The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Board of Education

  • Supt. Jones gives update on students academic arrangement School system proposes 2020 high school graduation in July with precautions

    Shown L to R: GCHS Counselor Tameka Thompson, GCHS senior Jasmine Bevelle and Superintendent Corey Jones display 2020 seniors yard signs.

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday, May 18, 2020, observing the required COVID-19 physical arrangements with limited participants wearing masks and seated 6ft. apart. The board’s quorum consisted of C. Zippert, L. Branch and W. Morgan.
    In a key announcement, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones stated that the school system is tentatively planning to hold Greene County High School graduation on Friday, July 24 utilizing the stadium and football field at Robert Brown Middle School. He stated that his executive committee is planning the arrangements where graduates will be spaced appropriately from each other and each student will be allowed only four guests who will also be distanced according to guidelines. Other specific logistics will be announced at a later date.
    Superintendent Jones noted that GCHS graduates received their caps and gowns and personalized yard signs Monday afternoon in a drive-through at the high school prior to the board meeting, with numerous faculty, staff and board president available to present the attire and congratulatory gestures. (See photo display on page 8)
    In a COVID-19 academic arrangement update, Jones reported on each school regarding teachers’ contacts with students and students’ compliance in submitting completed assignments.
    Eutaw Primary reported 100% teacher contact with students and 80% packets returned by students. Robert Brown Middle School reported 93% teacher contact and 85% packets return. Greene County High reported 95% teacher contact and 95 % packets return. The Career Center reported 100% teachers contact and 80% packets return.Regarding additional technology for students’ virtual learning, Superintendent Jones announced that the school system was awarded a $30,000 grant from Alabama Power Foundation toward the $167,000 cost of 600 Chrome Books and hot spots for students, which are on order. He added that the school system is exploring various internet carriers to service our outlying areas, including AT& T and Verizon. “These technological improvements will allow us to extend learning time and provide optional arrangements for the teaching-learning process” he stated.
    Jones indicated that because of the COVID-19 uncertainties, his executive staff is investigating a possible blended schedule for the next school term, where various grades could attend on-site classes in shifts and participate in classes virtually off-site.
    The school system has ended its regular meals program having provided 66,540 meals to families with children 1-18 years of age, however, families can continue to receive meals for students through the USDA Meals-To-You Program. Each family must sign-up for the program through the following website: http://www.mealstoyou.org. Meals will be delivered to parents who sign up.
    CSFO Lavonda Blair reported that the State Audit Exit Conference was held vitally last week with board members. There were no findings. A final on-site report will be scheduled at a later date. She also noted that the school system’s income is decreasing, as tax revenue decreases, however expenses are increasing.
    According to Blair, the water bills at the various school sites have had considerable increases even though the facilities are closed. At GCHS there was a $2,000 plus increase in the water bill in a month’s period; At RBM there was a $700 plus increase water bill; and at Eutaw Primary there was a $300 plus increase. Superintendent Jones indicated he has attempted to reach Mayor Raymond Steele to investigate these increases and obtain an explanation. If the Mayor does not respond, Dr. Jones indicated he will approach the City Council.
    The board has tentatively scheduled its required annual Superintendent and CSFO Evaluations for June 15 and June 8, respectively.
    The board also discussed the AASB Whole Board Training for 2020, but no definite decision was determined since all board members were not present.
    The superintendent noted that his office has taken appropriate actions to alleviate the Bat problem at RBMS.
    The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to hire Mr. James Gaines as Interim Transportation Supervisor for the school system.
    In a traditional process, the board approved the superintendent’s recommendations to non-renew various non-tenured and contract personnel. Dr. Jones indicated that most will be called back.

  • School board holds emergency meeting, confirming plans to provide for students during virus epidemic

    Robert Brown Middle School personnel review instructional packets for students. Shown L to R: Principal Owens, 4th Grade Teacher, Annie Howard and Assistant Principal Harris.
    Child Nutrition Program personnel distribute meals for students outside Robert Brown Middle School.
    CNP school personnel gather meals packaged for distribution from Robert Brown Middle School.
    LaTonya Fowler, Board’s Central Office personnel, assists in distributing food packets to children.

