Greene County Democrat

Tag: Marquita Lennon

  • School Board holds FY 2026 Budgetary Hearings

    School Board President authorized to consult State Superintendent Mackey to secure interim superintendent for Greene County

    The Greene County School Board held its monthly meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 4:30 pm, following the board’s second public Budget Hearing, FY 2026. Board members present were President Leo Branch, Vice President Veronica Richardson, Board Members Carrie Dancy and Robert Davis. The minutes of the August 18 regular meeting and the August 27, emergency called meeting were approved.
    When the board returned from executive session, President Branch noted that Dr. Jones’ resignation is effective September 30, 2025 and asked for a motion regarding securing an interim superintendent for the school system. Ms. Carrie Dancy moved that the board authorize President Branch to interact with State Superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey regarding appointment of an interim superintendent. Mr. Robert Davis gave the second. The motion passes on a vote of 3-1, with Ms. Veronica Richardson voting no. The board did not discuss plans for a new superintendent search. In previous instances, the Greene County School Board has engaged the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) to assist in that process.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * Additional Service Contracts 2025 – 2026 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Asst. Football Coach – Zaddrick Smith; Offensive Coordinator – Devin Woods.
    * Update to additional services salary matrix.
    * Employment of Ms. Dorothy Powell as substitute cook.
    * Permission to pay the following for any approved College and Career Readiness (CCR) activities for school year 2025 – 2026: Hourly rate of $30.00 per hour for after school activities/events and $250 per day for all day college and industry tours: Pamela McGee; Victoria Moore; Tweila Morris; Lorissa Holder.
    * Employment of the following Teacher Mentors for the 2025 – 2026 school year: LaShaun Henley; Danielle Williams; Sarah Crawford; Annie Howard; Carleene Garnett; Kathryne Soule; Lorissa Holder.
    Social Studies Textbook Adoption Committee 2025 – 2026: Rebecca Coleman – Textbook Coordinator District Office; Barbara Martin – Curriculum Coordinator District Office; LaShaun Henley – Teacher-3rd Grade EPS; Sarah Crawford – Teacher-2nd Grade EPS; Annie Howard – Teacher-4th Grade RBMS; Demetris Lyles – Teacher-6th Grade RBMS; Eulas Kirtdoll Teacher – 7th & 8th Grade RBMS; Clifford Reynolds – Teacher GCHS; Patricia Maiden – Teacher GCHS; Akira Spencer – Parent EPS; Kadijah Hunter – Parent RBMS; Veronica Jones – Parent GCHS.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Out of state travel for Dr. Charlayne Jordan to attend the International Association for Truancy & Dropout Prevention Annual Conference Oct. 19-22, 2025, in Memphis, TN.
    * Out of state travel for the following to attend VISION Conference in Nashville, TN on December 9-12, 2025: LaMonica Little; Lorissa Holder; Shamyra Jones; Tamika Thompson. 
    * Out of state travel for 11th & 12th grade students and chaperons to attend Jackson State High School Day on November 15, 2025, in Jackson, MS.
    * Quote from Play & Park Structures for outdoor seating at each school site in the amount of $35,859.43.
    * Quote from RTI for the purchase of Chromebooks for Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,240 (Quote# tb 138302 v1), effective September 1, 2025.
    * Quote from RTI for the purchase of Chromebooks for Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,240 (Quote# tb 136625 v1), effective August 1, 2025.
    * Proposal from Criterion Consulting LLC for Administrator Evaluation Support Services for the 2025 – 2026 school year.
    * Permission for Sarah Foster owner/operator of BC Transport Services to transport individuals during sporting events.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    CSFO, Marquita Lennon presented the following snapshot as of August 31, 2025. Operating reserves totaled 7.50 months for combined general fund and 7.40 months for cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General fund bank balance totaled $8,98,873.92. This reconciles to the summary cash report. Accounts payable check register totaled $947,357.49; payroll register totaled $955,620.51, with a combined ending fund balance of $8,216,111.40.
    Local Revenue reported as follows: Property taxes – $23,249.38; Sales taxes – $130,283.50; Other taxes – $9,849.11. Greene County Racing Commission distributed $210,000 for quarters 1 and 2 of 2025. Total local revenue – $373,381.99.

