The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Board of Education

  • BOE reports good financial standings; town of Boligee makes a request

    BOE reports good financial standings; town of Boligee makes a request

    By Maya Quinn, managing editor

    The Greene County Board of Education met on Monday, June 15th, for a regular session. All board members were present during the session, with the previous minutes being approved. The agenda was amended to hold an executive session before discussing action items. 

    Preceding the financial report, Shelly Patrenos from the state examiners’ office presented the results of the districts’ FY 2025 audit report. Patrenos stated that all tests ran “did not display any instances of non-compliance with any laws”. There were no reported violations, marking the 4th year of clean reports for the board.

    In the financial report, Mrs. Marquita Lennon presented a snapshot of the district’s financials. As of May 31, 2026, all bank accounts have been reconciled, and the combined ending fund balance is $8,593,196.78. No fraudulent activity was reported. A full document of numbers presented will be available on www.greenecodemocrat.com.

    Superintendent Thurman began his report with summer school enrollment numbers: 67 at Eutaw Primary School, 36 at Rober Brown Middle, and 45 at Greene County High. He stated that the middle school numbers are “troubling” and that they are working on increasing attendance. Staffing numbers, however, are at 90%, which is excellent for this time of year.

    Dr. Thurman also attended the West Alabama Works Regional Superintendents’ meeting regarding the career pathways program to ensure the district stays in good standing with career initiatives. “We want to stay at the forefront in our state,” he explained before detailing more professional development dates. There will be a school board conference starting on June 19th, and a Superintendent’s conference will be held June 20-24th.

    Following the Superintendent’s report, Richardson motioned to have an executive session. Merriweather seconded the motion. The board moved to have an executive session for 30 minutes. The session lasted 45 minutes, yet no votes or decisions were made. The board immediately voted to discuss the action items recommended by Dr. Thurman. Merriweather motioned items B-G as a blanket, asking that item A be set aside. The board approved items B-G and opened discussion for item A. No comments were made.

    The special recommendation personnel items were addressed under the attorney’s report. Attorney Sanders explained that the superintendent cannot recommend the CSFO or relatives for hire. Therefore, any candidates for hire who are related to the superintendent will be fully vetted by the attorney. There were no other legal matters to report.

    Before adjourning, the board yielded the floor to city representatives from Boligee. Representatives came seeking a portion of land near Boligee’s volunteer fire department within the board’s jurisdiction. They stated the land would be used to fulfill a “vision of economic and industrial development” for the town, possibly including residential spaces. Leo Branch stated that the gathered citizens were “truly a bright spot in Greene County.” The potential donation or acquisition of the land will be further discussed with Attorney Sanders.

     

    The following are the approved action items from the session:

    1. Greene County Board of Education Policy on Retention Bonuses
    2. Principal of Career-Technical Center Job Description
    3. FY 2026 Budget Amendments
    4. Overnight travel for girls’ basketball team to attend a basketball camp at Alabama A&M University on June 26-27
    5. Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    6. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
    7. Revision of student uniform policy: added red, royal blue, and gold as approved shirt color options and black pants as an approved pants color option. Added Spirit Friday, where the uniform is optional.

     

    The following are the approved personnel recommendations from the session:

    Rescind

    1. Employment of Genetta Bishop as the Jumpstart Kindergarten Teacher (Summer)
    2. Employment of Kayla Thomas as a long-term substitute, Second grade at Eutaw Primary

    Resignations

    1. Krystal Flantroy, Science Teacher – Greene County High
    2. Kelsey Smith, Special Services Teacher, Greene County High

    Retirements

    1. Gwendolyn Webb, Pre-K auxiliary Teacher – Eutaw Primary, effective July 1, 2026
    2. Carolyn Daniels, Collaborative Teacher – Eutaw Primary, effective July 31, 2026

    Employment for the 2026 – 2027 school term:

    1. Camren Parker, Cook – Greene County High
    2. Jarrilyn McKinstry, Kindergarten Teacher – Eutaw Primary
    3. David Peterson III, Mechanic Helper – Transportation Department
    4. JoAnn Smoot-Bryant, Career Tech Principal – Greene County Career Center
    5. Glenara Faust, Fifth Grade Teacher – Robert Brown Middle
    6. Mario Deloach, Science Teacher – Greene County High
    7. Marva Smith, Long-term sub (ACCESS) – Greene County High
    8. James Sewell, Physical Ed Teacher – Robert Brown Middle
    9. Alphonzo Morton, Principal – Greene County High

    Employment (Summer)

    1. Carolyn Beck, Jumpstart Kindergarten Teacher – Eutaw Primary
    2. Teresa Hill, Bus Driver for Blackbelt Scholars STEM Camp at Stillman College (Funding Source: Alabama Blackbelt Scholars)
    3. Marilyn Finch, Bus Driver for Blackbelt Scholars STEM Camp at Stillman College (Funding Source: Alabama Blackbelt Scholars)

    Stipend for Mrs. Soule, to serve as MTSS Coordinator at RBMS, in the amount of $500

    Stipends for secretaries who serve as Truancy Liaisons between the school and parents:

    1. Marilyn Sanford – RBMS – 1 full academic year – $1,000
    2. Wanda Gaitor – GCHS – 1 full academic year – $1,000
    3. Tweila Morris – GCCC – 1/2 academic year – $500
    4. Tabitha Smith – EPS – 1 full academic year – $1,000

    The special recommendation personnel items were addressed under the attorney’s report. Attorney Sanders explained that the superintendent cannot recommend the CSFO or relatives for hire. Therefore, any candidates for hire who are related to the superintendent will be fully vetted by the attorney. There were no other legal matters to report.

     

    The next monthly school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20th, at 4:30 pm.

    Featured Image: Boligee Mayor Hattie Samuel addressing school board members (Maya Quinn/The Democrat)

  • 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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  • Board of Education prepares for summer enrichment and increased academic achievements next school year

    Board of Education prepares for summer enrichment and increased academic achievements next school year

    by Maya Quinn, editor

    On Thursday, May 21st, the Greene County Board of Education met in a regular session to close out the school year and discuss summer plans. Following the superintendent’s positive remarks on the 2025-2026 school year, Federal Programs Coordinator and Truancy Officer Dr. Charlayne Jordan-Riley, along with Technology & Textbook and School Safety Coordinator Rebecca Coleman, took the floor to present the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Project sponsored by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

    Dr. Riley has overseen the strategic use of Federal Funds in the Greene County School System (GCS) for 10 years, providing information on Title I programs, the largest federal contribution to K-12 education, to improve learning environments across GCS. Ms. Coleman has served GCS for over 20 years, the most recent five as technology coordinator. Their collaboration on this grant project aims to decrease chronic absenteeism and improve academic achievement throughout GCS by implementing in-school telemedicine, providing technology-enabled professional development spaces, and equipping learning spaces for dual enrollment. Desired outcomes for the project include an increase in academic achievement by 10%, a reduction in chronic absenteeism by 10%, and an increase in student dual enrollment by 10%.

    The total funding request for a professional development space, interactive teacher training, health support services, and digital instructional tools is $852,499.00. If accepted, the district match (the money the district is responsible for contributing) is 15% of the requested funds, $111,195.52. The grant submission is due on June 30th, with an orientation date in August, pending acceptance. The proposal was well received by the board, with the Superintendent stating that this will “take away excuses to not be in school. Chronic absenteeism is a big part of our state report card. We get dinged for it every year.”