    The Greene County Board of Education held an emergency meeting, Thursday, March 19, 2020, to consider resolutions joining the state and federal government in declaring an emergency due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus epidemic. The resolutions authorized the school superintendent to take all actions, including the provision of food for schools children and instructional materials consistent with the declared emergency and the needs of the Greene County Board of Education during this emergency from March 19, 2020 until further notice.
    The resolutions adopted by the board also declare that schools are closed in compliance with Governor Kay Ivey’s order until further notice and the March 24, 2020 scheduled meeting of the board is also cancelled.
    In his update to the board, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones stated that during Spring break week of March 16, all school facilities were given a thorough cleaning and sanitizing stations were set up in classroom and hallways for the future return of students and personnel.
    According to Dr. Jones, the school system will provide two meals per day for all students in the duration of the school shutdown. He indicated that USDA has authorized the school system to operate the food distribution comparable to the Summer Feeding Program which allows meals to be served to youth ages 1-18.
    In compliance with Superintendent Jones guidance, each school has instituted plans for delivering food and instructional materials to students. In the food program, students are provided two meals each day with distributions scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Parents may drive to the schools for meals and some meals will be delivered to various designated venues in the community. The detailed delivery schedule is listed in this newspaper as well as on the school’s web site and other relevant social media.
    For Greene County High School students, the majority of teachers sent enrichment activities via email or Google Classroom. A few teachers prepared instructional packets which were delivered on Monday.
    Eutaw Primary School delivered instructional packets on Monday and Tuesday. Robert Brown Middle School had packets available for parents to pick up on Wednesday. Instructional packets can be delivered in any situation where parents are not able to come to the school.
    Dr. Jones informed the board that the system will continue its financial obligations. Payroll and bills will be paid in a timely manner. Personnel not on direct deposit plans will have paychecks sent through postal mail. “Traditional business of the school system will be handled as efficiently as possible,” Jones stated. He clarified that usual bid laws can be suspended regarding emergency purchases.
    Superintendent Jones indicated that no determination can be made at this time as to meeting schedules for particular school activities such as prom and graduation. “We just don’t know how long this medical emergency will last. I urged our community to take every precaution to keep safe and avoid contracting the virus.”

  • Alabama New South Alliance endorses local Greene County candidates

    Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson
    William Morgan
    Mary Edwards Otieno

    On Sunday, February 9, 2020 members of the Greene County Alabama New South Alliance met to screen and endorse local candidates for the March 3rd primary. There are several local contested races on the ballot along with the Democratic Party Presidential choice, Congressional races and some statewide positions.
    The Alabama New South Alliance screens local candidates based on several criteria including: a. qualifications/experience, b. Community Involvement, c. Compatibility with ANSA Platform, d. Responsiveness to Questions and e. Electability. All candidates were invited to attend the screening.
    For Greene County Revenue Commissioner, both candidates, incumbent Barbara McShan and challenger Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson appeared and were screened. They answered questions about their experience, qualifications, plans and community involvement. Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson received the endorsement in a close vote.
    For Greene County Board of Education – District 3, William Morgan, incumbent came for the screening and answered questions.
    His opponent, Veronica Richardson, did not attend the screening. ANSA endorsed William Morgan.
    For Greene County Board of Education – District 5, incumbent Board member, Carrie Dancy did not attend the screening. Her opponent, Mary Edwards Otieno was screened and received the ANSA endorsement.
    The ANSA will have sample ballots available next week and at the polls on Election Day to help people to make their choices.
    Statewide candidates endorsed by ANSA include: Joe Biden for President, Laura Casey for Chair of the Alabama Public Service Commission, Billie Jean Young – State School Board-District 5 and Congressional candidates where there is opposition.
    ANSA also urged a ‘No’ vote on Statewide Amendment No. 1 which provides for appointment of the State School Board by the Governor in place of the current system of election by districts.
    Absentee ballots, including early walk-in voting, are available from the Circuit Clerk’s office in the Greene County Courthouse.

