The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Education

  • UWA awards honorary doctorates to McCampbell, Singleton during summer commencement exercises

    UWA awards honorary doctorates to McCampbell, Singleton during summer commencement exercises

    By Betsy Compton, University of West Alabama

    LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama conferred honorary doctorates upon Rep. Artis J. “A.J.” McCampbell and Alabama Sen. Bobby D. Singleton during summer commencement exercises on August 14. Each received the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in recognition of distinguished public service, commitment to educational opportunity, and leadership on behalf of the people and communities of Alabama’s Black Belt.

    McCampbell and Singleton were honored during separate commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

    UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch said the honors recognize two leaders who understand that the University’s work extends well beyond its campus, saying both have been strong advocates for UWA and its role as a regional university serving the educational, workforce, and community needs of West Alabama.

    “Senator Singleton and Representative McCampbell recognize the important role a regional university plays in the lives of the people and communities it serves,” Fritch said. “They understand that our graduates become the teachers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, counselors, coaches, and public servants who strengthen communities across our region. Both have demonstrated confidence in UWA’s ability to serve the Black Belt and have advocated for investments that help us meet the needs of our students and the people we serve. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their belief in the work of this University.”

    A graduation ceremony featuring a man in a black gown receiving a hood from a fellow faculty member, with other graduates and faculty members seated in the background.
    UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch and UWA Provost Dr. Amy Jones hood Representative McCampbell at the 10 a.m. summer commencement ceremony Aug. 14.
    (Cody Ingram)

    Representative Artis J. “A.J.” McCampbell
    A native of Greene County, McCampbell has represented Alabama House District 71 since 2006, following a career in public safety and community service. His public service has focused on education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and quality of life in Alabama’s rural communities.

    Fritch remarked that McCampbell recognizes UWA as an important regional resource for expanding educational opportunity, preparing graduates for meaningful careers, and responding to the workforce and community needs of the Black Belt. His advocacy for investments in the University’s campus, academic programs, and workforce initiatives reflects his confidence in UWA’s ability to serve the region and its people.

    “I am humbled and honored and thankful,” McCampbell said. “I do not take this recognition lightly and promise to do all I can to walk worthy of the designation. This university continues to be one of the shining stars of West Alabama that began educating young ladies in Livingston, Alabama, when they opened the doors in 1835 as Livingston Female Academy. I applaud the school’s leadership for a continued dedication to academic excellence and student development as the foundational pillars of this great institution.”

    A speaker in academic regalia delivers a speech at a graduation ceremony, standing behind a wooden podium featuring the University of West Alabama seal.
    Senator Singleton addresses graduates and guests at the 1 p.m. summer commencement ceremony Aug. 14
    (Cody Ingram)

    Senator Bobby D. Singleton
    A native of Greensboro, Singleton began his legislative service in the Alabama House of Representatives before his election to the Alabama State Senate in 2005. He represents District 24 and serves as minority leader of the Senate.

    Fritch shared that throughout Singleton’s career he has advocated for education, healthcare, economic development, infrastructure, and other priorities important to Alabama’s rural communities. His support for UWA reflects his belief in higher education as an investment in people and in the future of the region. He has advocated for investments in the University’s facilities, academic programs, and initiatives that strengthen UWA’s ability to serve students and communities throughout West Alabama.

    “God has granted me the strength to be here today, for the work that I do in the Black Belt, in this region, in this state, and especially for this University, which I call the ‘jewel of the Black Belt,’” Singleton said. “The University of West Alabama gives so many opportunities to kids in an area that may not otherwise get that opportunity. I want to thank the University for what you do to in countless lives, for being that beacon of hope for families who otherwise would not see that hope.”

    UWA’s summer commencement exercises recognized more than 700 summer graduates during two ceremonies on August 14, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.

