Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County School Board

  • Re-Elect Ms. Carrie Dancy, A Voice for the People

    Re-Elect Ms. Carrie Dancy, A Voice for the People

    Serving this community on the Greene County School Board for many years hasn’t just been a job for me; It has been a calling. As I seek re-election, I don’t do so claiming to be perfect. I do so as a leader who has been tested, who has learned from the past, and who is more determined that ever to make a lasting difference for our students and our families.

    Over the years, I have had to make difficult choices. I am fully aware that some of those decisions have been met with disagreement. In public services, there is rarely a path that pleases everyone, but there is always a part that puts the people first.

    When I cast a vote, I am not looking at personal gain, politics, or the easiest way out. I am looking at the faces of the children in our classrooms and the taxpayers who fund their future. My “past” in the office is a record of someone willing to take the heat if it means standing up for what I believe in right. My goal has never been to be the most popular person in the room – it has been to be the most principled.

    I have always believed in transparency and growth. While I’ve had my share of challenges, I have worked tirelessly to maintain a clean slate and uphold the integrity of this board, I don’t run from my history; I use it as foundation to be better, sharper and more dedicated every single day. I am not rich. I am a representative for the people. I am the voice of community.

    Keep a “clean house” isnt’ just a phrase to me it’s a commitment to ensuring that our school system operates with the highest standards. You deserve a representative who is as hard on themselves as they are on the system they oversee.

    We are at a crossroad in our district. Now is not the time for guesswork or on the-job-training. My years of experience mean I know how to navigate the complexties of our budget, how to support our teachers, and to ensure every student-regardless of their background- has a fair shot at success.

    I am re-running because I want to make a difference. I have the track record proves that I have made a diference. I have the energy of a newcomer and the wisdom of a veteran. I am asking for your vote not just because of where we’ve been, but because of where I know we can go together.

    Let’s keep working. Let’s keep pushing, and above all, let’s keep putting our people first.

    This is your candidate for re-election for Greene County School Board District 5, Ms. Carrie Dancy.

  • Willie Esther Davis announces candidacy for Greene Co. School Board, District 4

    A woman with curly hair, wearing a black dress with white polka dots, poses in front of a brick wall.

    Today, I am formally announcing my candidacy for the Greene County School Board, District 4.
    My name is Willie Esther Davis, I am running for the Greene County Board of Education. I am a lifelong resident of Greene County and a proud native of the Tishabee Community. I am a graduate of Paramount High School and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Stillman College. While attending Stillman College, I received the United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar Award.
    I humbly ask for your support and your vote to serve as your School Board Member for District 4. A vote for me is a vote for change. Thank you.

  • Greene County candidates qualify for 2020 elections

    Qualifying for the 2020 Alabama March Primary Elections closed on Friday, November 8, 2019 with several Greene Countians vying for public office. Greene County District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne, seeking her third term in office, is unopposed in the March Primary.
    Arnelia “Shay” Johnson, who is currently employed in the County’s Appraisal Office is seeking the position of Revenue Commissioner along with the incumbent Revenue Commissioner, Barbara McShan, who is completing two years of the unexpired term of former Commissioner Brenda Goree. McShan was appointed Greene County Revenue Commissioner by Governor Kay Ivey in April, 2018 and assumed the position July 1, 2018.
    Greene County School Board positions in Districts 3,4,5 will also be up in 2020. Mr. Leo Branch, the incumbent in District 4, is unopposed for the March Primary. Ms. Veronica Richardson has qualified for School Board District 3, along with the incumbent Mr. William Morgan. Mrs. Mary Otieno has qualified for School Board District 5, along with incumbent Ms. Carrie Dancy.
    The position of Constable is open in each of the five districts in Greene County. Mr. Lester Brown has qualified for Constable in District 1; Mr. John Steele, Jr. in District 2; Mr. Spiver Gordon in District 3; Rev. James E. Carter in District 4 and Mr. Jesse Lawson in District 5.
    The Alabama Primary Election is scheduled for March 3, 2020.