  • School board approves resolution requesting State to turn over Birdine School property

    Shown above: The Current Birdine School Site

    At its monthly meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, the Greene County Board of Education, on the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, approved a resolution requesting the State of Alabama to convey to the Greene County Board of Education tracts of real estate which formerly constituted the Birdine School Campus. The various tacts of land, which formed the Birdine School in Greene County, were acquired by the State of Alabama between 1910 and 1961. With ownership of the property, the board can determine how to best use or dispose of the said real estate to further benefit the school system.
    At the board meeting, Dr. Jones scheduled a mandated report of the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA (enacted by Congress in 2000) addresses concerns about access in schools and libraries to the internet and other information and imposes certain requirements for those entities that receive discounts for internet access (E-RATE) or for internal connections.
    The CIPA report was presented by Ms. Makane Morrow, Technology Coordinator, who confirmed that the school system has the appropriate policies and procedures to comply with CIPA, including data governance policy, forms and content filtering. According to Ms. Morrow, compliance with CIPA also includes monitoring agreements with staff and students to prevent inappropriate web site access and allows the school system to receive anti-virus alerts.
    As part of the Superintendent’s report, the board heard a second presentation by Schneider Electric concerning a proposed overview of a Capital Recovery & Reinvestment Program involving upgrades and repairs in the areas of energy uses, telecommunications and related capital improvements. The board posed various questions regarding the cost and financing of the project, but made no decision at this time.
    The board approved the following personnel recommendations of the superintendent;
    Resignations: Cassandra Glover, nurse at Eutaw Primary School, effective December 31, 2019;
    Robert Stewart – In-School Suspension and Truancy Officer, Robert Brown Middle /school, effective December 19, 2019.
    Child Nutrition Program: Salary Schedule Proposal.
    Additional Mentors for Teacher Mentor Program – Gwendolyn Webb, Jeffery Wesley, Sandra Gordon, Keisha Williams and Brittany January.
    Catastrophic Leave: LaKeisha Johnson, teacher, Eutaw Primary School.
    One-Time Stipend Pay of $400 to Sarah Brewer for processing insurance reimbursements.
    Termination of Danielle Sanders as High School Girls Basketball Coach, effective immediately.
    The board approved the following Administrative Items recommended by the superintendent;
    Approval of Greene County High School Debate Team to travel to Mississippi for competition, March 4-5, 2020.
    Approval of Consulting Service between Greene County Board and Malysa Chandler, Educational Consultant Services, for Greene County School District.Science Teachers.
    Resolution – Birdine School Property.
    Change Board Signatory of all Banks Accounts: Citizens, Merchants, and Synovus Bank.
    Greene County High School Football Booster Club Contract.
    Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
    Authorize Superintendent to have Eatman School Property appraised.

  • Zippert & Cockrell elected Board President and Vice President ; Greene County Schools – two on failing list; System earns C grade

    Dr. Carol P. Zippert President and Kashaya Cockrell Vice President of the Greene County School Board

