelming Democratic, while the state went for Republican candidates by a two-thirds majority.

In Greene County, Yolanda Flowers, Democratic candidate for Governor won with 2,318 votes (78%) to 608 (20%) for Republican Kay Ivey and 42 (1.4%) for James Blake, Libertarian. However, statewide Kay Ivey won with 944,850 (67%) to 411,690 (29%) for Flowers and 45,870 (3.3%) for Blake, the Libertarian.

In Greene County, Democrat Will Boyd received 2,336 (79%) to 597 (20%) for Republican Katie Britt, for the U. S. Senate seat, vacated by Richard Shelby. Statewide Britt won with 940,054 (67%) to 435,431 (31%) for Boyd, with 87% of precincts reporting. Britt will be the first woman elected U. S. Senator in Alabama history.

Republican candidates in Alabama, were elected to all constitutional offices on the ballot and will control the legislature in Alabama for the coming four years.

Terri Sewell, the state’s only Democratic member of the Congressional delegation was re-elected to Congress in the 7th district which includes Greene County. Efforts to create a second Congressional district in Alabama where another Black Democrat could win are currently in court litigation. The Milligan vs Merrill case about Alabama redistricting was heard by the U. S. Supreme Court in October and their decision is pending.

State Senator Bobby Singleton was re-elected from District 24. In Greene County he received 2,395 (91%) to 219 (8%) votes for Libertarian challenger, Richard Bendersen.

Curtis Travis was elected State Representative in District 72, which
Includes Greene, Hale and parts of Tuscaloosa and Bibb counties. In Greene County, Travis polled 2,224 (88%) of the votes with 300 (12%) going to a write-in candidate, likely Ralph Howard, who previously represented part of Greene County in the Legislature.

Local Greene County Democratic candidates were unopposed and easily won election. Incumbent Sheriff Jonathan “Joe” Benison was re-elected by a vote of 2,513 (98%) to 40 (1%) write-in votes. Gregory Griggers was re-elected as District Attorney and Ronald “Kent” Smith was also re-elected as Coroner.

Democratic candidates: Garria Spencer, District 1, Tennyson Smith, District 2; Corey Cockrell, District 3, Allen Turner, District 4, and Roshanda Summerville, District 5, were elected to serve for four years.

Two new members were elected to the Greene County Board of Education: Robert Davis, District 1 and Brandon R. Merriweather, District 2, both Democrat running with no opposition.

The referendum to approve the recompilation of the Alabama Constitution, with most racist language removed, passed in Greene County 1,464 (80%) yes to 380 (20%) No. This referendum passed statewide.

All ten Alabama Constitutional Amendments on the ballot were passed statewide including Amendment One, also known as “Aniah’s law, which will make it harder for persons arrested for a larger number of felony crimes to receive bail and be released from jail before their trials.

In Greene County 3,014 voters (43%) turned out to vote, a lower than usual turnout in our majority Black county. Turnout was also lower statewide.

Eutaw City Council approves 2022-23 budget
and Employee Handbook; honors former Mayor
Hattie Edwards

Former Mayor Hattie Edwards

The Eutaw City Council met on Monday November 7, 2022, for its first regular meeting of the month.

The Council approved a resolution honoring former Mayor Hattie Edwards, who died last week by naming February 28, her birthday as “Hattie Edward’s Day in Eutaw” and allowed flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, November 12, 2022, the day of her internment.

The Council approved the 2022-23 budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022, and the Employee Handbook, which governs human resource issues in the city.

The 2022-23 budget as presented by Ralph Liverman, Financial Consultant is 27 pages covering all funds handled by and through the city.
The budget covering 11 funds projects $5,483,783 in revenues with expenses of $4,390,622 and a surplus of $1,093,161.

Liverman said, “The $5 million total is a new record for the City of Eutaw. This includes a $3 million-dollar General Fund, which is also a record.”

Liverman pointed out that the projections were based on the prior year’s income and expenses and that it was up to the Council to implement any salary increases for the new fiscal year.

“I have projected a large surplus of $493,394 in the General Fund which can be used for salary increases and additional capital improvements,” said Liverman.

