Shown above Dr. Jessica Constant, Mr. Demond Mullins, Ms. Taurus Brown and Dr. Timothy Thurman
At its December 15, 2025 regular meeting, the Greene County Board of Education received four applicant finalists for the position of Superintendent. Ms. Susan Salter, special consultant with the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB), led the superintendent search for Greene County School System. She presented the following finalist detailing their experiences and education: Dr. Jessica Constant, currently Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Phenix City Schools; Mr. Demond Mullins currently Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Ms. Taurus Brown Smith currently Education Administrator Alabama Department of Education, Office of School Improvement; Dr. Timothy Thurman currently Superintendent Linden City Schools.
Ms. Salter noted that applications were received from 39 candidates with 28 completions. Applications were received from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Arizona and Missouri. AASB reviewed all applicants and a committee determined the top candidates. AASB vetted all candidates. Salter narrated to the board the credentials and work experiences of each finalist, in alphabetical order. through a public Power Point presentation. The board has scheduled interviews with each finalist for Thursday, December 18, beginning at 10: am in the Central Office. The interviews are open to the public, but only board members may participate in the interviews. Dr. Jessica Constant’s experiences include Coordinator of Student Services, Tuscaloosa City Schools; Experiences in Hale County Schools – Principal, Greensboro High School; Principal Akron Community School; Assistant Principal, Greensboro Middle School; Teacher, Greensboro East Elementary. Education – Doctorate in Education Management; Education Specialist; Master’s Education Administration and Supervision; Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.
Mr. Demond Mullins’ experiences include Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lowndes County Schools; Principal Johnson Elementary, Jeff Davis High School, Montgomery County Schools; Principal Hazelwood Elementary, Lawrence County Schools; Assistant Principal Bob Jones High School, Madison City Schools; Assistant Principal, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Seth Johnson Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Westwood Elementary, Tuscaloosa County schools. Education – Education Specialist, Master’s Education Leadership; Bachelor’s Elementary Education; currently Ph.D candidate.
Ms. Taurus Brown Smith’s experiences include Principal Payne Elementary, Selma City Schools; Teacher, Selma City Schools. Education – National Board Certification, Early Childhood Generalist; Master’s Elementary Education; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education. Dr. Timothy Thurman’s experiences include Assistant Superintendent Linden City Schools; Principal Linden High School; Teacher and Coach Perry County Schools; Director Perry County Alternative School. Education: Doctorate Educational Leadership; Master’s Education Administration; Bachelor’s Elementary Education.
The Greene County Board of Education met in a special session, Monday October 13, 2025, to discuss and determine the procedure for initiating its superintendent search. All board members were present as well as board attorney Hank Sanders.
Board President Leo Branch noted that the board had at least two options; conduct the search itself or engage the professional services of the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB). Branch asked Attorney Sanders to further explain the options. Attorney Sanders confirmed that all the steps for the superintendent search would be conducted by AASB staff, including, but not limited to, advertising the position, receiving and screening all applicants and submitting finalists to the board. The board then interviews finalists and makes its decision. Sanders stated that should the board conduct the search itself, board members would be charged with conducting all components of the process.
President Branch informed the board the he was not able to lead such a search with the board.
“There is too much work involved and it is too difficult to get all board members together, which this process would require. We are already 13 days behind starting this search,” he stated. Vice-President Veronica Richardson said she would lead the process if the board chose to conduct its superintendent search. Board member Brandon Merriweather offered his assessment that since some board members have work obligations, the more efficient approach would be to go with AASB’s plan.
President Branch asked for a motion for action on the superintendent search. Mr. Merriweather moved to engage AASB and Board member Carrie Dancy seconded. All voted to approve, except Ms. Richardson, who voted no.
A second motion was made, seconded and carried to select the AASB Gold approach for the superintendent search. AASB offers a service tier which determines the expanse of the search, related tasks and the cost. AASB’s options are delineated as Silver, Gold and Platinum. The board selected the Gold tier which includes the following AASB tasks at a cost of $9, 999:
* Advertise the position statewide and regionally and recruit candidates.
* Publish a descriptive brochure.
* Facilitate a board meeting or work session to finalize a profile of the desired leader.
* Provide an interview guide for the board.
* Conduct up to five meetings with constituent groups.
* Present analysis of staff and community feedback.
* Survey staff and community on desired superintendent qualities and skills. Utilize a communication style assessment to assist with candidate screening.
* Receive and screen applications.
* Respond to inquiries regarding the vacancy.
* Check credentials and references.
* Notify candidates who are not selected as finalist.
Submit finalists to the board.