    Featured Image: Greene County native Artis McCampbell and Senator Bobby Singleton are holding their honorary doctorates (Cody Ingram)

  • Today’s Healthy Schools are Transforming Classrooms and Supporting Learners

    Today’s Healthy Schools are Transforming Classrooms and Supporting Learners

    By Dax Janel Valencia, BlackPressUSA

    Today’s healthy schools are transforming classrooms and better supporting students by moving away from sedentary, punitive approaches to tailored, whole-child environments. They factor in healthy meals and learning environments, including indoor air quality (IAQ) and comfort, aside from improved teaching methods.  

    IAQ in schools is of particular importance to students, affecting learning experiences and overall long-term welfare. As the U.S. EPA reports, most people spend around 90% of their time indoors, where the levels of some pollutants can be two, five, or even over 100 times higherthan outdoor levels.

    What Do Healthy Schools Mean? 

    The term “healthy schools” refers to educational institutions whose mission, vision, and goals are to provide active protection and promotion of the following aspects of both students and staff members:

    • Physical health

    • Mental well-being

    • Social-emotional welfare

    What Are the Key Components of Healthy Schools? 

    Whether they’re private schools or public schools, healthy educational institutions often adopt and follow the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework.

    The WSCC is the result of the collaboration of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). It’s a multifaceted approach that covers 10 components, including:

    1. Physical education

    2. Health services

    3. Health education

    4. Nutrition environment and services

    5. Employee wellness

    6. Physical environment

    7. Social and emotional climate

    8. Family engagement

    9. Community involvement

    10. Counseling, psychological, and social services

    The goal of the WSCC is to help create healthier schools run by compassionate, understanding adults (teachers and other staff members) and provide students with safety, engagement, support, and mind-and-body challenges that promote long-term health and welfare. 

    How Are Healthy Schools Transforming Classrooms and Better Supporting Learners? 

    Today’s high-performing schools prioritize nutrition and the safety of actual learning environments, too. Institutional leaders and educators now know that exposure to healthy meals, optimal IAQ, and comfortable facilities plays a role in students’ current and future lives.

    Minimizing Sedentary Classroom Behaviors

    Data from America’s Health Rankings shows that in the United States, only 19.7% of children ages six to 17 were physically active for at least 60 minutes (one hour) every day within the past week. 

    A key contributor to children’s sedentary behavior is their prolonged sitting time. They spend a good chunk of this at school, seated in class. 

    Today’s healthy schools are intervening by incorporating more activities that encourage students to learn not just by sitting, but also by standing up and moving around. Examples include:

    • Introducing ergonomic, height-adjustable sit-stand and fidget desks that promote micro movements as children study

    • Engaging in learning tasks requiring physical activity (kinesthetic learning), such as acting out vocabulary words or playing math hopscotch

    • Scheduling physical activity and brain breaks

    Removing the Junk From School Meals 

    Today’s highly rated schools have become more conscious of what they provide and allow students to eat. Many have already overhauled their food policies and menus to eliminate options full of artificial additives and ultra-processed junk. 

    At the same time, healthy schools are prioritizing well-balanced, nourishing meals for students. They know that without proper nutrition, children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning will suffer. 

    Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom

    Healthy schools still deliver traditional education, like social studies and language arts. They’re critical subjects necessary to build children’s strong academic foundations. 

    However, you’ll now also find tuition-free charter schools offering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and arts programs that encourage students to become more creative and confident outside the classroom, as noted by Legacy East Mesa. 

    Environments Optimized for Better Learning 

    Comfortable learning environments that boast good IAQ levels are critical to children’s academic success and long-term health and well-being. Conversely, uncomfortable, unsanitary facilities and polluted indoor air can lead to the following consequences:

    • Increased fatigue

    • Higher risk of illnesses (e.g., respiratory problems due to air pollutants)

    • Constant distractions (negatively affecting learning experiences and retention)

    Modern schools take healthy learning environments seriously by integrating thoughtful school architecture with optimal thermal systems (e.g., energy-efficient, high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Attending Healthy Schools? 