The current budget includes $175,000 in road and street repairs from the 4-cent gas tax fund and $225,000 in improvements from the 7-cent gas tax fund. This includes $110,000 for the Streetscape project for the downtown Courthouse Square which is matching for a $600,000 ALDOT grant. The Streetscape project also has matching funds from the Greene County Commission and Greene County Industrial Development Authority.

The budget also has allocations of COVID relief funds from the American Rescue Plan for the new firetruck ($50,000), repairs to the Carver School Building for roof and cafeteria ($61,000) and Employee Cost of Living Adjustment in December 2022 ($53,000).

The budget includes servicing of the USDA Rural Development loan for the water system, with required reserve funds, and servicing a five-year loan taken last year, from Merchants and Farmers Bank, to purchase new trucks and equipment. The water system may require an annual rate adjustment and the sewer system is being partially subsidized with bingo funds.

The Council approved $9,800 to P&M Roofing for additional repairs to the roof of the R. H. Young Community Center, which was the former Carver School.

The Council approved a ten-year Memorandum of Agreement for leasing two classrooms at the R. H. Young Center to the Alabama Forestry Commission for $450 rent per quarter. Councilman Carpenter objected to this agreement because it would bind future councils to an agreement made by this city council.

 

Councilman Carpenter offered a motion to require that city vehicles, including police cars be parked behind City Hall daily and not used by the police to drive home. This led to a heated argument with Police Chief, Tommy Johnson, who said that parking the cars daily would result in slower response times when there was an emergency. The motion died for lack of a second, which further angered Carpenter.

The Council also approved an MOU between the City and Greene County EMA; a contract with Tri-State Consulting for creation of a Geodatabase for the city; and a new Fire Hydrant Ordinance, required by the State of Alabama.

The Council voted to pay bills and claims and approve travel to training for various employees.

In a prior meeting on October 11, the City Council:

• Approved $6,200 for a contract with Supreme Electrical LLC to install LED lighting in the Cafeteria at R. H. Young Community Center.

• Declared surplus and returned a strip of land to C. T. and Joyce Solomon, at the old Family Dollar location, which was a right of way, to facilitate the possibility of locating a Jack’s Restaurant at this location.

• Approved a bid of $20,100 to Jasper Means Construction to repair Robert’s Street drainage problem.

• Approved a contract with Alabama Power Company for LED street light installation in the City of Eutaw.

Superintendent gives overview of state 
testing; CSFO says system still in year-end close-out

At the Greene County Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting held October 17, 2022, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented an overview of the State’s process for annual student assessments.  The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) is administered to grades 3,4,5,7,8.  The 11th grade students are assessed through the ACT test. Dr. Jones stated that  results for testing administered in March of the 2021-2022 school year have been determined but the grading of school systems and the listing of individual schools in the state on the failing list will be available by the November board meeting.
Dr. Jones continued his report with positive news on each of the schools. At the conclusion of his report, Superintendent Jones presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Carol P. Zippert for her eight years of service on the board. Ms. Kashaya Cockrell, who was not present, was acknowledged for her six years on the board.  Their board positions will continue until new board members are sworn in at the November board meeting.
CSFO Marquita Lennon presented preliminary monthly financials as of September.  Ms. Lennon explained that the school system is still in the process of close-out for the school year ending September 30, 2022 and the financials presented were for informational purposes only.  The system close-out will be completed by the November board meeting. Her report included the following: General Fund Balance-$2,921,991; Accounts Payable Check Register – $1,135,295; Payroll Register $949,220.38; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $4.029,886.33; Total Revenue – $230,217.
In other business the board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.

