The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Board of Education

  • 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.

  • School board approves additional personnel roster for school system

    The Greene County Board of Education, at its regular session held Monday June 11, 2018, acted on various recommendations of Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter, Sr. in preparation for the next school term. The personnel items presented to the board included Family Medical Leave, Retirement, Non-Renewal, Recall and Employment.
    Superintendent Carter presented a prospect for principal at Greene County High School and the board approved his going forward, however, Dr. Carter is reconsidering his recommendation.
    Andrea Perry was appointed as Assistant Principal for Greene County High School, and will coordinate the 9th Grade Academy.
    Dr. Carter recommended and the board approved employment of the following additional personnel: Joseph Patrick as teacher at Greene County Learning Academy; Detrick Hodges as part-time Assistant Band Director; Kianga Austin as 1st Grade Teacher at Eutaw Primary School and Chereme Gaines as Science Teacher at Greene County High School.
    The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to recall the following personnel:
    Eutaw Primary School – Fentress Means as part-time Physical Education Teacher; Katlin Whittle as part-time Art Teacher; Jacqueline Allen as Reading Intervention Teacher.
    Robert Brown Middle School – Justin Booth as Part-time AgroScience Teacher; Cardelia Paige as 5th Grade Teacher; Miakka Taylor as 8th Grade Teacher; Katlin Whittle as Part-time Art Teacher.
    Greene County High School – Justin Booth as part-time Physical Education and Agro Science Teacher; Fentress Means as part-time Physical Education Teacher / Driver Education Teacher; Wanda Gaitor as part-time Secretary; Willie Harkness as part-time Custodian.
    Maintenance – Carl Oliver.

    Johnny Pelt, a Mechanic in the Department of Transportation, was granted family medical leave. Patricia Edmond’s retirement as a Pre-K Teacher Aid at Eutaw Primary School was approved.
    The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation of non-renewal of Jerria Prince as Math Teacher at Greene County High School.
    Additional service contracts (separate contracts) were approved for the following:
    * Corey Cockrell as Head Football Coach / B-Team Basketball Coach at RBMS.
    * Henry Miles as Assistant Football Coach at RBMS.
    * Jeffery Wesley as Head Basketball Coach at RBMS.
    * Rodney Wesley as Head Boys Basketball Coach at GCHS.
    * Karon Coleman as Head Football Coach at GCHS.
    * Jacob Sullivan as Assistant Football Coach at GCHS.
    * Janice Jeames as Girls Volleyball Coach at GCHS.
    * Justine Booth as Assistant Baseball Coach at GCHS.
    *Su’Kova Hicks as Head Girls Softball Coach at GCHS
    * Drenda Morton as Cheerleader Sponsor at GCHS.
    * Doris Robinson as Cheerleader Sponsor at RBMS.
    * Kianga Austin as Head Girls Basketball Coach at GCHS.
    * Toice Goodson as District Athletic Director.

    The following personnel were approved for the summer school program.
    * Angela Harkness as Teacher at GCHS.
    Gilda Jowers as Computer Lab Manager and Access Facilitator.
    The following were employed in Child Nutrition Program Seamless Summer Program:
    Sandy Wilson; Gloria Lyons; Mary Hill; Tanesha Hinton; Romanda Askew; Youlanda Coleman; Jacqueline Pickens; Jessica Lake; Tina Cherry; and Frances McGhee.
    Under administrative services, the board approved payment of all bills, claims and payroll. The board also approved the superintendent’s recommendation to amend the 2018 proposed budget to include the certified federal funds carryover from 2017 in order to expend these funds. The amendments will also include any revenues and expenditures that exceed the allowable amount to increase or decrease.