    Since school is a place where students spend a considerable portion of their waking hours, they have a significant impact on children’s:

    • Development

    • Academic success

    • Lifelong health patterns and habits

    When kids attend healthy schools, their exposure to health and safety risks decreases, which can then translate to lower odds of getting sick and missing class. The better a student’s health, the more they can focus in class, and the higher their attendance rate.

    All that can lead to educational achievements and habits that can prepare and serve children well in adulthood and their future careers.

    The health and safety practices that students see and learn while in school can also become instilled in them. As a result, kids can engage in these safety habits at home and anywhere else outside of school.

    How Does Sedentary Behavior at School Impact Children’s Health?  

    Sedentary behavior is just as, if not more, critical for children, as it can disrupt their metabolism and stunt their bone and muscle development. It can also alter their academic performance and overall cognitive development.

    In the long run, being sedentary or lacking in physical activity can make children more likely to become ill with chronic diseases. 

    Healthy Schools: Supporting Children Today So They Can Have a Better Tomorrow 

    Today’s educational institutions are no longer just about providing students with a place for rote memorization. They’ve become healthy schools, prioritizing children’s holistic development and wellness, from physical to mental, cognitive, and social well-being. 

    If you’re looking for more educational guides like this or the latest news coverage with a focus on the Black community, we’ve got you covered. Explore the rest of our news website to stay in the loop on the most current events. 

    Read the original article here.

    Featured Image: Young African American boy in school (Unsplash.com)

  • Greene County has a new parent alliance fighting for its school system

    Greene County has a new parent alliance fighting for its school system

    Maya Quinn, Managing Editor

    Tuesday, June 2nd, Brandi Jones gathered fellow guardians and citizens concerned about the future of the Greene County School System. Her goal is to mobilize citizens in each county district to inform parents about how the school system operates and why it’s their responsibility to push for change. Newly elected board of education member Willie Ester Davis of District 4 was present for the inaugural meeting.

    According to the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) snapshot for 2024, Greene County Schools rank 24th in state funding received per student ($8,891), 13th in local funding ($6,437), and 9th in federal funding ($5,643). Yet with an estimated 889 students in the district, the school system still ended the fiscal year with $19,145,000 of debt. 

    A school system’s revenue is calculated from funds contributed from state revenue (42%), local taxes (31%), and federal funding (27%). While the state percentage in the largest piece of the pie, only 10% is available for non-personnel expenditures. Local revenue contributions depend on citizens in the county who own property (houses, cars, etc), and federal funding only supplements state and local funding, often operating under a reimbursement model. By the numbers, Greene County‘s citizens have the greatest impact on school revenue that can be spent on improvements.

    As a parent with a child attending Robert Brown Middle School, Jones has witnessed the spread of misinformation regarding the quality of education and school policies. Many citizens have relied on negative anecdotes regarding school board proceedings, which ultimately overshadows the truth. “One of the main goals I want is for us to be educated.” Jones began, “A lot of parents are saying they don’t know, which is why we need to encourage them to attend meetings such as this… We want to encourage parents to get involved in their child’s schooling. That’s our biggest vision.” 

    Jones also emphasized the importance of proper decorum when bringing issues to the board of education. Members will serve as ambassadors and liaisons for parents, especially those who are unable to attend school board meetings. Mrs. Willie Esther Austin, Dollarhide Volunteer Fire Department’s 2023 firefighter of the year, extended similar sentiments for the alliance. “We have to speak positively about our school system,” Austin stated as she encouraged members of the alliance to meet anger with kindness and redirect disrespect towards school board personnel. Attendees also discussed offering the truancy officer and other educational departments support whenever possible.

    The alliance hopes to involve any members of the community, regardless of whether they have children or not. “I have a vision for members to be active for our children,” Jones stated.  “ We’re [all] gonna have to be involved…When we come back in three months, we should see results.”