Employment: Valencia Moore, Special Education teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, 2022-2023
Resignations: Mary Caruthers, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation, effective September 30, 2022; William Mack, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation, effective October 7, 2022; Jamiyiah Smith, 5th Grade Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective October 14, 2022.
Additional after school tutorial, effective Monday, Oct. 10, 2022:
Eutaw Primary School: Gloria McGhee; Walter Taylor. Robert Brown Middle School: Tyletha Lord, Substitute Teacher.  Bus Drivers: Gerald Holloway; Freddie Merriweather, David Peterson; George Pippen; Wennoah Peebles; Jerdin Gray; Marsha Powell, Bus Aide; Lesley Carlisle, Substitute Driver; Johnny Pelt, Substitute Driver.
2022-2023 After School Tutorial Rate of Pay: Lead Teacher – $35 per hour; Teacher – $30 per hour; Bus Driver – $25 per hour x 2; Bus Aide – $12 per hour x 2.
Supplement Basketball Contracts for 2022-2023 School Term: Rodney Wesley, Head Varsity  Coach, Boys Basketball Team; Halven Carodine, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach; Howard Crawford, Head B. Team Basketball Coach; Ralph Marshall, Head Girls Basketball Coach; Torethia Mitchell, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach; Quentin Walton, Baseball Coach; Shafontaye Myers, Girls Softball Coach.
Administrative services approved by the board:
* Payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
* Contract between Greene County Board and Behavioral Solutions of Mississippi.
* Amend School Resource Officers contract to ensure they receive 5% raise.
*Contract between Greene County Board and Druid City Basketball Officials ASSO contract for 202202023 School Term.
* Approval to appeal Rhinnie Scott v. Greene County Board of Education Ruling.

Dr. Carol P.  Zippert is presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones for her eight years of dedicated service on the Greene County Board of Education.

Covid-19

As of October 13, 2022, at 10:00 AM
(According to Alabama Political Reporter)

Alabama had 1,528,739 confirmed cases of coronavirus,
(3,015) more than last report, with 20,505 deaths (32) more
than last report.

Greene County had 2,148 confirmed cases, 8 more cases than last report), with 52 deaths

Sumter Co. had 2,988 cases with 55 deaths

Hale Co. had 5,381 cases with 109 deaths

Note: Greene County Physicians Clinic has testing and vaccination for COVID-19;
Call for appointments at 205/372-3388, Ext. 142; ages 5 and up.

Eutaw and Boligee moving forward to consolidate water and sewer systems

Mayor Latasha Johnson gives Proclamation for    National Diaper Awareness Week to Councilmember Valerie Watkins.
In a series of meetings, held September 13, 16 and 19, the City of Eutaw and the Town of Boligee have reached agreement to consolidate their water and wastewater (sewage) systems, under the ownership, operation, and management of the City of Eutaw.
The negotiations have been conducted over several months between Eutaw and Boligee mayors, council-persons, attorneys and engineers, as well as the main infrastructure funding sources of ADEM and USDA Rural Development. The Greene County Industrial Development Authority, who owns the water and sewer system in the Crossroads of America Industrial Park in Boligee, which is tied into the Boligee and Eutaw systems, has also been involved in the discussions, to ensure that there is no diminution in the service to the industrial park.
Boligee, which currently receives water and wastewater services from Eutaw, has agreed to sell all its assets including pumps, hydrants, water lines, sewer lines, lift stations, collection lines, manholes, equipment and other assets and records to the City of Eutaw for $1.00. The Boligee 75,000-gallon, water tank, at 767 County Road 76 in Boligee is specifically exempted from the sale and will continue to belong to the Town of Boligee. The Town of Boligee will continue to be responsible to USDA Rural Development for a water system loan.
The agreement is also subject to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) providing sufficient and satisfactory funding to the City of Eutaw to repair and improve the consolidated water and waste water systems. ADEM will be using funds from the American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress this year, in providing the funds. ADEM has been involved in all the negotiations and has assured the parties that the funding will be available and may be phased in over the next few years. Congresswomen Terri Sewell, who was the only Alabama Congressperson to vote for this infrastructure improvement legislation, has also been involved in urging full, non-match funding for Greene County projects.
The City of Eutaw will operate and maintain the consolidated water and waste water systems. The agreement gives Boligee the right to repurchase its system at the end of five years for $1.00, provided they could receive a permit to operate their own water and wastewater systems.
 