    At its monthly meeting, November 18, 2019, the Greene County Board of Education conducted its annual re-organization and selected Dr. Carol P. Zippert as Board President. Ms. Kashaya Cockrell was selected as Vice President. Zippert was the only nominee for President. Kashaya Cockrell and William Morgan were nominated for Vice President, however, Morgan withdrew his name. The elected officers serve a one year term, but may be eligible for re-election. The superintendent serves as the official secretary for the school board. Board Attorney Hank Sanders presided over the election process.
    In his report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented the school system’s scores from the process mandated by the Alabama Accountability Act, originally passed by the state legislature in 2013.
    Although the Greene County School system earned an overall C (70%) grade on the state’s report card, two schools still remain on the state’s “failing” school list, Robert Brown Middle School and Greene County High School.
    Eutaw Primary School received a score of 85 which is two points above the previous year’s score. Greene High County School received a score of 68, which is nine points above the previous year’s score, and has demonstrated considerable improvement. Robert Brown Middle School received a score or 61, which is 5 points below the previous year’s score.
    According to the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA), amended, Failing Schools include those whose test scores were in the bottom 6% in the previous year. Students are tested in reading and math in grades 3-8 and 10 with the Aspire Assessment and the Alabama Alternate Assessment. By state law today, the failing list is a competition, pitting public schools against one another to stay off of the bottom. That means, by law, there will always be dozens of “failing” public schools across Alabama.
    Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones explained that there are several factors which are considered in evaluating a particular school. These include the state’s standardized assessment scores; student attendance; graduation rate and academic growth. He stated that while the AAA “failing” list is based solely on test scores, the report card grade considers other factors like academic growth, the percentage of students missing more than 15 days of school, and measures of college and career readiness among others.
    See following chart:
    Schools with a Grade 12
    Academic Achievement – 20%; Academic Growth – 25%; Graduation Rate – 30%; College and Career Readiness – 10%; Progress in English Language Proficiency – 5%; Chronic Absenteeism – 10%;
    Schools without a Grade 12
    Academic Achievement – 40%; Academic Growth – 40%; Progress in English Language Proficiency – 5%; Chronic Absenteeism – 15%;
    As a component of his report, Dr. Jones introduced a presentation by Todd Smith of Schneider Electric in which Smith gave an overview of a Capital Recovery & Reinvestment Program for Greene County Schools. The company has conducted a series of surveys to determine where, with particular innovative upgrades and repairs in the areas of energy uses, telecommunications and related capital improvements, the school system would save over $100,000 annually. The district-wide improvements would include replacing large HVAC equipment; upgrade all interior and exterior lights to LED technology; district-wide building automation system; smart metering to provide real time energy data; and centralized web-enabled irrigation system at the high school.
    This was a first preliminary presentation by Schneider Electric and no decision was made by the board.
    The board acted on the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    Approved the resignation of William Wilkins, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation, effective October 24, 2019.
    Approved the retirement Regina Harmon, Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective October 1, 2019.
    Approved the Catastrophic Leave request of Josef Stancer, Band Director, Greene County High School, effective November 8, 2019.
    •Approved the Supplemental pay raise, Ms. Vanessa Bryant, Football and Basketball Cheerleader Sponsor, Robert Brown Middle School.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent:
    Field trip Eutaw Primary School to attend Tennessee Aquarium and I-Max Theatre in Chattanooga Tennessee, April 17, 2020.
    Contract between Greene County Board and File Wave (USA) Software Support.
    ADS Security contract for update camera’s at Bus Shop.
    Contract between Robert Brown Middle School and West Central Officials Association of Livingston Alabama.
    Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Officials Association of Livingston Alabama.

  • School board hires additional personnel

    At an emergency call meeting held July 31, 2019, the Greene County Board of Education added additional personnel to its school rosters. The board approved the following personnel recommendations of Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones:
    Valerie Moore, Physical Education Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Lakeisha Johnson, Pre-k Auxiliary Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Dotha Williams, Long-term Substitute Special Needs Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Glenda Hodges, Long-Term Substitute, Special Education Collaborate Teacher; Sanjanika Prince, Long-term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Andrea Perry, from 10 ½ month employee to 11 month employee; Dorothy Branch, Long-term Substitute 4th Grade Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Ginger Glass, English Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School; Tyler Mitchell, Social Science Teacher, Greene County High School; Mattie Underwood, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation; Frances McGee, CNP Manager, Greene County High School; Nkenge Reynolds, Social Studies, Robert Brown Middle School; Russell Rivers, Automotive, Greene County Career Center.
    The board approved the voluntary transfer of Gwendolyn Webb, Pre-K 2 Auxiliary Teacher to Pre-K Auxiliary 1 Teacher, at Eutaw Primary School.
    The following resignations were approved by the board: Shequeria Wright, Pre-K Auxiliary Teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective immediately; Katlin Whittle, Visual Art Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; Ruby Bell, Social Science Teacher, Greene County High School, effective immediately; Korto Dapolar, Science Teacher, Greene County High School, effective July 16, 2019; Barbara Burroughs, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation, effective August 31, 2019; Cheerleader Sponsor, Supplemental Contract, Linda Little, for the 2019-2020 school year.
    A supplemental contract was approved for Lurena Smith as Greene County High School Cheerleader Sponsor for the 2019-2020 school year.