    The Greene Means Go parent alliance will meet quarterly to assess progress with goals from their respective communities. For more information about the alliance, contact Brandi Jones at (205) 531-9111

     

    Related articles on our website: “School Board reviews Greene County School System’s AASB 2023 snapshot data.”

    Related links: Greene County AASB 2024 Snapshot

    Featured Image: Robert Brown students return to school (Greene County Democray)

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  • Searching for Social Justice – a warning 

    Searching for Social Justice – a warning 

    Dr. Monty J. Thornburg, Sunfield Humanities Research

    A letter to Educational Colleagues:  

    Monday, June 1, 2026, was a State Holiday in Alabama. The June 1st Holiday each year honors Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy, whose government stood for the enslavement of African American people.  

    In 2014, I flew from California to Alabama to honor Dr. Robert Brown, Alabama’s and the South’s first Black public-school superintendent. The Alabama Black Belt Hall of  Fame had inducted Brown at the University of West Alabama (UWA).  

    UWA established the Alabama Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2003. It honored individuals who made significant contributions to the Black Belt Region. Its purpose was to promote awareness of the area’s cultural heritage and to support UWA’s commitment to regional development.  

    Two of the first three inductees were African Americans: George Washington Carver, a famous scientist at Tuskegee University. Across the South, in towns and cities, Carver’s name is seen on one of the once-segregated Black High Schools. Carver High  School in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama, was prominent during the Voting Rights  Movement that began in Selma, Alabama, with “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965.  

    Willie King was also honored as one of the first inductees at UWA. By 2014, when Dr.  Robert Brown was selected as an inductee and honored, the politics in the United  States had shifted, with President Obama serving in his final years in office. By 2016, the year that Harper Lee, noted author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was inducted into the UWA Black Belt Hall of Fame, as Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda took office, the award seemed to be almost disappearing. None of the plaques intended for display in the University’s Museum ever appeared. Willie King’s Blues Music became part of the  Black Belt’s Folk Arts and Culture events held annually in Eutaw, Alabama, at the Old  Courthouse, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in August 2026. The two-day events feature West Alabama Blues on Saturday and Black Gospel on Sunday, established by leaders from the Miles College of Birmingham, extension program.  

    When UWA selected Dr. Robert Brown for the Black Belt Hall of Fame, I was uninformed about the racial politics of the region between Greene County and  Sumpter County, as the region transformed from the Old South “Jim Crow” segregation to a “New South” version that is unique in the Western Black Belt of Alabama. Dr. 

    Brown was UWA’s first Black professor and the first professional person to ever work at UWA. He joined the faculty in 1967, the year UWA’s first Black student also entered.  

    Dr. Brown’s remarkable career in military service, civil rights service, and as the  South’s first county and district public school superintendent in 1970, second in the nation, I was proud to have the opportunity to fly from California to Livingston,  Alabama, to give his induction speech.  

    Before arriving in Livingston, I had learned that although Brown’s significant accomplishments in the military and civil rights, and his service as a UWA committee member, were recognized, his tenure as UWA’s FIRST Professional Black Educator was SILENCED.  

    Why was his UWA tenure SILENCED? This question has been a centerpiece of my research since. The answer, I’ve learned, tells a story that extends beyond the UWA,  Sumpter, and Greene County, and beyond Alabama. The reasons for his being silenced extend to our national story amid disheartening social and political division. It’s a division that extends across the United States. 

    Featured image: Dr. Robert Brown’s UWA Black Belt Hall of Fame Induction (Dr. Monty Thornburg)

  • Newswire: Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys

    Newswire: Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys

    from BlackPressUSA, by Oakland Starting Smart and Strong

    Educators across the United States are increasingly recognizing that early childhood classrooms play a critical role in shaping how children see themselves, relate to others, and experience opportunity. Yet for many young Black boys, those experiences are too often shaped by inequitable systems, unconscious bias, and policies that fail to support their growth and potential. A new toolkit, 10 Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys, offers a roadmap for educators and early learning programs seeking to create more equitable, affirming, and culturally responsive environments for Black children.  