Once superintendent takes office, facilitate discussion of board and superintendent communication styles.
The board also approved scheduling a Superintendent Search Workshop with AASB, which would serve as the board’s required annual Whole Board Training, at no additional cost to the board.
School Board receives accolades for School Board Appreciation Month
At the monthly Greene County Board of Education meeting, held Monday, January 27, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones opened his report acknowledging January as School Board Appreciation Month, which was followed by presentations from the Central Office staff and the various schools. Prior to the meeting, the board members enjoyed a meal provided by the Central Office staff. The staff also presented a plaque to each board member. Eutaw Primary School personnel presented the board members with Certificates of Appreciation and other gifts. Greene County High School and the Greene County Career Center presented Certificates and gifts made by students in the Career Center. Robert Brown Middle School was scheduled to deliver their gifts of appreciation following the meeting. The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) encourages Alabama’s public education supporters to join in celebrating the dedicated service of school board members throughout the state. January marks the 31st annual School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama. The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones. * Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Robert Brown Middle School: (Separate Contract): Felicia Smith, Cheerleader Sponsor; Cedric Murry, Head Boys Basketball Coach. * Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Rodney Wesley, Baseball Coach; Tracey Hunter, Girls Track Coach;Howard Crawford, Boys Track Coach. * Resignation of Montoya Binion as After-School Tutorial Program teacher, effective January 7, 2025. Employment: Jorien Reeves, Mechanic Helper, for the Greene County School system; Glenda Hodges, Long-term substitute at Eutaw Primary School for the 2024 – 2025 school year. Catastrophic sick leave for Mrs. Angela White, Counselor at Greene County Career Center. The board approved the following administrative items. * Renewal of service agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Albireo Energy to provide service, support, and software license for access controls for the HVAC and security systems at GCHS/GCCC. * Contract between Parchment K12 District Record Services to allow students and alumni to request transcripts. * Out of state and overnight travel for Greene County High Debate Team to travel to Mississippi State for a Debate Competition on March 26 – 27, 2025. * Travel for football coaches to attend Glazier Clinics Football Coaching Clinics in Atlanta, GA on February 20 – 23, 2025. * Revised service contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to do Welding Enrichment at Greene County Career Center. * Adjustments to the Additional Service Salary Schedule. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO. Agreement with Gifted Specialist, Demisha Stough, to provide contractual services for the Special Education Department for the 2024-2025 school year.
CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon presented the monthly financials as of December 31, 2024. The operating reserves indicated 6.49 months combined general fund reserves and 6.11 months in cash reserves. All bank accounts have been reconciled. Financial Snapshot: General Fund Bank Balance totaled $6,424,612.72n (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $201,301.62; Payroll Register totaled $933,637.76. Total gross pay to include employer match items. Combined Fund Balance totaled $6,767,200.46. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $143,493.67; Sales Taxes – $104,410.56; Other taxes. School Board Attorney, Hank Sanders, who served on the committee with Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Veronica Richardson, to determine Superintendent Jones’ salary for the two year contract approved earlier by the board, reported that Dr. Corey Jones’ salary beginning July 1, 2025 is $150,000 annually. This is an increase of $11,600, approved unanimously by the board. The State Department of Education’s 2024 listing of superintendents salaries indicates that current salaries of superintendents in county schools adjacent to Greene County, as well as other superintendents in the Black Belt region, all exceed the current salary of Greene County’s superintendent. – $264; Amendment 743 – $60,000; Total Local Revenue – $308,168.23.
The Alabama Association of School Boards awarded each school board member a Certificate of Completion for meeting all training requirements for the 2022-2023 school year. AASB also awarded the board a Certificate as a Member in Good Standing. Shown L to R: Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Board Members Carrie Dancy, Leo Branch, Veronica Richardson, Robert Davis, and Brandon Merriweather.