  • School board hires new administrators for Robert Brown Middle School

    At its monthly meeting held Monday, June 10, 2019, the Greene County Board of Education approved the superintendent’s recommendations for Principal and Assistant Principal at Robert Brown Middle School. Shwanta Owens, of Hueytown, AL was selected as Principal and Brittany Harris of Demopolis, AL was selected as Assistant Principal. Each will be offered a one year contract commencing July 1, and July 24, 2019 respectively.
    Ms. Shwanta Owens’ current position is Director of Early College, University of Alabama at Birmingham. She serves as the liaison between Woodlawn High School, UAB and other Early College Partners. Previously she has worked as a teacher in various public school systems in Alabama in the area of language arts. She holds a Master of Arts Educational Leadership; Alabama Educational Specialists Degree; Master of Arts Secondary Education Language Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Secondary Education Language Arts.
    Ms. Brittany D. Harris’ current position is as First Grade Teacher at Southview Elementary School, Tuscaloosa, AL. She has taught previously in elementary schools in Mississippi. She holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership; Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership; Master of Education in Elementary Education; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
    Other personnel services acted on by the board included the following:

    • Approved the voluntary transfer of Drenda Morton, Librarian, from Robert Brown Middle /school to Librarian at Greene County High School; Fentress Means, part-time Physical Education Teacher at Eutaw Primary to Part-time Physical Education Teacher at Greene County High School.
    • Approved: Eutaw Primary School Re-hiring: Katlin Whittle, Part-time Visual Arts Teacher; Jacqueline Allen, Reading Tutor.
      *Approved Robert Brown Middle School Re-Hiring: Kotoya Quarrels, Math Teacher; Brittany January, Math Teacher; Katlin Whittle, Visual Arts Teacher; Rebecca Coleman, Computer Science; Alisa Ward, Elementary Teacher; Jacqueline Carter, Science Teacher.
    • Approved Greene County High School Re-hire: Elroy Skinner, Math Teacher; Ann Spree, Math Tutor; Twelia Morris, Secretary, Greene County Career Center.
    • Approved Re-Assignments: Garry Rice, Math Specialist, Greene County School System, Grades K-12; Fredrick Square, Lead Teacher, Assistant Principle, Greene County Learning Academy.
    • Approved Extended Contract: Willie Simmons, Principal, Greene County High School.
      Contract Personnel: Cynthia Crawford, Technical Support, Greene County Board.
    • Approved Resignation-Retirement: Timothy Gibbs, JROTC, Greene County High School, effective July 1, 2019; Glen Monroe, Senior Army Instructor, Greene County Career Center, effective July 1, 2019; Diana Bowen, Teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective August 1, 2019.
    • Approved GCH Summer School Program: Angela Harkness, Teacher.
    • Approved Family Medical Leave/Catastrophic Leave: Regina Harmon, Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School.
    • Approved Salary Adjustments for: Sarah Hall, Secretary to the Superintendent; Tracy Hunter, Secretary, GCHS.
      Approved Supplemental Contract for: Sharon Washington, Special Projects; Linda Little, Cheerleader Sponsor, GCHS.
      The board approved the summer schedule June 2 through July11, 2019, and the following personnel for the 21st Center Community Learning Centers Summer Enrichment Program – Robert Brown Middle School: Andrea Perry, Director; Drenda Morton, Lead Teacher; Twelia Morris, Teacher Assistant; Vanessa Bryant, Teacher; Raven Bryant, Teacher; Miakka Taylor, Teacher; Alisia Allen, Teacher; Janice Jeames, Teacher; Mary Hobson, Teacher Aide; and Anika Batch, Teacher Aide.
      Eutaw Primary School: Keisha Williams, Lead Teacher; Tamecisha Abrams, Teacher; Pamela Pasteur, Teacher; Genetta Bishop, Teacher; Bernice Smith, Computer Lab Teacher; Shirley Noland, Librarian; Denise Horton, Teacher Aide.
      CNP Personnel for Summer Foods Service Program: Sandy Wilson, Gloria Lyons, Mary Hill, Amanda Askew, Rosie Davis, Tina Cherry.
      Under the Administrative Services, the board approved a 4-day work week for all extended employees beginning June 3 – July 26, 2019; approved CNP PACA purchasing agreement with Jefferson County Purchasing Division; approved 3 SRO contracts between Greene Board, Greene County Commission and Greene County Sheriff. The Resource Officers will be housed at Eutaw Primary, Robert Brown Middle and Greene County High Schools.
      The board approved the job description for Mathematical Specialist for the Greene County School System; approved request for Debate Team to attend Youth Leadership Training Conference in Washington, D.C. June 1-8, 2019; Approved payment of all bills and payroll.
      The Greene County Board of Education authorized the sale of the former Birdine School facility with designated acreage to the Town of Forkland with two contingencies: 1. The State of Alabama returning the Birdine property to the Greene County Board of Education. 2. Following an appraisal, the property is sold at fair market value.
      The board also authorized the superintendent and board president to prepare a deed to the Town of Boligee directing specific use of the former Paramount facility and delineating the parameters of educational competitors.

