Greene County Democrat

Tag: Angela White

  • School Board receives update on Superintendent Jones evaluation process

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, April 15, 2024 with all members present. The board heard an update on Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones evaluation process, conducted by Dr. Daniel Boyd, former Assistant Superintendent with the Alabama State Board of Education and former Superintendent of the Lowndes County School System. Dr. Boyd presented the board members with evaluation forms, to complete individually, using five performance standards. Dr. Boyd indicated that he will return on Wednesday to administer similar surveys to the administrative staff and principals. He asked the board members to have their surveys completed and returned to him by that date.
    Dr. Boyd stated that he will compile the findings of all surveys and present a final report on Superintendent Jones evaluation by June, 2024.
    Dr. Boyd noted that the superintendent’s annual evaluation process is significant in clarifying leadership roles; enhancing communications; creating a common understanding consisting of multiple sources of data and providing mechanisms of accountability.
    In his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Jones presented positive news for each school.
    Eutaw Primary: K-3 educators are currently participating in Reading Data meetings. Educators will analyze most recent progress, monitoring data and make instructional adjustments. All K-3 grade scholars will take the Aimsweb End-of-Year Assessment beginning April 29, 2024. The educators will participate in i-Ready/ACAP Practice Test Data meeting during week of April 22-24. They will review pertinent information prior to administering Diagnostic 3. ACAP testing has concluded at Eutaw Primary.
    Robert Brown Middle: 8th grade course selection cards completed April 4. ACAP testing completed. School wide Basketball Tournament scheduled for April 19. P.A.W.S. (Parents Always Willing to Support) meeting scheduled for April 30.
    Greene County High: Scholars attended Future Teachers Day at University of Alabama. Seniors attended WOW 2.0 held at Shelton State Community College, sponsored by Alabama Works. Mu Alpha Theta celebrated at OWA and Gulf Bowl Entertainment in Foley, Alabama.
    Greene County Career Center: Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Lear Corporation Industry Tour, March 14. Jobs for Alabama Graduates Career Closet dedicated. Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Hanna Steel Industry tour, March 27.
    Current Construction/Renovation Projects: Flooring at EPS is complete; roofing is 95% complete due to landscaping issue. Press box at RBMS scheduled to be completed by June 2. Company replacing HVAC system at RBM has begun receiving materials. GCH still has roofing issues which are under warranty.
    The board acted on the following personnel items.
    *Approved compensation for the following staff for any College Career Readiness related activities for the remainder of the fiscal year 2023-2024 – Teresa Atkins, Nicole Henley, Paula Calligan-Leftwich, Tomora Morris, Shamyra Jones, LaMonica Little, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, and Tweila Morris.
    *Approved resignations of Nkenge Reynolds, 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher at RBM and Ashley Moody, 7th/8th grade Language Arts teacher at RBM, both effective May 24, 2024.
    The board acted on the following administrative items.
    * Memorandum of Agreement for Special Education Services between Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start and Greene County Board of Education

    * Job description for Gifted Education Specialist
    * Quote in the amount of $36,229.00 from Alabama Door and Hardware, Inc. for doors at RBMS.
    * Greene County Schools to participate in Winning Grant Training Program with MSB at The University of Alabama with a one-time fee of $3,500.00.
    * Out-of-State travel for Shamyra Jones to attend the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, NV, July 8-12, 2024. (Attending this conference is listed in the JAG Memorandum of Agreement.)
    * Out-of-State travel for Tomora Morris to attend the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9 -12, 2024. (Pending available grant funding).
    * Quote from Kelley S. Wassermann in the amount of $2,000 for two days of onsite assistance and training for Mosaic nutrient analysis and database collection for CNP Director and managers (Includes overnight hotel and travel expenses).
    * Out-of-state travel for Rodney Wesley to attend 2024 Spring National Association of Basketball Coaches Clinic in Atlanta, GA on May 3-5, 2024.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
    * Permission for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) members to travel to Georgia to Six Flags for their Educational Day on Friday, May 10, 2024.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshots as of March 31, 2024.
    Operating Reserves: 5,73 (months) combined general fund reserve; 4,65 (months) cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Bank Balance totaled $5,728,137.95 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $359,485.61. payroll Register totaled $947,547.82, (total gross pay, to include employer match items). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,049,670.75.
    Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $42,146.87; Sales Taxes – $95,701.40; Other Taxes – $139,908.26.
    Prior to the April meeting, the school board members participated in its annual Whole Board Training, Governing for Achievement, administered by Alabama Association of School Board staff. The first module of the five-part training focused on Committing to High Expectations, which has four expected outcomes: The board understands the high stakes of the Governing for Achievement programs work; The board feels a sense of urgency toward this work; The board understands the impact of quality teaching; The board understands the importance of building a culture of high expectations of all levels of the school system.