     

    At the center of the framework is the importance of building trusting relationships. The toolkit emphasizes that educators must actively listen to families, learn about their cultural values, and communicate genuine care for children’s well-being. Families should feel that teachers respect their experiences, understand their goals for their children, and see their strengths rather than deficits. Educators are encouraged to communicate clear messages to Black boys and their families: that children are safe, valued, heard, and capable contributors to the classroom community.  

     

    One major recommendation involves “individuating,” or dedicating intentional one-on-one time with Black boys. Rather than focusing on what children cannot do, educators are encouraged to observe their interests, strengths, creativity, and curiosity. Positive affirmations—both verbal and nonverbal—are emphasized as essential tools for reinforcing confidence and belonging. Teachers are urged to celebrate children’s progress and hold high expectations while consistently affirming their brilliance and potential.  

     

    The toolkit also highlights the need for culturally and linguistically responsive classrooms. Traditional curricula often fail to reflect the experiences and identities of Black children, leaving many students disconnected from classroom content. Educators are encouraged to adapt curriculum materials so Black boys can see themselves represented in books, activities, discussions, and lessons. The guide describes this as creating both “windows and mirrors” — opportunities for children to see themselves reflected while also learning about the experiences of others.  

     

    Family engagement is another major theme throughout the report. The toolkit calls for schools and early learning programs to build meaningful partnerships with families and actively involve fathers and father figures. It notes that many Black fathers have historically felt excluded or undervalued in educational settings. Educators are encouraged to ask fathers how they would like to participate and then create opportunities for involvement and leadership.  

     

    Importantly, the report urges educators to reject “deficit-based” thinking about families. Instead of focusing on stereotypes or assumptions, teachers should discuss children’s strengths, talents, and dreams with caregivers. Families should be treated as partners in developing educational goals and supporting student success.  

     

    The toolkit also addresses the role of structural racism and implicit bias in education. It calls for educators to deepen their understanding of white supremacy culture, privilege, colorism, and the ways bias affects Black boys disproportionately. Teachers are encouraged to participate in anti-racism training, engage in ongoing self-reflection, and examine how media, personal experiences, and social messaging influence their perceptions of Black children.  

     

    Another significant focus is trauma-responsive care. The report emphasizes that behavior should be understood as communication rather than defiance. Educators are urged to move away from labeling children as “challenging” and instead consider whether behaviors may stem from trauma, stress, disability, or unmet emotional needs. Teachers are encouraged to practice self-regulation techniques and respond calmly and compassionately to difficult situations.  

     

    Finally, the toolkit calls for broader institutional and policy changes. Schools and early learning programs are encouraged to examine disciplinary practices, eliminate harsh punishments such as suspensions and expulsions, and invest in mental health supports and culturally responsive professional development. Administrators are urged to collect meaningful equity data and include Black boys’ voices in evaluating school progress and goals.  

     

    Ultimately, 10 Promising Practices in Early Learning for Black Boys presents a vision of education rooted in equity, dignity, and belonging. It argues that when educators intentionally affirm Black boys’ identities, challenge systemic inequities, and partner authentically with families, early learning environments can become places where every child has the opportunity to thrive.  

     

    Learn more at www.oaklandsmartandstrong.org/promisingpracticesportfolio.html 

  • Newswire: How To Care For The Environment Beyond Earth Day

    Newswire: How To Care For The Environment Beyond Earth Day

    black woman in agriculture

    by Ahsan Washington, Black Enterprise

    Annually, Earth Day brings significant awareness around environmental sustainability. However, specialists stress that true environmental change requires more than a yearly call to action, it calls for a shift in mindset and continuous daily practices. 

    Protecting the planet demands ongoing work from individual and community participation, and policy impact across various social levels. A great way to kickstart environmental change is understanding how environmental responsibility extends beyond one day. 