  • School board presents report on Stakeholders Survey regarding superintendent’s search

    At its monthly meeting, held Monday, April 15, 2019, the Greene County Board of Education received an initial report from Alabama Association of School Boards consultant Dr. Linda Ingram, on the surveys conducted regarding the board’s superintendent search. Dr. Ingram reported that the 90+ respondents of students, board employees, parents and general community who completed the Stakeholders Survey focused on student achievement as a primary expectation of the new school superintendent. The survey results also indicated that a high majority of all respondents preferred that the board select a qualified person not currently employed with the Greene County School System; a high majority felt that the superintendent did not have to hold a doctorate degree but should have previous administrative experience; and that the superintendent should be articulate and able to communicate with different groups of people. The complete survey results of all the respondent categories will be made available to the public on the school system’s website. To access the website, go to greene.k12.al.us.
    The dateline for applying for the superintendent’s position with the Greene County Schools is Friday, April 19. The applicants will be screened, with qualification, background and reference checks by AASB. The finalists will be submitted to the board by April 30. Individual interviews will be arranged beginning May 6. The board will conduct public interviews of the candidates and make the final decision.
    Among the administrative items acted on, the board approved the sale of the former Paramount Jr. High School with specific acreage to the Town of Boligee. Action on the sale of Mt. Hebron Pre-school to the Mt. Hebron Community Coalition was postponed pending additional information.
    The board acted on the following personnel items:

    • Approved resignations of Mary Henderson, as Part-time Secretary, Greene County Career Center, effective April 26, 2019; Elroy Skinner, as Math Teacher, Greene County High School, effective May 24, 2019.
      *Approved retirement of Lillian Lewis, as Librarian, Greene County High School, effective May 24, 2019.
    • Approved employment of Twelia Morris, as Part-time Secretary at Greene County Career Center, and Part-time Secretary at Robert Brown Middle School.
    • Approved re-hiring Latoya Consentine, as School Bus Driver, Department of Transportation.
    • Approved Family Medical Leaves for Sigfried Williams, Music Teacher, Greene County High School, beginning April 8, 2019, through April 29, 2019; Michael Bolton, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation, beginning March 29, 2019 through May 6, 2019.
    • Approved supplemental contract for Siegfried Williams for duties performed outside regular contract.
      In other business the board approved health policies; declared an emergency for boiler replacement at Robert Brown Middle School; approved request by Mr. Fredrick Square to attend National Conference on School Safety; approved payment of all bills, claims and payroll; approved implementing a computer science course as a requirement for all students graduating from Greene County High School, commencing with 2019-2020 School year.

