Greene County Democrat

Tag: Carrie Dancy

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • School board holds virtual meeting, superintendent gives update on academics and food distribution

    The Greene County Board of Education held a virtual meeting, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, on Monday, April 20, 2020. Board members Carol Zippert, Kashaya Cockrell, Carrie Dancy, Leo Branch and William Morgan were participants including Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Attorney Hank Sanders, CSFO LaVonda Blair and central office staff, Sara Hall and Makane Morrow.
    The board minutes of February 18 and the emergency meeting on March 19 were approved with necessary corrections.
    A key element of Superintendent Jones’ report was an update on the various school activities affected by COVID-19. Dr. Jones reported that the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) staff continues to prepare meals for pick-up. He noted that the maintenance department, administrators, central office staff and other volunteers have been of great assistance to the CNP staff.
    Meals pick-up have been limited to once per week as a safety measure for staff and community, however, the school system continues to provide the same number of meals per week per child. The superintendent stated that between March 23 and April 17, 38,534 meals were delivered.
    According to Dr. Jones, educational packets are delivered to each student with some students getting the lessons electronically and others, not having devices and internet access, receiving their materials in hard copy. He stated that teachers are instructed to communicate with students on a regular basis and to document all contacts. The superintendent meets virtually each week with his administrative staff.
    Jones noted that the school system is in the process of securing additional devices, such as tablets, for students use. “The school system will continue to utilize electronic devices in conducting students educational program, beyond this pandemic crisis,” he said.
    The superintendent reported that the maintenance department is still caring for the grounds and equipment. In efforts to keep the school facilities sanitized, mist sprays are used and sanitation stations are set up for classrooms and hallways.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    *Family medical leave for Felecia Davis, effective February 28, 2020 – May 25, 2020.
    *Retirement of Rosie Davis and Linda Underwood, CNP Eutaw Primary School, effective June 1, 2020.
    *Supplemental employment of Siegfried Williams, Choir Director, Greene County High School, for 2019-2020 school term.
    *Non-Renewals: Sandra Artis, Pre-K teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Chardell Fredd, 7&8th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; and Latausha Tinker-Mitchell, 5th grade science teacher, Robert Brown Middle School.
    The board approved the following administrative services recommended by the superintendent.
    *Hiring a company to replace roof at central office.
    *Settlement agreement for Special Education Student, Robert Brown Middle School.
    *Greene County Board of Education Organizational Chart.
    *Greene County Schools Calendar for 2020-2021 School year.
    *Budget Amendments.
    *Payment of bills, claims and payroll.
    The CSFO LaVonda Blair presented the financial reports for January and February. The financial snapshot for January included the following: General Fund Balance totaled $2,853,365.21 (reconciles with the Summary Cash Report); Check Register Accountability Report – $271,840.76 (total checks written for the period); Payroll Register – $841,714.73; Combined Fund Balance – $5,244,001.59. Local revenue totaled $2,094,621.60 (December and January).
    Financial snapshot for February included the following: General Fund Balance totaled $2,630,649.43 (reconciles with Summary Cash Report); Check Register Accountability Report – $293,831.01 ( total checks written for the period); Payroll Register – $841,864.72; Combined Fund Balance – $5,171,697.17. Local revenue totaled $169,259.01.
    CSFO Blair noted that the system is experiencing a delay in revenue stream, a decrease in sales tax and a stoppage in bingo income. She stated that all full time staff will continue to be paid and bills are paid on a timely basis. Blair noted that the budget adjustment before the board relate to $145,000 carryover in Title I and new revenue in various grants.
    Attorney Hank Sanders reported generally on various legal matters pending before the board, indicating that several hearing dates have been extended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
    The board approved hiring Attorney Robert Turner, Jr. to represent Superintendent Jones at the scheduled hearing for Joe N. Webb.

  • Biden wins in Greene Co and statewide; Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson wins Revenue Commissioner; Richardson and Dancy win School Board races

    Joe Biden
    Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson
    Veronica Richardson
    Carrie Dancy

    Joe Biden won the support of 1,782 (72.38%) Democratic voters in Greene County for the nomination to run for President.
    Mike Bloomberg came in second with 406 votes (16.49) and Bernie Sanders was third with 191 (7.76%).
    Statewide in Alabama Biden won with 63% of the votes, with Sanders finishing second and Bloomberg was third. Biden also won in other southern states on Super Tuesday including Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas.
    The three races for local positions in Greene County were very close and decided by margins of less than one percent. Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson was nominated for the position of Greene County Revenue Commissioner by a vote of 1,154 (50.17%) to 1,146 (49.83%), a difference of 8 votes out of 2,300 cast in this race.
    For Greene County Board of Education, District No. 3, Veronica Richardson with 292 (51.05) votes defeated William (Coach) Morgan, the incumbent school board member, with 280 votes, a margin of 12 votes.
    For Greene County Board of Education, District No. 5, incumbent, Carrie Dancy with 233 votes (50.65%) defeated challenger Mary Edwards Otieno with 227 (49.35%) votes, a difference of just 6 votes.
    Greene County voters, leading a statewide trend, defeated Statewide Amendment No. One by a vote of 2,312 (85.69%) to 386 (14.31%). This amendment would have transferred the power to select the Alabama State School Board from the voters to the Governor. This amendment lost statewide by two-thirds and was not supported by a majority of the voters in any county in the state.
    In the Republican Primary, Trump was supported by 419 to 4 for Bill Weld. In the Senate race, in Greene County, Bradley Byrne received 103 votes, to 24 for Roy Moore, 140 for Jeff Sessions and 145 for Tommy Tuberville.
    Statewide there will be a Republican run-off election on March 31, between Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville for the Republican nomination to the U. S. Senate seat. The winner of this primary will face incumbent Senator Doug Jones, the Democratic nominee. Jones is considered among the most vulnerable Democratic candidates in the nation for the U. S. Senate. Doug Jones must win his re-election campaign, to help the Democratic effort to take control of the Senate and oust Sen. Mitch McConnel from his leadership position, which has blocked progressive legislation passed by the Democratically controlled House of Representatives.
    Turnout in Greene County of 3,038 total votes was down from previous elections. The turnout was below 50% of the eligible registered voters in the county and reflected both the bad weather and the limited number of contested local elections in the county.
    “Turnout must increase for the November General Election or Democrats will have a hard time winning statewide elections, like the Doug Jones, U. S. Senate race,” said an official of the local Alabama New South Coalition chapter.