    Budget Hearing FY 2026

    The Greene County School System held the required public Budget Hearings for FY 2026 on September 10 and 12, 2025 in the Central Office. CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the budget report with projected revenues of $16,356,448.43 and total expenditures at $16, 882,284.32 and an ending general fund balance of $6,217,564.19.
    Ms. Lennon provided the following budgetary highlights:
    * Capital Funding increased by $6,234.
    * Mill local match decreased by $180,000.
    Insurance increased from $9,600 per year per employee in FY 2025 to $10,848 per employee per year in FY 2026.
    Transportation funding increased by $158,712.
    Student enrollment for FY 2026 is 831.5; in FY 2025 student enrollment was 855.7.`
    For FY 2026 State Foundation Program supports 59.14 Units; in 2025 the Foundation Program supported 61.90 Units. In FY 2025, the school system had 145.05 employees; in Fy 2026, the system has150.53 employees. For FY 2026, the State Foundation Program is providing $7,399,474; the local match is $1,571,466. Total for State Foundation Program – $5,884,054.
    The RAiSE ACT funding for FY 2026 totals $174,568, which will contribute support for the At-Risk Coordinator; Gifted Program; English as a Second Language; and Special Education funding.
    Additional State funding of $616,241 in FY 2026 will contribute to Alabama Reading Initiative; OSR Pre-School; State Special Education Preschool; Math Coaches; JAG; Career Coach. Major local funding for FY 2026 totals $2,675,000.
    Federal Funding, FY 2026, totals $1,856,274 with Title I supporting, at Eutaw Primary School, 1 teacher, 50% counselor; overage for Math coach and ARI Specialist; at Robert Brown Middle School – 3 teachers, 1 aide and overage of the Math Coach; at Greene County High – 1.25 teachers and 50% for Assistant Principal.
    Title II supports 1 teacher at RBMS; Title IV supports band materials, supplies & Equipment, Safety Coordinator training; Title V supports Peer Helpers, Parent Teacher Leadership Academy and truancy and safety. Federal funds also supports Career Tech.
    For more particulars on FY 2026 State Funds, Federal Funds and Local Funds and the budgetary allocations for these, contact Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO for the Greene County School System.

     

     

     

  • Groundbreaking held for Sports Complex at GCHS Greene County Racing Commission distributes $210,003 to school system

    Alabama Rep. Curtis Travis joins school board members, superintendent and GCHS staff at initial groundbreaking of Sports Complex Phase I. Public officials join school board members, superintendent and staff in ground breaking. GCHS scholars participate in groundbreaking ceremony

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting, Monday, August 18, 2025 with all board members present. Two measures of particular note brought before the board including a recap of the ground breaking at Greene County High School, Friday, August 15, 2025, for Track & Field Project (Phase I of the Sports Complex at Greene County High School). The expected cost of Phase I will be approximately $1.9 million. The State Department of Education is providing a portion of the cost.
    The second measure was the announcement by CSFO, Marquita Lennon, and a huge thank you to the Greene County Racing Commission for its disbursement of $210,003 to the school system for quarters 1 and 2. Lennon indicated that this revenue will be reported in next month’s financial packet.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
    Employment for the 2025 – 2026 school year: Eulas Kirtdoll –7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 2025; Erica Clayton – Paraprofessional – EPS, effective August 6, 2025; Dorethea Childs – Paraprofessional – RBMS, effective August 6, 2025; Khadijah Hunter – Long-term Substitute (SPED) – GCHS; Alicia McMillian – Custodian – 10 month.
    Recall: Cedric Murry – 7th/8th grade Business Application teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 202. Supplemental pay for Dr. Charlayne Jordan to serve as Truancy Officer for the district in the amount of $10,000. Supplemental pay for Rebecca Coleman to serve as Safety Coordinator for the district in the amount of $10,000.
    Stipends for Coordinators of the Peer Helpers/Peer Helpers Plus Program in the amount of $562 50 per person for the 2024-2025 school year: Marilynn Knott, EPS; Shirley Noland, EPS; Dr. Rosalyn Griffin, RBMS; Kathryn Soule, RBMS; Angela Harkness, GCHS; Drenda Morton, GCHS; Tamika Thompson, GCHS; Barbara H. Martin, District.
    Authorization of the following employees to work concessions and ticket booths for the 2025-2026 school year at the Greene County High School at a rate of $125 per game at the principal’s discretion: LaTanya Cockrell; Tracey Hunter; Sarah Brewer; Twelia Morris; Sharon Washington; Mary Henderson; Wanda Gaitor; Makane Morrow; Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Travel for Greene County High School band to tour Jacksonville State University band facility and attend the HBCU Labor Day Classic in Jackson, MS on August 31 – Sept 1, 2025.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Volleyball Officials Association for volleyball officials for the 2025 – 2026 school year at GCHS.
    * Bid submitted by Birmingham Restaurant Supply, Inc. for serving line counters at Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,880 (Lowest bidder).
    * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Laura Stoppelbein, LLC to provide diagnostic evaluations to assist in the identification of students suspected of having autism.
    * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Grand Canyon University to participate in the Participant’s in Learning Serving program.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    The CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of July 31, 2025. Operating reserves total 8.18 months; cash reserves totaled 8.17 months, with all bank accounts reconciled. The general fun d balance was reported as $8,593,363.61, recon cilia g to the summary cash report. Accounts payable totaled $207,847.55; payroll register totaled $888,619.87, with total grade pay to in crude employer match items. Local Revenue; property taxes – $17,411.39; sales taxes – $106,496.62; other taxes – $ 5,918.36. Total – $129,826.37.