At its special called meeting on September 19, 2022, the Eutaw City Council agreed to hire Angela Henline of the Cassady Engineering Company of Northport as its engineer to handle the water and sewer improvement grants. The engineering firm comes recommended by its experience in water and wastewater improvement projects in west Alabama. ADEM is requiring preliminary plans and estimates for repair of the Eutaw-Boligee Water-Sewer system by the end of October to proceed with funding. 
 
In other business at its September 13 regular meeting, the City of Eutaw agreed to the following:
 
• Approved $26,000 contribution (using AARP funds) to the Greene County EMS for matching funds for an ambulance, power lifter and stretcher for a grant for an ambulance from the Alabama Council of Emergency Medical Services.
 
• Approved a $49,000 contract with P & M Roofing and Construction Company of Gordo, Alabama for repair and sealing of the roof on the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver Middle School) in Eutaw.
 
• Approved the estimate of $23,380.07 KB’s Homeimprovements of Forkland, Alabama, for the repair of the Cafeteria at the Robert H. Young Community Center.
 
• Approved a voluntary check-off, on city water bills, for support of the Eutaw and surrounding volunteer fire departments.
 
• Approved a Proclamation supporting National Diaper Need Awareness Week to support the diaper bank operating from Woman-to-Woman’s offices in Eutaw.
 
• Approved payment of dues for American Water Works Association.
 
• Approved payment of travel for Chief of Police, Tommy Johnson to attend the International Association of Police Chiefs Conference in Dallas, Texas on October 14-19, 2022.
 
•Approved payment of bills and claims.

Eutaw City Council considers buying a fire truck and wrestles with water system problems in Boligee

Mayor and Eutaw City Council members hold up Audit Report for September 30, 2022, which was approved in a Special Called Meeting on August 3, 2200
Proposed firetruck the City of Eutaw plans to inspect

    On August 9, 2022, the Eutaw City Council held a work session with the Mayor and members of the City Council of Boligee over continuing problems of water leakage, pressure and quality in the Town and a regular meeting where they considered the purchase of a fire engine.

    The work session considered the problems of the City of Eutaw Water System providing water to two hundred customers in the Town of Boligee. Because of leakages in the main water line and problems in the Town, the system pressures cannot be maximized. In other cases breakdowns in key transmission lines have led to “brown looking water” and other quality problems for Boligee users.

    Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson said, “We do not want to cut off water for the Town of Boligee. We are spending most of our water repair funds on the old lines to and in Boligee. We want to give you the water transmission system back and just sell you water, but we know you cannot afford to run your system by yourself. It is too small to be financially viable.”

    The Mayor went on to explain that Eutaw applied to ADEM and USDA for assistance. “We were awarded a $3.5 million dollar loan and grant combination, where half was a grant and half a loan, but we cannot afford to take on additional debt, especially since most of the money would be spent in Boligee. We cannot raise the water rates for our customers to help Boligee. We need a 100% grant to help all the people on our system.”

    At the actual Eutaw City Council meeting, the council voted to turn down the $3.5 million loan and grant offer from ADEM because the matching requirement of a $1.75 million loan was more than the City could afford at this time. “We hope to reapply for these funds in the future, but we feel ADEM, USDA and other agencies need to recognize the unique situation of our water system serving two rural communities, with a majority of low-income residents that cannot afford higher water bills for debt servicing,” said Mayor Johnson.

    Also on the regular Eutaw City Council agenda was an informational item with two invoices for $11,431 for repairs to the system in recent months, all expended in Boligee. “We hope to recover this money from Boligee, but we know this is a strain on them, which is why we need more grant funds to repair and update our joint system,’ said Jonson.

    In another information item on the agenda was the issue of charging the Greene County Water System for water it gets from Eutaw and the need to renegotiate an outdated contract to supply water to the catfish plant.

    Another major item on the Eutaw City Council agenda was consideration of a request from the Fire Department to purchase used 2006 Pierce Quint 75 fire truck with a forty-foot ladder that could reach the second and third story of homes and apartments in Eutaw.