  • School board approves personnel transfers, non-renewals and resignations

    At its regular meeting held Monday, May 14, 2018, the Greene County Board of Education approved a variety of changes regarding the school system’s personnel as recommended by Superintendent, Dr. James Carter. Transfers among the central office personnel effective for the 2018-2019 school year include the following: Robert Stewart from Technology Coordinator to Truancy Officer; Cindy Taylor from Truancy Officer to Attendance Supervisor; Makane Morrow from Child Nutrition Program Director to Technology Coordinator.
    Other transfers from the various school facilities effective for the next school year, include the following.
    * Garry Rice from Principal at Greene County High School to Principal at Robert Brown Middle School;
    * Fredrick Square, from Principal at Robert Brown Middle to Assistant Principal at RBM;
    * Toice Goodson, from Principal of 9th Grade Academy at GCHS to Principal at Greene County Learning Academy;
    * Barbara Martin, from Principal at Robert Brown Middle to Principal at Eutaw Primary School;
    * Teresa Atkins from teacher to CNP Director;
    * Patricia Rhone from Business Education Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School to Teacher at Greene County Career Center;
    * Nathaniel Webb from Transportation Department to Maintenance Department;
    *David Peterson from Maintenance Department to Transportation Department.
    The board approved the following non-renewals recommended by the Superintendent Carter. It should be noted that individuals approved for non-renewal at the close of a school term may be called back to the school system, for the next term, on an as-needed basis.
    * Eutaw Primary School Non-Renewals: Johnnie Lee, 1st Grade Teacher; Kendra Payne; 1st Grade Teacher; Fentress Means, Physical Education Teacher; Tweila Morris, Secretary; Katlin Whittle, Art Teacher; Jacqueline Allen, Reading Intervention Teacher.

    * Robert Brown Middle School Non-Renewals: Teresa Atkins, Consumer Science Teacher; Justin Booth, Agro-Science Teacher; Danielle Edison, Special Education Teacher; Fredrick Holmes, Music / Band Teacher; Shunetta Kirkman, 6th Grade Teacher; Ashley Moore, 5th Grade Teacher; Cardelia Page, 5th Grade Teacher; Deborah Summerville, 7th Grade Teacher; Miakka Taylor, 8th Grade Teacher; Katlin Whittle, Art Teacher; Jacqueline Edwards, Part-Time Janitor.
    *Greene County High School Non-Renewals: Justin Booth, Part-Time Physical Education/Agro-Science Teacher; Wanda Gaitor, Part-Time Secretary; Fredrick Holmes Music / Band Teacher; Fentress Means, Driver Education Teacher; Demilia Snyder, Science Teacher.
    * Greene County Career Center Non-Renewals: Sondra Green, Health Science Teacher; Mary Henderson, Part-Time Secretary.
    * Greene County Learning Academy, Non-Renewal: Dr. Bennie Pennington, Lead Teacher.
    * Maintenance Department Non-Renewal: Carl Oliver.
    * Transportation Department Non-Renewal: Gerald Holloway, Bus Driver.
    The board approved the following resignations: Shennell Spears, Business Management Administration, Greene County Career Center, effective May 312, 2018; Diana Bowden, Lab Aide, RBM, effective May 26, 2018; Dr. Sharon Jennings, Principal Eutaw Primary School, effective May 31, 2018; Marsha Powell, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation, effective March 16, 2018; and Dora Hardy, Cook at Greene County High School.
    The Superintendent recommended and the board approved sending letters of termination to the following personnel for Additional Service Contracts (Separate Contracts).
    * Robert Brown Middle School: Corey Cockrell as Head Football Coach, B-Team Basketball Coach and Athletic Director; Henry Miles as Assistant Football Coach; Dorris Robinson as Cheerleader Sponsor; Jeffery Wesley as Head Basketball Coach.
    *Greene County High School: Rodney Wesley as Head Basketball Coach & Assistant Football Coach; Kendra Payne as Head Basketball Coach (Girls); Karon Colman as Head Football Coach & Track Team Coach; Jacob Sullivan as Assistant Football Coach; Janice Jeames as Girls’ Volleyball Coach and Girls’ Basketball Coach; Frederick Holmes as Band Director; Fentress Means as Head Baseball Coach; Justin Booth as Assistant Baseball Coach; Su’Kovia Hicks as Head Softball Coach (Girls); Drenda Morton as Cheerleader Sponsor.
    The board approved the following recommendations for employment as bus drivers for the Summer Enrichment Program: Felecia Davis; Marcus Steele; Teresa Hill; Eddie Coats; Ayanna Crawford; Michael Bolden; Verna Nickson.
    The board also approved hiring Walter Taylor of Montgomery, AL as Interim CSFO.
    In Administrative Services, the board approved Robert Brown Middle School request to travel to Six Flags Over Georgia for Math and Science Day; and payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
    In other business, the board approved the 4-day work week, each day from 7:30 am to 4:45 pm, beginning the week of June 4-8, 2018 and ending the week of July 23-27, 2018. Any and all schedules that differ from the one stated above must be submitted and approved by the superintendent prior to the start date of June 4, 2018.