  • School board presented update on STEM Program in school system

     

     

    Shown at Display of STEM Program, L to R: Nashambia Sewell, Science Teacher; School Board Members, Mr. William Morgan; Dr. Carol P. Zippert; Ms. Carrie Dancy; Ms. Kashaya Cockrell and Mr. Leo Branch. and Pictured: David Peterson, Joe N. Webb and Superintendent, Dr. James Carte displaying Citations.

    At the regular meeting of the Greene County Board of Education, held Monday, October 15, 2018, Superintendent James Carter provided the board an update of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program as it operates in the school system. Ms. Nashambia Sewell, who joined the school system as a science teacher this year, led the presentation on STEM skills and careers. She noted that a goal of the program is to guide students to think of the skills needed in today’s workplace. “Most employers want workers who are able to reason and solve problems using some math, science, or technology,” she indicated.

    In addition to intensive course work, the STEM program will engage students in related exposures through various field trips. STEM is designed to prepare students for various careers, providing them with skills not just in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but also in communication, creative abilities, leadership and organizational skills. Superintendent Carter reported that the Transportation Department received favorable review from the State Department of Education for school bus safety inspection for 2017. Citations were presented to transportation staff Johnny Pelt, David Peterson, Nathaniel Webb and Transportation Coordinator, Joe N. Webb for attaining the goal of excellence. Dr. Carter also noted that the Greene County School Board received the AASB School Board Member Academy President’s Award 2018 for demonstrating a commitment to excellence in education through boardsmanship training. Board member Kashaya Cockrell reached Levels 2 & 3 in AASB training; Board Member Carol Zippert reached Level 4. In other business, the board acted on the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent: * Approved the resignation of Ms. Sadie Moore, Secretary – Eutaw Primary School, Effective September 12, 2018 * Approved employment of Rachael Nixon, Secretary, Eutaw Primary School for 2018-2019 school year. * Approved employment of Wanda Gaitor, Part-time Secretary, Greene County High School, and Part-time Secretary at Greene County Career Center. Approved the appointment of Mr. Fredrick Square, as School District Safety Coordinator, for the 2018-2019 school year. The board acted on the following administrative services recommended by the superintendent: * Approved request to accept counter offer from Town of Boligee for Paramount School Property, pending clarification that it is for 15 acres and other conditions of use and pending completion of survey. * Approved request to survey and appraise Eatman School property. * Approved request to survey and appraise Mt. Hebron property. * Approve contract between Greene County Board and Kim Herren, Special Education Services for Greene County Head Start. * Approve contract between Greene County Board and Mattie Strode, Special Education Services for Homebound Students. * Approved contact between Greene County Board and Woods Therapeutic Services, Inc., for Special Education Personal Care Aides. * Approved contract for Greene County High School Basketball Team, to participate in interscholastic Athletic Contest against non-member school basketball tournament in Ft. Walton Beach Florida, December 27 – 29, 2018. * Approved contract between Greene County High School and West Central Official Association during the 2018-2019 school year. Approved field trip request for Eutaw Primary School to attend Audubon Aquarium and Zoo in New Orleans, May, 2019. Approved Career & Technical Education Policies: 1. Plan for Achieving Excellence; 2. Live Work Guidelines; 3. Instructions for Handling Career Tech Data; 4. Enrollment Procedures; 5. Safety Procedures; 6. Adult Sex Offender. The board approved the following instructional items. * Statement of Commitment regarding School Safety. * Policies for the following programs: 1. Student Suicide Prevention (Jason Flatt ACT); 2. Student Conduct and Supervision; 3.Corporal Punishment. Approve the following Plan and Policies for Federal Program for 2019: 1. Foster Care Plan; 2. LEA Consolidated Plan; 3. McKinney-Vento District Homeless Policy; 4. Dispute Resolution for Homeless, Foster Care, English Learner, Migrant, and Immigrant students; 5. Enrollment Policy for Homeless, Foster Care, English Learner Migrant and Immigrant Students. The financial reports were presented by Ms. LaVonda Blair, CSFO and Mr. Marvin Taylor, Interim CSFO.