    Reduce Waste and Embrace Reusability

    Adopt reusable practices and reduce waste to decrease your environmental footprint. Use reusable items consistently across your home, workplace, and shopping activities. Implement the “reduce, reuse, recycle” model to conserve natural resources and decrease landfill waste and pollution.

    Cut Energy Consumption at Home and Work

    Reducing environmental damage through energy conservation depends on homeowners, renters, and employees. Regular actions, such as disconnecting unused electronics and using energy-efficient appliances, are essential. Properly managing heating and cooling systems in both residential and professional settings also reduces unnecessary electricity consumption.

    The primary objective is to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce pressure on energy infrastructure to fight climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, building energy efficiency improvements represent the quickest and most economical method to decrease emissions.

    Rethink Transportation and The Impact on the Environment

    The public must change travel habits by choosing public transit, biking, walking or carpooling instead of using single-occupancy vehicles for daily commutes. Transportation produces a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle emissions dominate urban and suburban areas. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that cutting vehicle miles traveled produces immediate benefits for air quality.

    Support Sustainable Consumption and Local Economies

    Environmental health depends on consumers supporting sustainability by choosing eco-friendly products and local goods with minimal packaging. These behaviors should be regular habits rather than seasonal choices. As demand for sustainable products grows, companies are pressured to transform production methods and decrease their environmental impact. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that intentional consumer behavior creates systemic transformations in manufacturing and supply chains.

    Engage in Community and Environmental Education

    Community members, educators, and local leaders are encouraged to participate in environmental education programs, including annual cleanups, workshops, and public discussions. These activities occur in neighborhood spaces, schools, and digital platforms to educate the public about pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This engagement is vital because it expands individual contributions through shared responsibility and informed decision-making.

    Advocate for Systemic and Policy Change

    Voters, activists, and organizations are pushing for environmental policies that tackle major problems through emissions regulations, conservation programs, and corporate responsibility initiatives at all levels of government. Citizens can engage in advocacy during elections, legislative sessions, and public comment periods to affect policy decisions.

    Build Long-Term Habits Beyond Earth Day

    People and organizations should move beyond single-event participation in Earth Day activities. Instead, they should adopt permanent environmental habits, such as composting, water conservation, and food waste reduction. These behaviors must become part of regular routines in residential, workplace, and community settings. While single-day initiatives produce minimal results, ongoing actions produce tangible and permanent environmental benefits.

  • Greene County BOE accredited by Cognia

    Greene County BOE accredited by Cognia

    BOE and Dr. Thurman, superintendent, present Cognia Accreditation plaque during a general session meeting

    This past Monday, April 20th, Greene County Board of Education announced its new accreditation from Cognia during their general session. All districts were represented during the session. 

    According to Cognia, the accreditation “signifies that a school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness.” The accreditation has been extended to schools in over seventy countries worldwide, serving as a global measurement for quality education. It validates diplomas so students can transfer their credits to universities inside and outside the United States. To learn more about this milestone and the school system’s plans, Dr. Thurman encourages parents to attend the remaining stops of his superintendent community tour and ask questions. 

    After the minutes for the regular meeting on March 12, 2026, were approved, Mrs. Lennon delivered the financial report. As of March 31st, all accounts are reconciled, and no fraudulent activity has been reported. Lennon also thanked the Greene County Racing Commission for donating $177,000, which will be reflected in the April report. 

    During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Thurman thanked parents for their participation during the Superintendent’s Tour. “We want to be transparent in every way that we can Dr. Thurman stated. The next tour stop will be for District 2 on April 23rd, at Paramount in Boligee, AL. The final date for the tour will be May 4th at the Branch Heights Community Center to address all districts. “We want to continue to build relationships with our parents,” Dr. Thurman began, “I’ve been enjoying it (the tour).”

    After the report, the floor was yielded to the board members to ask questions. Robert Davis inquired about the status of long-term planning for the bus stops. The superintendent told Davis that there would be a call meeting to discuss bus stops and other items of importance not included on the agenda. The call meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27th, at 4:00 pm for board personnel and administrators. 