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

    1. Paid Parental Leave Policy 
    2. 4-Day Work Week Summer Schedule
    3. Contractual agreement with Denise Horton to provide Instructional and behavioral support services to students for FY 2026-2027
    4. Agreement with Kim Herren to provide developmental delay services for pre-school children during the 2026-2027 school year 
    5. Agreement with Quitt Consulting to provide speech-language therapy services for children in Greene County for the 2026-2027 school year
    6. Agreement for Tammy W. Lewis, MSCCC-SLP to provide speech services for the 2026-2027 school year
    7. Agreement with 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 2026-2027 school year
    8. Agreement with West Alabama Therapy, LLC to provide physical and occupational therapy to IDEA-eligible students for the 2026-2027 school year
    9. Agreement with H&H Educational Services, LLC to provide psychometric services for the 2026-2027 school year
    10. Agreement with Demisha Stough to provide gifted services for the 2026-2027 school year
    11. Contract with Laura Stoppelbein, LLC to provide diagnostic evaluations to assist in the identification of students suspected of having autism for the 2026-2027 school year
    12. Contract with Alicia Hodge-Scott to provide special education services for the district on an as-needed basis for the 2026-2027 school year
    13. Greene County High School Credit Recovery Plan 2026
    14. Hiring of four Greene County students for summer employment to assist the maintenance department for June 2026 at a rate of $10.00 per hour, working 20 hours per week
    15. Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    16. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO  

    The board approved the following personnel action items:

    Resignation

    • Cherry, Tina EPS Custodian

    Employment

    • Miller, Aaliyah EPS 2nd Grade Teacher (New)
    • Payne, Kendra RBMS ELA 6th (New)
    • Smith, Jennifer RBMS Math 6th (New)
    • Esquire, Preyjorntez EPS First Grade Teacher (New)
    • Thomas, Kalya EPS Long-term Sub
    • Tyree, Akeem RBMS Soc. Studies Teacher 7-8 (New)

    Retirement

    • Robinson, Dorris RMBS PE Teacher

     

    Employment – Summer Learning/Summer School ($50 per hour)

    Teachers, Para-Professionals – $25 per hour

    Nurses – $50.00 per hour

    Bus Drivers – $100 a day:

    • Coats, Eddie, Summer Driver
    • Russell, Carla, Summer Driver
    • Grays, Jerdin, Summer Driver
    • Crawford, Ayanna, Summer Driver
    • Pippen, George, Summer Driver
    • Holloway, Gerald, Summer Driver
    • Lewis, Natasha, Summer Driver
    • Lucious, Stanley, Summer Driver
    • Steele, Marcus, Alt. Summer Driver
    • Williams, Veronica, Alt. Summer Driver
    • Gaines, James, Alt. Summer Driver
    • Hill, Teresa, Alt. Summer Driver
    • Pelt, Johnny, Alt. Summer Driver
    • Jackson, Arlean, Bus Aide (Summer)
    • Davis, Linda, CNP Summer Cook
    • Hill, Mary, CNP Summer Cook
    • Henderson, Loria, CNP Summer Manager
    • Horton, Frances, CNP Summer Manager (Sub)
    • Taylor, Deborah, CNP Summer Manager
    • Williams, Shirleria, CNP Summer Cook
    • Wilson, Sandy, CNP Summer Manager
    • Hill, Angela, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Taylor, Walter, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Williams, Keisha, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Henley, LaShaun, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Smith, Charlease, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Daniels, Carolyn, EPS Summer Teacher
    • Hobson, Mary, EPS Aide (Summer)
    • Clayton, Erica, EPS Aide (Summer)
    • Williams, Akia, RMBS Summer Teacher
    • Bryant, Vanessa, RMBS Summer Teacher
    • Cyrus, Naomi, RMBS Summer Teacher
    • Smith, Felicia, RMBS Summer Teacher
    • Bryant, Raven, RMBS Summer Teacher
    • Childs, Dorothea, RMBS Aide (Summer)
    • Edwards, Tura, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Jones, Dutchess, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Harkness, Angela, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Reynolds, Clifford, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Askew, Janice, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Porter, Tameshia, GCHS Summer Teacher
    • Morton, Drenda, GCHS Aide (Summer)
    • Edwards, Jacqueline, GCHS Summer Custodian
    • Collins, Shalanda, District Summer Nurse
    • Lawrence, Brenda, District Summer Nurse (Sub)
    • Carpenter, Elston, EPS SRO
    • Walker, Lededrian, RMBS SRO
    • Carpenter, Sidney, GCHS SRO
    • Davis, Steven, District SRO (Sub)