  • Greene County School System awarded $900,000 grant to implement Star Academy

    At the Greene County School Board meeting held, Monday, August 19, 2019, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones announced that the school system has been awarded a three-year $900,000 grant to implement the Star Academy Program for At-Risk 7th and 8th graders at Robert Brown Middle School beginning this academic year.
    Greene County was one of two school systems selected to receive the At-Risk-Discretionary Grant from the Alabama State Superintendent of Education.
    The Star Academy, a school within a school, employs standards-based curriculum in Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Studies. Students navigate through a rigorous progression of varied instructional methods incorporating hands-on, real-world learning experiences, individualized instruction, team instruction, and personal development.
    The program re-engages students who may have experienced personal, academic, or social challenges in their lives. It provides these students with an opportunity to recapture a sense of purpose, regain their self-esteem, and succeed academically.Approximately 80 seventh and eight grade students at Robert Brown Middle School will be selected to participate in the Star Academy.
    Participating teachers will receive staff development. Orientation sessions for parents will also be designed.
    The school system provides the faculty and the facility. The Star Academy, through the grant resources, provides the curriculum design; facilities layout, including classroom furnishings; computers and other related classroom materials and support; staff development; on site coordination and support.
    Star Academy transforms existing classrooms into new learning environments. The academy includes computers for every student, all project equipment, and custom furniture workstations that provide appropriate workspace for all of the program’s curriculum activities.
    As part of his report, Dr. Jones stated the school system is employing special efforts to increase student enrollment. The Truancy Officers are visiting families to assist in the enrollment of their children.
    Dr. Jones noted that the system will continue with the Assessment and Instruction Guide including Benchmark Assessments; Pacing Guides; Instructional Observations; Professional Development and Interventions.
    Superintendent Jones explained that he is instituting various motivation guides for students, personnel and school facilities. In this plan, individual students will be awarded for attendance and the school with the highest attendance for the month will receive a school banner. The custodial staff will be awarded for the cleanest school facility.
    The personnel items recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board include the following:

    • Family Medical Leave/Catastrophic Leave for Raven Bryant, Special Education Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School.
    • Resignation of Gloria Watkins, First Grade Teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective August 2, 2019; Ginger Norris Glass, Language Arts Teacher, RBM; Latasha Lewis, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation.
      *Employment of Quenterica White, First Grade Teacher, Eutaw Primary School;
      Denicia Smith, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation; Sheila Henderson, Long-Term Substitute Teacher for 6th grade, RBM.
    • Supplemental Contract for Russell Rivers, Assistant Football Coach, Greene County High School; Vanessa Bryant, Head Cheerleader Coach; Henry Miles, Jr. Head Football Coach, RBM; Brittany January, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach.
      •Rescind employment of Sanjanika Prince as Long-term Substitute, Elementary Teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, did not accept position; Mattie Underwood, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation, did not accept position.
      Under Instructional Services, Superintendent Jones recommended accepting the At-Risk Discretionary Grant and implementing the Star Academy at Robert Brown Middle School for selective 7th and 8th grade students. The board approved the recommendation.
      The board approved the following Administrative Service Items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
      *Contract between Greene County Board and West Alabama Therapy, to provide Occupational and Physical Therapy for Greene County Schools, for 2019-2020 school year.
      *Contract between Greene County Board and Kim Herren, to provide Developmental Delay Services, for 2019-2020 school year.
      *Agreement between Community Service Program of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start, Early Head start, for 2019-2020 school year.
    • Agreement between Greene County Board and Mattie Strode, to provide Home Bound services for 2019-2020 school year.
    • Agreement between WeCare Therapy Services.
    • Agreement between Woods Therapeutic, to provide behavioral Aide, for Special need students.
      Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    • District-Wide Time and Attendance System, to strengthen accountability of employees for payroll purposes.
    • Travel Policy Provision.
    • Class Wallet for Classroom Instruction Supply (CSI).
    • Contract between West Central Volleyball Officials Association & Greene County Board of Education for Volleyball Officials for the 2019-2020 school year.
    • Contract between Blackboard Inc. and Greene County Board of Education for District Website hosting for the 2019-2020 school year.
      In his report, Attorney Hank Sanders advised that the board consider turning over to the attorney, for further action, the Exclusivity Agreement between Lee HVBAC, et. al of Moundville and the Greene County School System. Dr. Jones offered the recommendation and the board approved the same.
      The Greene County CSFO presented a financial snapshot of the system as of June 30, 2019. The general fund balance is $1,228,849.73; the same reconciles to the Summary Cash Report; total checks written for the period – $259,806.57; Payroll Register – $855,633.73 (total gross pay to include employer match items; Combined Fund Balance – $3,727,224.02; Local Revenue – local taxes collected totaled $107,243.84; Bingo Collections totaled $45,120.