The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session on August 28, 2023 with all members in attendance. Prior to beginning the official business, Board President Leo Branch called attention to an omission in the minutes of July 17, 2023. A personnel item recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones at the July meeting did not indicate how the board had acted on the item. Mr. Branch and Attorney Hank Sanders recalled that the vote was two for, two against and one abstention, thus the item failed. On a motion by Board Member Robert Davis and second by Board member Brandon Merriweather, the minutes were approved with the necessary corrections. In the personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones, the board approved the following Resignations: Dalajah Bryant-Kemp, 6th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle, effective July 18, 2023; Tyesha Weeks, Parent Engagement Facilitator and Homeless Liaison, effective August 1, 2023; Chandra Toney, 3rd grade teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective August 7, 2023; Siegfried Williams, Music/Choral teacher, Greene County High and Robert Brown Middle, effective August 2, 2023; Breshayla Hoskins, 4th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle, effective August 24, 2023; Denetria Ruffin, 7th and 8th Grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective immediately; Marshae Pelt, At-Risk Coordinator, effective September 30, 2023 and to remain on administrative leave until September 30, 2023 The board approved the following employment items recommended by Superintendent Jones: Eutaw Primary School: Tabitha Smith – Secretary/Bookkeeper; Angela Jones – 3rd grade teacher; Canesha Ray – Long-term sub (3rd grade) and to include retroactive pay from February 2023. Robert Brown Middle School-Retroactive Approval: Breshayla Hoskins – 4th grade teacher, effective August 2, 2023; Jordan Pelt – 6th grade ELA teacher; Howard Crawford – PE teacher; Tyneshia Fulgham – 6th grade Teacher; Denzel Davis – In School Suspension; Dorthea Smith – Long-term Substitute Teacher (5th grade); Cillia Morrow – Long-term Substitute (6th grade); Sharon Jones – Cook; Glenda Hodges – Long-term Substitute Behavioral Aide; Lakesha Pelt Long-T Substitute Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School. Transportation: Carla Russell – Vocational Driver (This route will transport CTE students to RBMS for Modern Manufacturing and REHVAC courses). Greene County High School: Patricia Coleman, Long-term Substitute (Biology); Khadijah Hunter Long-term Substitute (In School Suspension). Non-Acceptance of employment: Monica Watkins, Science teacher Greene County High School; Janice Jeames-Askew, Assistant Volleyball Coach. The board approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2023-2024 school term. Robert Brown Middle School: Henry Miles, Head Football Coach; Quentin Walton, Assistant Football; Greene County High School: Victoria Moore, Volleyball Coach; Torethia Mitchell, Assistant Volleyball Coach; Rodney Wesley, Varsity Basketball Boys; Halven Carodine, Assistant Varsity Basketball Boys; Shafontaye Myers, Varsity Basketball Girls; Torethia Mitchell, Assistant Varsity Basketball Girls; Ashley Moody, Assistant Varsity Basketball Girls; Quentin Walton, Boys Baseball Coach; Torethia Mitchell, Girls Softball Coach; Victoria Moore, Assistant Girl’s Softball; Howard Crawford, Track Coach, Boys; Rodney Wesley, Assistant Track Coach, Boys; Denzel Davis, Assistant Football Coach. The board approved the following personnel to work athletic events at Greene County High School for 2023-2024 school year: Latanya Cockrell, Sarah Brewer, Mary Henderson, Tracey Hunter, Twelia Morris, Wanda Gaitor, Sharon Washington. The board approved a supplement for Barbara Martin to serve as At-Risk/Testing/Accountability Coordinator for the system, effective August 29, 2023. In its personnel items, the board approved the re-enrollment of student J.T. at Greene County High School for the 2023-2024 school year. The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent. * Contract between Greene County Board and Uniti Fiber to upgrade server for 2023-2024 school term. * Agreement between Greene County Board and Greene County Ambulance Services for 2023 football game season. * Agreement between Greene County Board and West Central Volleyball Officials for 2023 volleyball season. * Approval of Gosa’s Mobile Car Wash & Detailing to detailing 20 school buses. * Approval of Greene County High School Debate Team to travel to Washington DC June 9-17, 2024. * Greene County Board Transportation Department to transport students to and from Stillman College for Upward Bound Program. •Approval of McKee and Associates as Architect for Window Replacements at Robert Brown Middle School. •NNC Morgan Construction Company to replace windows at Robert Brown Middle School. * Quote from Little’s Trucking 1 LLC for Brush cut undergrowth and Bush Haul area at Greene County High School. * Quote from Little’s Trucking 1 LLC for removal of trees and grinding of additional stumps that are present. * Clear Winds Technologies for 1yr Renewal Device Repair Services. * Quote from Riverside Technology Inc. to purchase Chrome books. * Quote from Extreme Patio to replace storm damage covers and install new awning at Eutaw Primary School. * Reynolds Electric and Refrigeration Inc. to repair AC System at Central Office. * Revision of terms for CD with Synovus Bank. * Contract between Greene County Board and Southern Regional Education Board/School Improvement for Career Tech professional Development. * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Cynthia Crawford to serve as Technology Assistant and provide Technical Support for Greene County Schools District. * Contractual agreement between Greene County Board and BSOM to provide school consultation services for special needs students. * Purchase and Subscription Service agreement between Greene County Board and RAPTOR Technologies for visitors management system. * Purchase of parts from Reynolds Electric and Refrigeration, Inc for Welding Shop at Career Tech Center. * Renewal of Class-wallet Software for 2023-2024 school term. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO. * Purchase of HVAC equipment and supplies from Source Well via Mingledorff’s for Robert Brown Middle. * Agreement between Greene County Board AND West Central Officials Associations for football officials at Robert Brown Middle for 2023 football season. •Agreement between Greene County Board and West Central Officials Associations for football officials at Greene County High for 2023 football season. All personnel and administrative items recommended by the superintendent were approved with four board members voting in the affirmative and only board member Carrie Dancy abstaining on all items. In his report to the board superintendent Dr. Corey Jones indicated the following: * COVID positive cases August 21-27: Eutaw Primary School. – 2; Robert Brown Middle School – 6; Greene County High School – 5. He stated that these numbers represented students and personnel at the schools. Dr. Jones also advised all principals to recommend wearing masks in the facilities at this stage. •Enrollment to date: EPS – 277; RBMS – 326; GCHS – 249. Total – 852 reflects four less than last year’s enrollment. “We expect the enrollment to increase after Labor Day; that usually happens,” Jones stated. •EPS has purchased a BookVending Machine. Scholars will be awarded with tokens to purchase books. After-school enrollment totals 150 scholars. Educators are now in process of completing the Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Assessment (Aimsweb/Reading, i-Ready/Math). •RBMS welcomed community stakeholders who joined opening school rally, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Pastor Willie Lang and daughter Willesha Land, Mt. Zoar Baptist church. RBMS scheduled for window repair bids. Concession roof, ticket booth roof and football field fence are all completed. Temporary press box will be utilized. Bleachers received on Friday. Scoreboard arrived on Thursday. Stadium seats will be pressure washed. Mold areas in the facility were cleaned and treated. •GCHS will have roof leaked repaired this week. Mold areas in the facility were cleaned and treated. Career Center is also scheduled for roof leak repairs this week. CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon gave the following financial snapshot for the period ending July 31, 2023. Operating Reserve: $5.34M combined general fund reserve; $3.38M cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General fund Balance totaled $4,051,747.75. (Reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts payable Check Register totaled $338,532.51. Payroll Register totaled $907,118.66. Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $6,561,059.16. Local Revenue sources totaled $122,853. There was no revenue from Bingo for the month of July. The first of two scheduled Budget Hearings for fiscal year 2023-2024 was held Monday, August 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Board’s Central Office. Special note was made that the remaining $5 million in ESSER III funds must be allocated by September 30, 2023. The next Budget Hearing is scheduled for Monday September 11, 2023 in the Central Office at 3:00 pm.
Dr. Corey Jones of Newbern, AL was unanimously selected as superintendent for the Greene County School System at a called meeting of the board, Thursday, May 9, 2019. Dr. Jones will officially assume his duties in Greene County on July 1, 2019, however, he has expressed an interest in setting up a transition initiative with outgoing school superintendent, Dr. James H. Carter, Sr.
The board’s decision followed several days of intense interviews of the finalist candidates. The system’s superintendent search process involved the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) vetting 24 applicants and presenting six finalists to the board for interviews and final selection. Five of the finalists completed the interview process.
Dr. Jones is currently a school administrator with the Perry County School System, where he has been employed since 1994, first as a Biology teacher for nine years, then as a Central Office Administrator in various roles including Assessment/Accountability Coordinator, Special Education Director, Capital Planner, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, At Risk Coordinator, 504 Coordinator and other related duties.
In sharing his educational philosophy with the board, Dr. Jones emphasized school safety as a priority. “It is my educational philosophy that a student must feel safe in order for learning to take place. This can be accomplished by assuring that the district has clear policies and procedures focused on school safety and ensuring that these are implemented and followed with fidelity,” Jones explained.
He stated that another priority for student achievement is engagement of students, teachers, parents and community stakeholders. “Student engagement is essential to learning taking place in all successful school systems, and student engagement starts with good teaching. Attracting highly qualified and dedicated teachers and staff and providing them high quality professional development is essential to the engagement. In addition, parents, community and other stakeholders must be continuously engaged for a school system to be successful,” Jones explained.
Dr. Jones said that he is deeply committed to utilizing the system’s data. “In my initial assessment, I would go deep into the data for the last five years, working with principals and teachers as we analyze where the system is. Students must also have access to their data. This is important for them to have a buy-in in the school’s achievement plan,” he said.
Dr. Jones received his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Biology from Troy University and his Ed.D. in Education, Leadership, Policy and Law from Alabama State University.