    Non-renewal

    • Taylor, Zarquashia, GCCC Health Science

    ACAP Supplemental Reading Assessment Stipend

    • Knott, Marilyn, EPS Counselor

    Voluntary Transfer

    • Ruffin, Denetria, EPS From Elem Teacher to PE Teacher
    • Campbell, Robin, RBMS From Kindergarten to ELA 7-8
    • Perry, Andrea, RBMS Principal
  • Joe N. Webb a candidate for Greene County Board of Education, District 5

    Joe N. Webb a candidate for Greene County Board of Education, District 5

    A man in a formal suit with a tie, standing against a light background.
    To the Citizens of
    District 5,
     
    My name is Joe N. Webb, and I am a candidate for the Greene County Board of Education representing District 5. I am seeking this position to bring fresh vision and innovative ideas that will inspire and motivate our students to reach their fullest potential.
     
    I am a proud 1982 graduate of Eutaw High School and earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix. My life and career have been dedicated to serving Greene County and investing in our children, families, and community.
     
    For 22 years, I worked for the Greene County School System in various roles. I began my career as the Transportation Supervisor, ensuring safe arrivals and departures for our students. I also worked as a Parent Involvement Facilitator, Substitute Teacher, Alternative School Instructor, Behavior Aide, Resource Officer/Security Guard, Maintenance Department, and Truancy Officer. These roles gave me firsthand experience with the academic, behavioral, and safety needs of our students.
     
    Currently, I am employed at the University of Alabama as a driver for HEAR-HERE Alabama, a program that brings healthcare to those with hearing loss in rural Alabama. I previously served as the Coordinator for COVID-19 Vaccine Education at the Rural Alabama Prevention Center for three years under a grant funded by the State of Alabama. In that role, I worked to educate and protect our community during a critical time.
     
    In addition to my professional experience, I am Pastor of New Generation Community Outreach Center and have served as  President of the PTA at Greene County High School and Carver Middle School. My community service also includes serving on the Children’s Policy Council Board, the Greene County Parks and Recreation Board, Greene County DHR Policy Council Board, and as both a member and president of several other local organizations throughout Greene County.
     
    My vision for our school system is to provide a successful and productive learning environment for our students. This can be achieved by:
     
        ▪    Housing students in safe and secure buildings
        ▪    Increasing parent and community involvement
        ▪    Giving teachers tools and resources to motivate students
     
    I will work diligently alongside the Superintendent and fellow Board members to ensure that both students and teachers have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
     
    Strong schools build strong communities. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on May 19, 2026, as we work together to strengthen the future of Greene County.
     
    Joe N. Webb
    Candidate, Greene County Board of Education – District 5

  • William Mack a candidate for Greene County Commissioner, District 3

    A man in a formal suit with a light pink tie, standing against a background featuring red and white stripes and a blue design.

    My name is William Mack and I am a candidate for Greene County Commissioner, District 3.
    I have been married for 16 years to Rosie Mack. We have four children and 3 grandchildren. I attended school at Caver High School. I furthered my education in Detroit Michigan at Old Eastern High School.
    Later on I obtained my Associate degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
    After become a minister, I worked for Mac’s Trucking Co., in which we built Highway & Express way for 39 years. I am now a retired CME Pastor. I drive school bus for the Greene County Board of Education. I am running because I believe our community deserves leadership that is honest, accountable, and truly committed to serving the people. As a Pastor and lifelong servant of the community. I understand the importance of listening, standing up for what’s right and working together to build a stronger future for our county.
    My mission is to advocate for our families and improve our infrastructure, support economic growth, and ensure that every voice is District 3 is heard and respected.  I believe in leadership rooted in faith, integrity, and service -not politics as usual.
    I humbly ask for your support and your vote as we work together to move Greene County forward. Vote William Mack for Greene County Commissioner, District 3 together

    WE CAN MAKE A
    DIFFERENCE!