    Read the entire E-edition below

  • Charity Days provide $116,00 in grants Greene County Racing Commission distributes $720,000 for first 2 quarters of 2025

    Front Row – Commissioner Donald F. Means, Commissioner Linette Brown, Commissioner Morris Hardy, State Representative Curtis Travis Back Row – Johnny Isaac, Lameka Bryant, Cortnei Hood, Mollie Rowe, Reginald Spencer, Marquita Lennon, Christopher Jones, Marcia Pugh, Andrea Woods, Charlie McAlpine, Miriam Leftwich, Darlene Robinson, Johnnie Knott, Marilyn Gibson, Brandon Merriweather, Hodges Smith, Hattie Samuel, Howard Crawford, James Morrow, Teresa M Atkins, Brenda Burke, Anita Lewis.

    The Greene County Racing Commission (Linette Brown–Chairperson, Morris Hardy–Vice-Chairman, and Donald Means–Secretary), was joined by Alabama State Representative Curtis Travis, legal counsel Brenda M. Pompey, Esq., and Office Manager Gerry Coleman on August 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to welcome recipients of its 2025 Charity Awards disbursements. Also, welcomed were recipients of disbursements under Senate Bill #40, Act No. 223-206 (“Bill”) for the first and second quarters of 2025. These awards were made possible through proceeds generated from licensed gaming activities at the Palace.
    Chairperson Brown explained that the Racing Commission hold two charity days each year – one in March and one in July – which are advertised approximately two weeks in advance. The funds raised during these events make up the money distributed as charity disbursements. The Commission’s goal is to assist as many qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as possible that provide vital services to the community. These organizations offer a range of support, including health initiatives, food drives, parenting and adoption guidance, housing assistance, youth development and camps; fire and emergency services, educational, and social services. The Racing Commission encourages everyone to support charity days at the Palace.
    This year, the Racing Commission was proud to support a total of 12 charities, including the Greene County Volunteer Fire Association which represents 14 volunteer fire departments. Chairperson Brown said, “We’re proud to support the important work being done across our communities, and we recognize the impact these funds have for those in need.” The Commission remains committed to ensuring that these proceeds benefit organizations that align with its mission to promote public welfare and community enrichment. The total amount for charity this year was $116, 500.00.
    The second group of disbursements, based on the Bill, covered both the first and second quarters of 2025. Under the Bill, each recipient’s percentage is determined by legislation. Chairperson Brown reminded the mayors representing the various municipalities across Greene County of the importance of encouraging their constituents to complete the Census survey, as each municipality’s award is determined by its population – the larger the population, the larger the award.
    The Statement of Distribution details the amounts allocated to each recipient under the Bill. The distributed for the first two quarters of 2025 was $720,000.00.
    Future allocations under the Bill will be made quarterly, subject to the continued availability of funds. The Commission has requested that the Greene County Commission issue payments within the next 10 days (by August 18th) to recipients who receive funds under the Bill.
    On behalf of the Greene County Racing Commission, Chairperson Brown said, “Though it’s been a long time coming, the Commission is grateful that the road has led to this moment, where we can give back to the people of Greene County. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the citizens of Greene County for their patience, kindness, and support along the way. Every bit of the funds shared today is meant for the citizens of Greene County, and for the good of the county we all call home.”
    Chairperson Brown thanked everyone for attending, for the work they do in their communities, and for their continued partnership. She said the Racing Commission looks forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will make in our county.
    Linette Brown, Chairperson
    Morris Hardy, Vice-Chairman
    Donald F. Means, Secretary