    All recommendations by the Superintendent were approved. Here they are as follows: 

    1. 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 to identify, evaluate, and provide special education services to young children (ages 3–4) with disabilities
    2. Greene County Board of Education Organizational Chart
    3. Removal of outdated and unused items from Peter J. Kirksey location by Otis Robinson at no cost to the GCBOE
    4. 2026-2027 Academic Calendar 
    5. Social Studies textbook adoption recommendation: Grades K-5 Studies Weekly and Grades 6-12 McGraw-Hill 
    6. Social Studies textbook quote from Studies Weekly for 6-year terms for $60,376.40
    7. Softbook quote from McGraw-Hill for 6-year terms for $88,063.44
    8. Qofto provide Email Encryption software for $17,913 to be paid of71 (Funding Source: Cybersecurity Grant)
    9. Out of state travel for the following to attend the SREB (Southern Regional Education Board) Conference to be held in Nashville, TN, on July 14 – 17, 2026:
      1. Tammy Anderson
      2. Paula Calligan
      3. Rebecca Coleman
      4. Ka’Needa Coleman
      5. Tura Edwards 
      6. Angela Harkness
      7. Tomora Hill, SREB Presenter
      8. Lorissa Holder
      9. Janice Jeames-Askew
      10. Dutchess Jones
      11. Charlayne’ Jordan-Riley
      12. Drenda Morton
      13. Andrea Perry
      14. Tameshia Porter
      15. Tamika Thompson
    10. Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    11. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO

    The following personnel action items were approved:

    RESIGNATION

    • Binion, Montoya—​EPS​ 2nd Grade Teacher effective, 5/27/2026

    EMPLOYMENT​​​​​​​​​​​​

    • Coley, Anglee, Special Education Coordinator​
    • Cistrunk, Catherine, Bus Driver (Sub)​
    • Thomas, Kayla, Substitute Teacher​

    EXTENDED LEAVE​​​​​​​​​​​

    • ​Washington, Elona—EPS ​1st Grade Teacher

    As the board attorney was not present, the meeting was adjourned after action items were presented. The next regular meeting is currently scheduled for Monday, May 18th at 4:00 pm. 

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  • Newswire: Student Loans will now be handled by the U.S. Treasury

    Newswire: Student Loans will now be handled by the U.S. Treasury

    Besides being anti-immigrant, anti-diversity and inherently anti-
    science, the Trump administration has shown time and time again that it is anti-education — because a populace that learns things
    leaves fewer of the “poorly educated” voter who President Donald
    Trump said he loves so much.

    So, the federal government is still in its process of defunding the
    Department of Education, and, on Thursday, the administration
    announced plans to shift the nearly $1.7 trillion student loan
    portfolio to the Treasury Department, claiming its mission is to
    improve the efficiency of the loan system, or what it described as
    “overdue financial discipline.”

    From the New York Times: About half of all undergraduate
    students receive federal aid each year, according to the
    Institute of Education Sciences. More than 40 million
    people currently have federal student loans, including 9.2
    million in default and 2.4 million in late-stage delinquency,
    according to the Education Department.

    “Treasury has the unique experience, the operational
    capability and the financial expertise to bring long
    overdue financial discipline to the program and be better
    stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

    Linda McMahon, the education secretary, said that
    student aid would be better managed at Treasury. A fact
    sheet from the administration promised students would
    receive “the high-quality service they have come to
    expect under the Trump administration.”

    The second McMahon — the education secretary who thinks
    Black history is DEI while being ignorant of even some of the
    most well-known Black history — spoke of “the high-quality
    service they have come to expect under the Trump
    administration,” you have to know we’re being sold a bill of goods.

    The Trump administration doesn’t provide “high-quality” anything
    — certainly, not education-related.