  • Board of Education receives two school buses; four additional buses still on back order

    Shown above with newly delivered school buses: Mr. Leo Branch, School Board President; Mr. James Gaines, Transportation Superintendent; Ms. Mary Henderson, Transportation Secretary; Ms. Verna Nickson and Earl Pelt, Bus Drivers; and Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.

    The Greene County Board of Education received two of six new school buses ordered two years ago. The two 72 passenger, fully air conditioned buses arrived at the school bus shop, Friday, December 8. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones said the four additional buses with same capacity and convenience are expected for delivery by May 2024. The buses have a price tag of $112,122 each. “This is an indication of the school system’s efforts to improve the comfort and safety in transporting students between home and school and other school related events,” Dr. Jones stated.
    The school board held its regular monthly meeting, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, with three board members in attendance, including Mr. Leo Branch, Mr. Robert Davis and Mrs. Veronica Richardson. The meeting date was moved a week earlier because of the school’s Christmas Holiday schedule, beginning Friday, Dec. 15.
    The personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones and approved by the board are as follows: Employment of the following Teacher Mentors for the 2023 – 2024 school year.
    Eutaw Primary: Montoya Binion, Valerie Moore, Walter Taylor, Carolyn Beck.
    Robert Brown Middle School: Vanessa Bryant, Annie Howard, Marva Smith, Clifford Reynolds, Raven Bryant.
    Greene County High School: Larry Burnette, Tura Edwards, Ka’Needa Coleman, Teresa Atkins, Angela White, Rodney Wesley, Tameshia Porter.
    Stipends for the following employees for after-hours events/activities which may include weekend college tours, test prep bootcamps, and other activities outlined in the College and Career Readiness Grant include the following: Hourly rate of $30 per hour for after school activities/events and $200 per day for all day college and industry tours: Tura Edwards, Victoria Moore, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, LaMonica Little, Shamyra Jones, Teresa Atkins, Andrea Perry, Janice Jeames,
    Supplement pay for LaTanya Cockrell Fowler for additional duties in the amount of $450 per month. Additional supplement in the amount of $500 for Paula Calligan for additional duties with the band.
    The board approved Catastrophic Sick Leave and FMLA Leave for Shana Lucy, teacher at Eutaw Primary.
    The following administrative items recommended by Superintendent Jones were approved by the board.
    * Out of state and overnight field trip requests for Greene County Career Center Business and Marketing class to attend Spring Sports Marketing Day with the Hawks and college tour in Atlanta, GA on March 28 – 29, 2024 (Funding Source: CCR Grant).
    * Change order proposal from Fraiser-Ousley in the amount of $29,759 to add toilet room at end of new press box.
    * Quote from RJ Young for Sophos MDR Renewal (1 year).
    * Travel for LaMonica Little to Dominican Republic for Professional Learning in the Dominican Republic February 15 – 20, 2024 (Funding Source: Educational Tours Professional Development Scholarship, Professional Development Funds).
    * Agreement between and Greene County Board of Education and Johnny Pelt, Jr. to assist the mechanic in the Transportation Department on an as needed basis at the rate of $25 per hour.
    * Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for Alabama Rural Learning Accelerator Program.
    * Permission to dispose and sell for salvage the serving line that was removed from Robert Brown Middle School and the butcher table that was removed from Eutaw Primary School. (Proceeds will go to the CNP fund account).
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    In his report to the board, Dr. Jones gave updates on positive COVID cases reported from each school. The week of Nov. 12-18, RBMS reported two cases; GCHS reported one case. The week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 2, RBMS reported one case. The week of Dec. 3-9, no COVID cases were reported from the schools.
    In his school positive reports, Superintendent Jones noted that GCHS hosted a Community Block Party in which all the schools participated. GCHS Garden Club participated in Ag Exploration Day at Tuskegee University.
    Scholars from the Greene County Career Center visited UWÅ for a campus tour on Nov. 11.
    All welding booths, totaling 19, are installed and functional. Jag students visited Birmingham-Shuttlesworh International airport on Nov. 9. Military Mondays are held at the Career Center. The Army Reserve was the latest Service to visit the Center. Dual enrollment scholars had Friday presentations with the following guest speakers: Rodney Pelt, Mind Changers; Terrance Fletcher, Boss Ties, LLC; and Doug Fulghum, Extension Serve. The National Career Association had its Installation Ceremony. The GCCC received the Future Teacher Association grant.
    CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of November 30, 2023. Operating Reserve: 4.69 combined general fund reserve; 3.04 cash reserve; all bank accounts have been reconciled. General Fund Balance: $3,647,704.35 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register – $485,897.21; Payroll Register – $901,437.20; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $5,624,297.17. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $291,625; Sales Taxes – $89,923; Other Taxes – $3,158.