     

     

  • Greene County Schools Child Nutrition Program receives grants totaling $84,917

    The Greene County Board of Education held it regular meeting, Monday, February 20, 2023 with three board members in attendance, President Leo Branch, Robert Davis and Brandon Merriweather.
    As part of his report, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented Child Nutrition Program Director, Ms. Shirley Stewart for an update. Ms. Stewart announced that Greene County Schools was awarded two grants from the Alabama State department of Education totaling $84, 917.66 for new cafeteria equipment. Eutaw Primary School received a grant of $70,066 for a walk-in cooler/freezer; Robert Brown Middle School received a partial award of $14,851.66 for a serving counter for cold foods. According to Ms. Stewart, the funds were provided through the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant.
    Dr. Jones also resented Schneider Electric for an update relative to the HVAC Project at Robert Brown Middle School. Schneider representatives, Larry Perrin and Todd Smith, noted that Robert Brown Middle School is currently on a boiler/chiller system that is over 40 years old and the plans are to install an up-to date electrical infrastructure which will replace all existing systems focusing on energy and operations; technology & school safety; facilities and asset planning. A key feature of the new design will allow each classroom to have individualized control regarding heating and cooling; the kitchen area will have proper exhaust and circulation of fresh air. Schneider Reps also noted that the cost of the RBM Project is likely to increase from the initial proposal to the Board of approximately $3 million. They suggested that federal grants may be available to off-set the additional costs. No further determination was made by the Board.
    In other business, the board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent: Resignation of Anthony Atkins, effective February 6, 2023; resignation of Shawnta Owens, effective June 15, 2023.
    The administrative items acted on by the board included the following.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board and Finalsite Internet Technologies Website * Provider, (This company purchased our current provider, Blackboard).
    * Contractual Agreement between Greene County Board and West Alabama Therapy for 2023-2024 School Term.
    * Contractual Agreement between Greene County Board and Andrea Williams, Holmes to Homes Health and Rehabilitation Services, LLC, Speech Therapy Services for 2023-2024 School Term.
    * Proposal between Greene County Board and HMH Professional Development Partnership, February thru December 2023.
    * Approval of Rebecca Coleman to travel to Jackson Mississippi for Classroom technology.
    Agreement between Greene County Board and Community Services of West Alabama, and Head Start/Early Head Start.
    * Approval of Zaddrick Smith to attend Glazier Football Clinic, Franklin, TN February 24-26, 2022.
    * Approval of Rodney Wesley and Howard Crawford to attend Basketball Clinic in Nashville, Tn on May 12-13, 2023.
    * Approval of Greene County High School Debate Team to travel to Mississippi to compete in MMSC conference March 23, 2023.
    Approval to terminate contract between Greene County Board and Helping Hands Therapy.
    The board tabled an action on an Electric energy services Contract with Schneider Electric.
    The CSFU, Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot for the period ending January 31, 2023. Points of Interest: Operating Reserves reflect $5.19 M combined general fund reserve; $3.44 M cash reserve; m all bank accounts have been reconciled. General Fund Bank Balance – $4,129,273.25 ( reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register – $661,672.40; Payroll Register $933,649.90; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $6,227,076.10. Local revenue: Property Taxes – $1,873,748; Sales Taxes – $154,561; Other Taxes – $3,828; Bingo – $55,839. Total Local revenue: $2, 087,976.