    Fire Chief Bennie Abrams and Assistant Chief Brandon Broach explained that the City had one certified fire truck with a 24-foot ladder and one old truck that was a “hose wagon”. They said they were looking into buying a used truck, the 2006 Pierce Quint with a forty-foot ladder, which has a list price of $275,000.

    They explained that the Eutaw Fire Department had $150,000 donation from a citizen toward purchase of the truck but needed a commitment from the City Council for the additional $125,000, so they could travel to New Jersey to inspect the truck and negotiate the best price. “We do not need to go to look at the truck, if we cannot actually buy it, if we feel it would meet our needs,” said Broach.

    City Financial Advisor, Ralph Liverman said the Eutaw Fire Department has two accounts, one with $207,770, including the $150,000 donation and one with $27,000 for operations. Liverman also said he was planning to place $50,000 for purchase of a new fire truck in the Capital Improvements Account for the coming FY2022-23 budget. Liverman said he felt the city had the funds to purchase the truck if it passed inspection.

    After questions from the council members on other equipment needs of the Fire Department and other needs to be funded by the Capital Improvements budget, the Council voted to approve travel for the two fire officials to inspect the truck and report back about the plan to purchase it.

    In a special called meeting on August 3, 2022, the Eutaw City Council voted to accept the Audit Report for September 30, 2021, prepared by Harbin and Stough, CPA firm in Tuscaloosa. The 53-page detailed audit will be helpful to the city in securing grant funding and laying the basis for future audit reports.

    In other business, the Eutaw City Council:
• Approved travel for Mayor, council members and staff to travel to
various training and annual conferences.
• Approved an adjustment in the annual Municipal Business License fee from $12 to $14 per business.
• Approved the Policy and Procedures manual for city fees.
• Approved payment of Bills and Claims for July 2022

School Board hears plans for JAG project; receives State testing results for accountability grades

The Greene County Board of Eduction met in regular session Monday, August 15, 2022 with all board members in attendance. As part of his report, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones brought on staff directors to give various program summaries.

Ms. Teresa Atkins, Director of the Greene County High School Career Center, gave a summary report on the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) project. The school system was funded $65,000 in support of the project.
Ms. Atkins reported that the Greene County School District is excited to launch the JAG Program at Greene County Career Center.  Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) identifies and provides educational support and success strategies for Alabama’s at-risk students.  “JAG-eligible students have been partnered with our Educational Specialist, Mrs. Shamyra Jones who will mentor, equip, and provide the support needed to graduate and succeed after high school.  JAG is unique in that it serves students often overlooked,” she stated.
Greene County School System received a start-up grant off $10,000 and a continuous grant of $55,000 to support the implementation of the program. According to Ms. Atkins, the system may request a larger JAG grant for next year.
Ms. Marshae Pelt, At-Risk and Testing Coordinator, presented the board with an overview of accountability regarding the State Testing results. The grades that are tested, referred to as accountability grades, include 3rd through 8th, tested through ACAP and the 11th grade utilizing the ACT Test. Ms. Pelt presented charts indicating student scores in Math and Reading from State Testing administered in March 2022.
Ms. Pelt presented an overview of the state assessments that at least 98% of students participated in during Spring 2022. Students in grades 2-8 participated in the ACAP Summative mandated assessment. At least 97% of students in the 11th grade participated in the ACT assessment, which included subjects: Math, Reading, English, and Science. Although various grades participated in the Science assessment, all students participated in the English/Language Arts and Math assessments.