  • Career Center inducts 22 students in National Technical Honor Society

    Honor Students

    Newly inducted members of the National Technical Honor Society are shown with Dr. Rhinnie Scott, Principal of the GCHS Career Center,  Mrs. Angela White, Ms. Shenell H. Spears and Ms. Willie Gilmore Co-advisors;  Rev. Gwendolyn Webb, guest speaker; Interim Superintendent  Dr. James H. Carter, Sr.  and School Board President, Mr. Leo Branch.

    Greene County High School Career Center inducted its first scholars into the National Technical Honor Society, Friday March 31, 2016.  The 22 students indicted included Telejah Bevelle, Denzel Davis, Sabrina French, Jameria Hood, Tyra Hutton, N’Khala Richardson, Ashley Taylor, Amber Woods, Delorine Brown, Brittany Deloatch, Raven Gilliam, Leterreia Hutton, Destini Jackson, Lauren Smith, Jasmine Williams, Tukiya Cunningham, Amber French, Sara Hawkins, Ollivara Hutton, Anthony McGhee, Chanique Sterling and Michael Winn.
    The program consisted of the following: Entrance of Inductee; Posting of Colors by the JROTC; Pledge of Allegiance led by Denzel Davis; Welcome given by Tukiya Cunningham; History of NTHS shared by Ollivara Hutton; Selection by the GCHS Choir; Purpose presented by Lauren Smith; the Motto/Colors/Slogan explained by Sara Hawkins and the Introduction of the Guest Speaker presented by Sabrina French.Rev. Gwendolyn Cook-Webb, Pastor of God’s People United for a Better World Church, Birmingham, AL was the guest speaker.  Rev. Webb shared her experiences as a child of the movement in Birmingham in the 1960’s on.
    The lighting of the candles representing the Seven Attributes of NTHC was presented as follows: Knowledge by Amber Woods; Skill by Jasmine Williams; Honesty by Ashley Taylor; Service by Chanique Sterling; Responsibility by Tyra Hutton; Scholarship by Anthony McGhee; Citizenship by N’Khala Richardson; and Leadership by Delorine Brown.
    Pinning of Inductees and Presentation of Certificates were led by Mrs. Angela White, Ms. Willie Gilmore and Ms. Shenell Spears.  Dr. Rhinnie Scott, Principal of the Career Center, Interim Superintendent James H. Carter and School Board President Mr. Leo Branch also assisted.
    Following the students recitation of the NTHS Pledge, closing remarks were presented by Dr. Carter and Dr. Rhinnie Scott.  A reception followed for students, parents and other guests.
    About NTH
    The National Technical Honor Society, founded in 1984, serves approximately 80,000 active members nationwide. Over $225,000 in scholarship is awarded annually to its members.  For over 30 years NTHS has been the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education.
    NTHS strives to bring well deserved recognition, scholarship opportunities, and career opportunities to students who excel in one of the 108 career and technical educational fields as their profession. Through its scholarships, NTHS encourages students to pursue higher education and training in technical fields and supports members in their lifelong commitment to a skilled trade.