  • School Board members installed; school system gets C on state report card

    At the Greene County Board of Education’s monthly meeting held Monday November 21, 2022, Dr. Carol Zippert officially opened the meeting and conducted the preliminary items on the agenda, including the presentation of the FY 2021 Audit Report presented by Shelly Patrenos of the Alabama Office of Public Examiners.
    Following the Audit Report, Zippert vacated her position at the meeting and two new board members were sworn in – Mr. Robert Davis for District 1 and Mr. Brandon Merriweather for District 2. District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne conducted the installation ceremony as Merriweather’s mother held the Bible for him and Davis’ wife held the Bible for him.
    Following the installation, the board re-organization was conducted by Attorney Hank Sanders. After explaining the procedure, Attorney Sanders opened the floor for nominations for Board President. Mr. Merriweather nominated Mr. Leo Branch and Ms. Carrie Dancy nominated herself. Mr. Branch received three votes: Merriweather, Davis and himself; Dancy received two votes:  Verionca Richardson and herself. Sanders called for a motion to accept Mr. Branch as Board President for this term. The vote to accept was unanimous.
    Attorney Sanders called for nominations for Vice President and Ms. Dancy nominated Ms. Richardson. No other nominations were offered. Ms. Richardson was also accepted by unanimous vote.
    Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones focused his report on the school system’s report card from state testing for the 2021-2022 school term. Grades tested included 3rd, the entire middle school and the 11th grade. According the Dr. Jones, the Greene County School District received a 70 ( C ) on the State Report card, which is the same score the District received  the last time the State Report Card scorer was released in 2018-2019.
    The indicator scores for the District were Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, Graduation Rate, College and Career Readiness and Chronic Absenteeism.  The District received 6.64 of the possible 20 points for Academic Achievement. Greene County School District received 27.75 of the possible 30 points for Academic Growth due to the fact that 92.51% of the students tested grew academically during the school year.  The District received 24.32 points of the possible 30 points for the Graduation Rate.  Greene County received 4.60 points of the possible 10 points for the College and Career- Readiness indicator and 7.17 of the possible 10 points for Chronic Absenteeism.
    Superintendent Jones noted that the last testing period followed nearly an entire school year of virtual classes due to the pandemic. “At home learning is difficult without proper guidance and supervision. The district will work diligently to improve the scores in each indicator,” he said.
    The Superintendent encouraged parents to ensure that our Scholars attend school everyday to decrease Chronic Absenteeism which is when a student is out of school for 18 or more days during the school year regardless if the absence is excused or unexcused. Also, parents are encouraged to enroll our scholars in after school programs and take advantage of summer school to give our scholars the best opportunity to be successful.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    Employment: Cassandra Kelley, Long-Term Substitute, Greene County Learning Academy for 2022-2023 School Term; Victoria Moore, Chemistry/Physics Teacher, Greene County High School for 2022-2023 School Term.
    Custodian Department: Willie Harkness from full-time Substitute Janitor to 3-day Substitute Janitor at Greene County Career; Jerome Jackson, from split hours at Greene County Career Center to Full-time Janitor at Greene County High School.
    2022-2023- Supplemental Contracts: Ephraim Russell, Band Coach, Greene County High School; Henry Miles, Football Coach, Robert Brown Middle School; Quenton Walton, Assistant Football Coach, Robert Brown Middle School; Tavaris Lacy, Assistant Football Coach, Robert Brown Middle School; Marquavis King, Assistant Football Coach, Robert Brown Middle School; Ashley Moody, Cheer Coach, Robert Brown Middle School.
    2022-2023 – Robert Brown Supplemental Contracts – Basketball: Henry Miles, 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach; Marquavis King, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach; Quentin Walton, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach; Tavaros Lacy, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach; Shafontaye Myers, Grills Basketball Coach; Ashley Moody, Cheer Coach.
    T.E.A.M.S. Contract: KaNeeda Coleman; Havelen Carodine; Elroy Skinner; Tracy Hinton; Dutchess Jones.
    After School Tutorial Program-School Nurse: Jacqueline Raby; Dorothy Jones; Brenda Lawrence;
    Mentor Teachers for 2022-2023 School Term: Teresa Atkins; Angela White; Kaneeda Coleman; Tura Edwards; Sharron Martin; Siegfried Williams; Felicia Smith; Ashley Moody; Vanessa Bryant; Annie Howard; Raven Bryant; Carolyn Beck; Montoya Binion.
    Approval of Mentor Teachers for 2021-2022 School Term: Patricia Rhone; Walter Taylor; Felecia Smith; Rhinnie Scott; Janice Jeames; Raven Bryant; Valerie Moore; Doris Robinson; Rhinnie Scott.
    The board approved the following administrative items.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Approval of September 2022 and October 2022 bank reconciliations as submitted by Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * Contract Between Greene County Board and Alabama High School Athletic
    * 2022-2023 Petroleum Contract between Greene County Board and Pruett Oil Co.
    Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Clear Winds Technologies Devise Repair Services.
    Contract between Greene County Board and Tiffany Bishop, Education Consultant ACT Prep Facilitator.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of October 31, 2022.
    * General Fund Balance – $2,201,143.62; reconciles to the summary Cash Report.
    * Accounts Payable Check Register – $252,142.58.
    * Payroll Register – $948,125.20 (total gross pay rot include employer match items).
    * Combined Ending fund Balance – $4,707,128.95.Total Local revenue – $ 286,901.