Superintendent Jones shared how instructional coaches should be an asset in ensuring that teachers understand the data and provide professional development and professional support as students continue to demonstrate achievement growth.
Superintendent Jones gave an update on the schools enrollments to date and in comparison to the previous enrollments at opening of school. Eutaw Primary has enrolled 264 scholars so far this school term compared to 296 at the start of the 2021 school term. Robert Brown Middle School has enrolled 342 compared to 321 for the previous year; and Greene County High has enrolled 261, compared to 253 for the previous year. This year’s total enrollment to date is 867. Last year’s opening enrollment was 879. Dr. Jones stated that he receives daily reports on student enrollment and expects enrollment to increase.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
Employment – 2022-2023 School Term: Sarah Crawford, 2nd Grade Eutaw Primary School; JaMiyiah Smith, 5th Grade Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Ephraim Russell, Band Teacher, Greene County High School; Howard Crawford, In-School Suspension Teacher, Greene County High School; Alanda McEwen, Counselor, Robert Brown Middle School;
Resignations: Leanita Hunt, 6th Grade English Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective September 2, 2022; Monquelle Wigfall, Special Education Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective September 9, 2022; Katoya Quarles, 6th Grade Math Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective August 31, 2022.
The board approved authorization of the following employees to work concessions and ticket booths for the 2022-2023 school year: Latanya Cockrell, Traci Hunter, Sara Brewer, Twelia Morris, Sharon Washington, Mary Henderson, Wanda Gaitor.
The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Contract between Greene County Board and Criterion Consulting, Administrator Evaluations, Support Services for 2022-2023 school term.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Southern Regional Education Board/School Improvement, for 2022-2023 school term.
* Contract between Greene County High School and Alabama High School Athletic Association Officials, to Officiate each football game; Approval of out of State Travel for Paula Calligan to attend Cosmetology Conference in Miami Florida.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and The Washington Consulting Group, LLC Training for New CNP Director.
* Contract between Greene County Board and Alabama Association of School Boards, Reorganizing/Reformatting of Policy Manual.
* Contract Agreement between Greene County Board and the Greene County Ambulance Services to provide emergency Medical Services during football Games.
Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO, presented the Financial Snapshot for July 31, 2022, including the following: General Fund Bank Balance – $2,936,667.68; Accounts Payable Check register – $854,065.40; Combined Ending fund Balance – $5,228,808.86; Total Local Revenue – $187,055; Operating Reserve – 5.14 combined general fund reserve; 2.91 cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled.

Coronavirus Box as of August 6, 2022

As of August 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM
(According to Alabama Political Reporter)

Alabama had 1,436,450 confirmed cases of coronavirus,
(14,690) more than last week with 19,974 deaths (84) more
than last week)

Greene County had 2,056 confirmed cases, 13 more cases than last week), with 51 deaths

Sumter Co. had 2,826 cases with 52 deaths

Hale Co. had 5,190 cases with 109 deaths

Note: Greene County Physicians Clinic has testing and vaccination for COVID-19;
Call for appointments at 205/372-3388, Ext. 142; ages 5 and up.