    Instead, Trump has railed about “returning education to the
    states,” as if it would improve the quality of education overall,
    which ignores the glaring fact that states and local governments
    already dictate the academic side of their educational systems,
    including the setting of curricula, teacher hiring, teacher licensing,
    and standardized testing.

    Under Trump’s DOE, far-right groups are overseeing programs to
    “educate” America with thoroughly whitewashed U.S. history
    propaganda disguised as “patriotic” civics lessons. HBCUs have
    lost millions in grant funding, and Black academic institutions and
    programs, in general, have been threatened.

    Any and every program aimed at bettering the quality of
    education for Black people and other marginalized groups has
    been derailed with anti-DEI investigations and threats to withhold federal funding. And, as far as student loans go, all the MAGA-fied DOE has done is attack loan forgiveness initiatives and garnish the wages of borrowers who struggle to pay them back,
    crippling their credit scores.

    “In the midst of a growing affordability crisis where American
    families are already struggling to make ends meet, this risks
    driving millions of borrowers further into financial hardship,” Aissa
    Canchola Bañez, the policy director for Protect Borrowers, a
    group that targets predatory lenders, told the Times. “Instead of
    providing relief to the millions of defaulted borrowers who have
    fallen behind, the department is moving a portfolio of our most
    vulnerable borrowers to an agency with little to no expertise in the
    rights and benefits afforded to borrowers under the Higher
    Education Act.”

    Education is being controlled by an administration that thrives on
    anti-intellectualism and the demonization of institutions of
    learning, and it shows with every new policy change.

  • Democratic Executive Committee submits list of local Greene County candidates for the upcoming May primary

    Lorenzo French, Chairman of the Greene County Democratic Executive Committee gave this list of candidates who qualified for local office in Greene County for the upcoming May 19, 2026, primary election.
    Some of these candidates are unopposed, which means that they will not be on the ballot in the May primary and that they will go directly to the November General Election ballot as the candidate of the Democratic Party. If they do not have opposition from the Republican Party or an independent candidate, then they will be automatically elected or reelected to their position.
    This list of Democratic candidates for local office in Greene County, are shown below. A separate list of statewide candidates including Governor, Legislators, Judges, U. S. Senator and Congress will be available from the Alabama Secretary of State.

    Sheriff:
    Johnathan Benison
    Delanglo M. Hall
    Beverly Spencer

    Commission: District 1
    Garria Spencer
    Michael E. Gaines
    Larry D. Smith

    Commission: District 2
    Tennyson Smith
    Kelvins Scott

    Commission: District 3
    Latasha Johnson
    Jacqueline Stewart
    Trey Diveley
    Williams Mack III

    Commission: District 4
    Allen Turner, Jr.
    unopposed

    Commission: District 5
    Roshanda Summerville
    Welsey Hodges

    Revenue
    Commissioner

    Arnelia Shay Johnson
    unopposed

    Board of Education
    District 3

    Veronica Bookie
    Richardson
    Cheryl Morrow

    Board of Education District 4
    Leo Branch
    Willie Ester Davis

    Board of Education District 5

    Joe Webb
    Carrie Dancy

    Coroner
    Ronald K Smith
    unopposed

    District Judge
    Robert  Lee
    Tonjula Carey

  • Annual Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting held

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Eutaw held the annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, Tuesday December 9, 2025. Eutaw Mayor Corey Cockrell served as Grand Marshal. Cockrell is the 4th African American to serve as Mayor of Eutaw, Alabama.
    This year’s Christmas Parade theme, Festival of Lights, featured a variety of decorated trees on the Old Courthouse Square, sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. Many businesses also decorated their storefronts lifting the Spirit of Christmas.The lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Thomas Gilmore Courthouse Square followed the parade. Many gathered to view this special event.
    Other parade participants riding on beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, or walking in unison, included elected and appointed officials, representatives of churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, housing authorities, local school band, fire departments, ambulance service, and Debutantes sponsored by the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and more. Even Santa and the Grinch rode in the local parade. The children enjoyed all the candy thrown from the floats.
    An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.