  • Garria Spencer seeks District One seat

    I am Garria Spencer, and this is to announce my candidacy for reelection for Greene County Commissioner of District One. My wife of fifty years Althenia Spencer, and I have three adult children, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, I am a member of the First Baptist Church Union and serve on the Deacon Board. I am retired from Phifer Wire Product and presently work for the Greene County Board of Education serving as a proud Bus Driver.
    During my tenure over the past three years here are some of my accomplishments, I have helped in building storm shelters accessible to the communities. I have been able to pave four dirt roads in District One, I have worked tirelessly to keep our hospital open and maintain our ambulance service. 
    Greene County is my home and a county I truly love, and I pledge to use my experience, my good will and dedication to not only serve the people of District One but all of Greene County. I am asking for your vote, Your Support and Most Important Your Prayers. Experience Counts!

  • Greene County BOE selects Dr. Timothy Thurman to be next Superintendent of Schools

    Dr. Timothy Thurman

    By John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    After a second interview with the top two candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools, the Greene County Board of Education selected Dr. Timothy Thurman for the position.
    After a lengthy discussion, the Board made the selection of Thurman a unanimous decision of the five board members to show unity and support for the selection of Dr. Thurman to be the next leader of the educational system in Greene County.
    In a separate motion, the Board designated a committee of the Board Chair (Leo Branch), Vice Chair (Robert Davis) and Legal Counsel (Attorney Hank Sanders) to negotiate a contract with Dr. Thurman, setting his compensation, benefits and other requirements, which will be reviewed and approved by the Board at its next meeting.
    Dr. Timothy Thurman comes to Greene County after serving as the Superintendent of the City of Linden School System in Marengo, County. Thurman’s experience also included serving as 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. He also serves as the pastor of two Baptist churches in Marengo County.

    The Linden City School system is the smallest in the state with 400 to 500 students and is about half the size of Greene County’s school population. They have three schools – primary, middle and high school – like Greene County.

    In the interview, when asked about whether Greene County was robbing Linden by offering him the Superintendent’s position, Thurman responded by saying that he was leaving the system in “good shape” and that all his goals for the system had been met over the decade that he had been Superintendent.
    “I have done what I wanted to do in Linden,” he said.

    At the start of the interview, Dr. Thurman distributed a written plan to the Board on how he would tackle his first 90 days as Superintendent. The plan includes meeting with the Board to clarify goals and then meeting with staff to listen to their concerns, build relationships and develop a very specific implementation plan to reach the system goals. He said based on his experience; he could move “relatively fast to improve the conditions in under-performing schools.”

    When asked what it would take to improve parent and teacher morale in the schools, he said regular communications with Board, schools and the community, as well as a winning football team. He said, “ In Linden, we were a 1A school, but no-one wanted to challenge us in football, which really helped people in the community and the schools to appreciate what Linden was doing within its school system.

    Dr. Thurman said he was ready to go to work, as soon as the Board agreed on a contract and wanted him to start.

  • School Board selects AASB to conduct superintendent search

    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.

  • Dallas County School System in State Department Intervention

    Superintendent Jones resigns from Greene County Schools; accepts superintendency of Dallas County Schools