  • School board takes further steps to initiate Virtual Learning Program

    At its regular meeting held Monday, April 16, 2018, the Greene County Board of Education took further steps to initiated the Greene County Schools Virtual Learning Program. Ms. Rebecca Coleman was approved as Coordinator of the Virtual Learning Program which will begin as a pilot with individuals who have dropped out of school between 9th and 12th grades. It will also target students currently enrolled who are at risk for dropping out of school.
    The Virtual Learning Program is an online program and participants must have access to the internet, such as through the public library, public housing developments and other sites of public, private and non-profit entities. According to Superintendent James Carter, the system is currently accepting applications from interested individuals.
    For more information on the process, individuals may contact Dr. Carter, through his secretary Ms. Sara Hall, at the central office. A Greene County Virtual Learning Committee will also assist with the application process.
    In other business the board approved the following personnel items:
    Employment of Ms. Jacqueline Raby as school nurse for the Greene County School System;
    Employment of Ms. Rebecca Coleman as Coordinator of the Virtual School Program.
    Additional service contracts for Russell Rivers as assistant football coach, Greene County High School for 2018-2019 academic year (separate contract).
    The board approved the following administrative service items.
    * Negotiate with TCU and others to reimburse school board for replacement of high school gym floor.
    * Present counter offer to Town of Boligee for purchase of former Paramount Jr. High School plus designated acres.
    * Retain Attorney H. Lewis Gillis to prepare documents for sale of former Carver Middle School property.
    * Approved contract for engaging caterer for GCHS Prom.
    One instructional item was approved by the board.
    * School System will begin receiving applications for the Virtual School Program.

  • Eutaw City Council discusses abatement of taxes for truck stop

    New Officers.jpg

    Shown above Chief Derick Coleman with two new officers Khadijah Williams and Bryant Snyder.

    The Eutaw City Council met twice in November for its regular meetings on November 14 and 28, 2017.
    Mayor Steele explained that he has been meeting with representatives of Loves Truckstop about constructing a major truckstop at the Interstate 20 and 59 exit for Eutaw, at the 40 mile-marker. “At first we were talking about 87 spaces for trucks, then it went up to 168 and now we are talking about 200 parking spots for trucks and other privately owed vehicles.
    The truck stop will sell gas and related products, have a convenience store and two fast food franchise locations in the store.

    The truck stop will operate 24 hours a day and employ as many as 40 people,” said Mayor Steele.
    The City Council will need to consider giving the truckstop owners an abatement of one cent of the gasoline taxes as an incentive to locate in the city. The abatement generally lasts for a period of time and goes up to a certain dollar amount whichever is reached first. Mayor Steele said that he was still negotiating the details of the tax incentive agreement and would bring it up for a vote when the full proposal was ready but he wanted to alert the City Council of this development. The City Council approved applying for a TAP grant to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for $800,000 with $180,000 in matching funds, which can be cash or in-kind services, to replace the sidewalks in the downtown area, put up decorative lighting, put up a railing along the edge of the sidewalk and plant trees and shrubs. The motion was approved. Councilwoman Sheila Smith voted against the proposal.
    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:
    • re-named a street in honor of Ms. Johnnie E. Williams;
    • approved making a proposal by the City of Eutaw to purchase Carver Middle School buildings for $215,000 from the Greene County Board of Education, to turn the facility into an afterschool park and recreation site for youth and adults;
    • paid bills and claims for the months of October and November;
    • holding one City Council meeting for the next month on Monday, December 18, 2017;
    • approved two new police officers, Bryant Snyder and Khadijah Williams, who will be attending the police academy next month for training and certification.

  • Bingo entities distribute $367,155 for October with $39,375 for Greene County Health System  

     

    Bingo.jpg

    Shown above:  Eutaw Mayor Raymond Steele,  Greene County Board of Education, CSFO  Katrina Sewell,  Bingo Clerks Minnie Byrd and Emma Jackson,  Sheriff Jonathan Benison, Shirley Edwards Greene County Hospital Board member, Brenda Burke representing the County Commission, Forkland Mayor Charles McAlpine, and  Boligee Councilwoman Ernestine Wade