  • Board meeting delayed over non-approval of agenda; board selects personnel for 2nd year 21st Century Community Learning Centers

    At the regular meeting of the Greene County Board of Education, Monday, September 17, 2018, there was an unexpected delay in implementing the formal meeting. Following the usual protocol of the Call to Order, Invocation, Roll Call and Welcome to Visitors, Board President Leo Branch asked for a motion for adoption of the Agenda. Carol P. Zippert, Board Vice President, moved that the agenda be adopted as presented. With four of the board members present, there was no second offered for that motion. Board Attorney Hank Sanders advised that the meeting could not continue without an agenda. Board Member Carrie Dancy remarked that she did not agree with everything on the agenda. Zippert responded that the agenda is only a guide for the meeting. All recommended items have to be voted on. Board member William Morgan stated that he was told that there would be a new agenda. Superintendent Carter responded that he did not speak with Morgan or anyone about providing a new agenda. Morgan would not disclose who advised him that a new agenda would be provided. Board Member Kashaya Cockrell arrived for the meeting during the discussion of the agenda. President Branch brought her up to date and noted that we needed a second on the motion for adoption of the agenda. Zippert offered another motion for adoption and board member Cockrell seconded. The motion passed on a 3 to 2 vote. The meeting continued in an orderly manner. Following an executive session, the full board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Carter, except for three set-aside items which passed on a vote 4 to1. * For the 21st Century Extended Day Program, Robert Brown Middle School: Andrea Perry, Director; Drenda Morton, Lead Teacher; Miakka Taylor, Teacher; Raven Bryant, Teacher; Felecia Smith, Teacher; Vanessa Bryant, Teacher; Twelia Morris, Teacher Assistant. * For 21st Century Extended Day Program, Eutaw Primary School: Keisha Williams, Lead Teacher; Pamela Pasteur, Teacher; Temeshia Abrams, Teacher; Rachael Nickson, Teacher Assistant. Other personnel items approved by the board included the following: * Resignation – Ms. Dorothy Powell as Bus Aide, effective August 21, 2018. * Employment – Ms. Katrina Sprinkle, Pre-K Teacher, Eutaw Primary School. * Supplemental Contract – Fentress Means, B-Team Basketball Coach, Greene County High School. Administrative Services recommended by Superintendent Carter and approved by the board are as follows: * Approval of Capital Plan for 2019 school year. * Contract between Greene County School System and Coded by Me LLC. * Contract between Greene County School and Power School. * Approval for Greene County High School Debate Team to travel to Nashville Tennessee. * Approval for Greene County High School to travel to Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta for Mu Alpha Theta student’s success. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll., Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms LaVonda Blair, CSFO and Mr. Marvin Taylor, Consultant. The financial reports presented by CSFO Consultant Marvin Taylor included General Fund Bank Reconciliation; Summary Cash Report; Check Register Accountability Report; Monthly Financial Reports, including the Combined Balance Sheet and Combined Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances. Ms. Blair also presented a Financial Snapshot of board funds as of July 31, 2018. * Combined Fund Balance totaled $3.5 Million. * General Fund Balance totaled $1.474 Million. * A/P Check Register Accountability Report totaled $202,024.82. Payroll Register totaled $861,684.82. In his report to the board, Dr. James Carter indicated that the school system will institute a coding program for grades 1st through 3rd at Eutaw Primary and will continue to enhance coding for grades 4th through 12th. Carter introduced the idea of opening a Washateria Service for students for them to laundry uniforms and other school clothing. He explained this could be set up at the Perter J. Kirksey school property. Dr. Carter stated that the school system will develop a partnership with churches and other organizations in Greene County to provide mentors and tutors for students. He also announced a students’ attendance initiative to encourage students to be in attendance every day. This will be promoted through newspaper ads, social media, television ads and SchoolCast, the school communication system.