    In a called emergency meeting of the Greene County Board of Education, Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones submitted his resignation to the board, effective September 30, 2025. Since that meeting, the State Department of Education (SDE) has released information that Dr. Jones has been asked to assume the superintendent’s leadership role of the Dallas County School System, which has been taken over by the SDE Intervention due to financial difficulties within that School System.
    Following an executive session, Board President, Mr. Leo Branch, asked Superintendent Jones if he had a statement for the board. Dr. Jones read a prepared statement reflecting on the privilege of having served as superintendent of the Greene County School System for the past six years. He cited several accomplishments during his tenure including renovations to the central office; new roof and flooring at Eutaw Primary School; new HVAC system, new windows, new press box at Robert Brown Middle School; the launch of Phase I Sports Complex at Greene County High School. Jones stated that during his tenure “Greene County has achieved its highest report card score from the Alabama State Department of Education since the introduction of the Accountability Report Card. Preliminary data indicates an even higher score in the upcoming releases this fall.”
    Dr. Jones concluded his remarks stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation…I am fully committed to supporting the transition process in any way I can.”
    Present Branch called for action on the superintendent’s resignation. Board member Veronica Richardson moved to accept Jones’ resignation; Board Member Brandon Merriweather seconded the motion. Richardson, Merriweather and Dancy voted in the affirmative. Mr. Leo Branch registered a resounding No. Board members Robert Davis did not vote on the motion.
    Dr. Jones’ current contract with the Greene County Board was for two years, which had been approved on a split 3-2vote, with reportedly some controversy. He was in the first year of the new contract.
    Dr. Jones has been commended by the State Board of Education for maintaining Greene County School System’s strong financial accountability and reserves. The school system has had ‘clean’ audits’ for multiple years. Jones leadership was noted for his handling of the 
ESSER Grants during the COVID-19 crisis. To support schools and districts in addressing the impact of COVID-19, Congress provided financial support through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Funds were allocated to each state in the same proportion as their Title I, Part A grants. Greene County received over $3 million in grants, which Jones used for safety and academic enhancements for student learning on and off school sites, including additional reading and Math coaches; home delivery of student meals; capital improvements and other school services.
    Throughout Jones’ tenure as superintendent, the school system has shown improvements in student learning, including an expanded Career Center Curriculum, a highly successful student debate team; increased exposure for students through academic field trips and college and university visits; modernized cafeteria equipment and services. In compliance with the Alabama Literacy Act, 3rd grade scholars must score at a designated proficiency level before advancing to the 4th grade level. In Greene County, nearly all 3rd graders have been successful in meeting this criteria. The few who fell short, were enrolled in summer classes to prepare to retake the test and advance to the next grade.
    As of this writing, no interim superintendent has been named.

  • Greene County School Board approves partnership with Sumter County Schools for shared Career and Technical Education Project

    The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with all board members present. The purpose of the meeting was to consider a partnership with Sumter County School System in support of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility Grant aimed at developing a regional CTE facility to serve high school students from both Sumter and Greene County.
    The project will create the Sumter-Greene Career Collaborative Center (SGCCC) as a regional CTE facility serving high school students from both Sumter and Greene County schools. Funding for the project is supported by the enactment of Alabama Senate Bill 253 (Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, different pathways for high school diplomas based on future career plans.)
    Prior to the called meeting, the Greene County Board held a work session to discuss the CTE Proposal with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Attorney Hank Sanders, Sumter County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marcy Burroughs, and State Department of Education Consultant, Mr. John Heard. At the close of the work session and following an executive session, the Greene County Board of Education, on the recommendation of Superintendent Jones, approved the proposed joint project, in open session, with four positive votes. Board Member Veronica Richardson opposed the measure.
    The request for State funding for the project will be submitted by the Sumter County School System. The dateline for submission is July 31, 2025. SB253 requires a collaboration between two school systems. Sumter County School System will be the Lead LEA and Greene County Schools will be the Partner LEA. If Sumter County is awarded the CTE grant, there will be no cost for Greene County’s participation.

    If funded, the SGCCC Project will support the construction of a modern CTE training facility on the grounds of Sumter Central High School near York, AL. The Sumter School System will have approximately 18 months to construct the facility, and 30 months to begin operations.
    The initial CTE program labs will include Welding Technology; HVAC/Electrical systems; Health Science; Automotive and Diesel Technology; Information Technology; Advanced Manufacturing. Greene County School System can enroll students in CTE career courses not available at its local Career Center.
    The project will integrate industry-standard equipment to support credentialing opportunities for scholars; provide collaboration with regional postsecondary institutions; and create partnerships with West Alabama Works. The SGCCC will serve as a shared regional resource, reducing duplication and maximizing the impact of state and local investment.
    The board also approved the following personnel items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Employment: Marva Smith – Long term sub (ACCESS) – GCHS; Anglee Coley – Gifted Specialist/Intervention teacher; Brandi Eubanks – Elementary teacher – RBMS.
    * Termination: Wanda Blakely, Special Education Director, effective July 29, 2025.