Superintendent shares goals in progress for new school year

At the Board of Education meeting held Monday, July 18, 2022, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented his 10 General Goals for the upcoming school year, 2022-2023. Jones noted in advance that this was considered a first drat presentation and that plans and implementations are upgraded and adjusted as the school year progresses. The following is a summary of the Superintendent’s goals.
Goal 1 is to continue to maintain a safe and healthy environment that maximizes learning for scholars and staff. This includes the physical cleanliness and maintenance of all school property; safety and security measures and reduction in student incident reports. Jones said he is working to ensure that school resource officers are appropriately trained for all adverse circumstances, and that scholars and school personnel are prepared through regular drills to take proper safety actions if under attack.
Goal 2 focuses on the academic program with emphasis on reading and mathematics directed through special interventionist programs.
Goal 3 is to work in partnership with the community to enrich educational programs and create a true school community. The approach will include scheduled Town Hall Meetings, School and Community Listening Sessions and other face-to-face and virtual meetings.
Goal 4 is to implement monthly Superintendent’s Advisory Council gatherings with various scholar groups. “These will be Brown Bag sessions to create comfortable atmospheres to listen and hear from students,” he said.
Goal 5 is to put specific measures in place to raise the graduation rate to at least 90%. Goal 6 is to continue to build collaborative relationships with local and state officials. Goal 7 is to ensure that the District remains financially solvent and that funds are expended in the most efficient manner. In Goal 8, the superintendent will continue to attend professional development opportunities to increase his leadership skills.
Goal 9 is to develop and monitor a plan to reduce the district’s long tern financial obligations.
Finally, Goal 10 is to provide access to professional development to meet the needs of the administrative leadership.
In his report, Dr. Jones also noted that specific information regarding safeguards for COVID, including mask requirements at school, will be provided publicly, as well as the standard uniform guidelines for scholars.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
Employment – 2002-2023 School Year: Dorothy Jones, School Nurse, Eutaw Primary School; Shamyra Jones, JAG Instructor, Greene County Career Center; LaMonica Little, Career Coach, Greene County Career Center; Tracy Hinton, Biology Teacher, Greene County High School; Torethia Mitchell, 10th Grade Science Teacher, Greene County High School; Sylvia Williams, English Teacher, Greene County High School; Trudy Finley, Kindergarten Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; KaLeigha Jemison, Kindergarten Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Reginald Coats, 2nd Grade Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Tiffany Washington, Secretary/Bookkeeper, Eutaw Primary School; Shirley Stewart, Child Nutrition Program Director, Greene County Board; Shafontaye Myers, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Deborah Taylor, Cook at Robert Brown Middle School; Twelia Morris, from 10-Month Secretary at Greene County Career Center to 12 Month Secretary; Tyesha M. Weeks, Parent Engagement Facilitator, Greene County schools; Marquavius King, 4th Grade Reacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Demetria Lyles, 4th Grade Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School.
Resignation: Allison Newton, Science Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective, June 28, 2022; Josef Stancer, Band Teacher, Greene County High School.
Voluntary Transfers: Tavaris Lacy from 7th /8th Grade Language Arts to P.E. Teacher; Quentin Walton from 6th Grade Math to 5th Grade Math; Leanita Hunt from 5th Grade to 6th Grade Language Arts; KaToya Quarles from 7th/8th Grade Math to 6th Grade Math.
Supplemental Contracts: Nicole Henley, Cheerleader Coach, Greene County High School for 2022-2023 School Year; Paula Calligan, Line Dance, Greene County High School for 2022-2023 School Year.
The board approved Professional Development Sessions for new ELA Reading Program Open Court July 7, 2022, Eutaw Primary School, with $25 per hour for participants.
Eutaw Primary School Participants: Genetta Bishop, Carolyn Beck, Pamela McGee, Robin Campbell, Quenterica White, Danielle Sanders-Williams, Elona Washington, Cheryl Morrow, Montoya Binion, Walter Taylor, Destiny Taylor, LaShaun Henley, Charlease Smith, Keisha Williams, Shana Lucy, Pamela Pasteur, and Sherita Pickens.
Robert Brown Middle School Participants: Annie Howard, Vanessa Bryant, Theodora Scott, Henry Miles, Jr., Dr. Sharron Martin.
The board also approved the following expenditures adjustments and personnel contract.
* Request for continuation of annual stipends for all full-time Child Nutrition Program employees who maintain Level 1 Certification from School Nutrition Association, for School Year 2021-2022, and thereafter in May of each year. Cooks @ $250, Managers @ $500, Director @ $750.
* $500 stipend for the Building Test Coordinator (BTC) Marilyn Knott. For administering the ACAP to the third-grade scholars at Eutaw Primary School during the week of June 27, 2022 – July 1, 2022
* Adjusted Principal Contract for Brittany Harris, Eutaw Primary School.
Approved contract service agreement between Greene County Board and Cynthia Crawford for technical support to Greene County School System.
The board approved the following administrative items.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
Contractual Agreement between Greene County Board and Helping Hands Therapy, Physical Speech Therapy.
Rescind the Approval of Contract with Vision Financial Group, INC.
Smart Board Purchase by Prologic, in lieu of the previously approved.
Agreement between Greene County Board and H&H Educational Services, LLC, Psychometric Services.
Agreement between Greene County Board, and ASA/AREN for Activation of CIPA Content Filtering.
Agreement between Greene County Board and Power School, Assessment and Reporting Core.
Approval of Greene County High School Mu Alpha Theta students to travel to Sevierville TN, April 14, 2023.
Approval of Contract Agreement between Greene County Board and Snyder Electric.
Removal and Installation of fence, Robert Brown Middle School, Football Field by West Alabama Fencing.
Service Agreement between Greene County Board and Southern Educational Service Agency, LLC.