    On Monday, November 20, 2017, Greene County Sheriff Department distributed $367,155 in monthly bingo allocations from the five licensed gaming operations in the county. The recipients of the monthly distributions from bingo gaming designated by Sheriff Benison in his Bingo Rules and Regulations include the Greene County Commission, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the cities of Eutaw, Forkland, Union, Boligee, the Greene County Board of Education and the Greene County Hospital (Health System).
    This was the first distribution of electronic bingo funds since the Sheriff amended Section 4 of the rules to provide a payment of $25.00 per machine, per month, to the Greene County Health System. This generated a payment of $39,375 from four of the five electronic bingo establishments in Greene County. Greenetrack has not as yet paid its $25 dollar per machine assessment to the Greene County Health System.
    “We are pleased to receive this $39,375 towards provision of health care at our hospital, nursing home and physicians clinic in Greene County. This will help us to cover our financial deficits incurred to offer health care to those who cannot fully pay for their care because they are poor and cannot afford adequate insurance,’ said Rosemarie Edwards one the GCHS Board of Directors.
    The following assessments are for the month of October 2017.
    Greenetrack, Inc. gave a total of $60,000 to the following: Greene County Commission, $24,000; Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $9,000; City of Eutaw, $4,500; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,000; Greene County Board of Education, $13,500.  Greenetrack did not include an amount for the Greene County Hospital.
    Green Charity (Center for Rural Family Development) gave a total of $67,500 to the following: Greene County Commission, $24,000; Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $9,000; City of Eutaw, $4,500; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,000; Greene County Board of Education, $13,500, the Greene County Health System, $7,500.
    Frontier (Dream, Inc.) gave a total of $67,500 to the following: Greene County Commission, $24,000; Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $9,000; City of Eutaw, $4,500; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,000; Greene County Board of Education, $13,500, Greene County Health System, $7,500.

    River’s Edge (NNL – Next Level Leaders and TCCTP – Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of $72,825 to the following: Greene County Commission, $24,000; Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $9,000; City of Eutaw, $4,500; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,000; Greene County Board of Education, $13,500, and the Greene County Health System, $12,825.
    Palace (Tommy Summerville Police Support League) gave a total of $99,330 to the following: Greene County Commission, $4,620; Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $36,960; City of Eutaw, $27,720; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $4,620; Greene County Board of Education, $4,620 and the Greene County Health System, $11,550.

  • West Alabama Works holds meeting to open AIDT Training Trailer at Greene Co. High School

    JOB Fair.jpgOver 150 mostly young people attended Tuesday night’s kick-off meeting for the AIDT Training Trailer, located at 14223 U. Highway 11 South, in front of the Greene County High School.
    People were present to register and sign-up for classes and training to prepare for work in Greene County and surrounding counties in the West Alabama Black Belt.

    Classes will be provided for Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) for entry-level work in the healthcare field. Classes will also be available for GED studies leading to a high school equivalency; Ready To Work training and certification in “work keys” which will lead to employment in the growing Alabama automotive industry; computer skills and other skill areas.
    Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer for the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and Director of West Alabama Works, said the AIDT Training Trailer will be in Greene County for the next three months, “to provide free testing and training for local residents who are willing to commit their time to acquire new skills and certification. At the end of this process, there are real jobs in the area but employers want to know if you have the skills and attitudes to fill and keep these jobs.”
    “This is the opportunity of a lifetime and the chance to transform families and change communities. We are building a career connect system to provide you the entry level skills and credentials you need to work in the future business and industry” said Jones.
    Jones explained that the Ready to Work program provides soft skills for people, interested in working in Alabama. These soft skills include team building, attitudes toward coming to work consistently and on-time, safety including avoiding drugs and alcohol on the job, basic math, precision measurement and other skills. People who faithfully attend this five-week program receive certification that they can present to employers when seeking a job.
    The CNA training for the healthcare field will be an eight-week training leading to basic certification to work in nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities.
    Persons attending the kick-off were able to register with West Alabama Works about their interest in training. They will be called back for more in depth testing and a recommended training curriculum to meet their specific needs. Persons who missed the kick-off can still register at: http://www.westalabamaworks.org or come by the AIDT trailer on Highway 11 at the Greene County High School.
    The Region 3 Workforce Development Council, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, formed West Alabama Works to lead workforce development efforts throughout West Alabama. The regional workforce development system facilitates and implements a comprehensive, coordinated, seamless workforce development system for the region and supports workforce training activities
    In the development of this mobile training unit, West Alabama Works is partnering with the University of West Alabama, Greene County Industrial Development Authority, Greene County Board of Education, Greene County Commission, Shelton State Community College, and AIDT to meet community needs. As Gary Nichols, Chairman of the West Alabama Works Steering Committee notes, “This will help individuals in the region prepare for new and existing job opportunities. We’re here to generate meaningful results.”