The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Rodney Wesley

  • Board sets superintendent’s 2025 salary

    School Board receives accolades for School Board Appreciation Month

    At the monthly Greene County Board of Education meeting, held Monday, January 27, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones opened his report acknowledging January as School Board Appreciation Month, which was followed by presentations from the Central Office staff and the various schools. Prior to the meeting, the board members enjoyed a meal provided by the Central Office staff. The staff also presented a plaque to each board member. Eutaw Primary School personnel presented the board members with Certificates of Appreciation and other gifts. Greene County High School and the Greene County Career Center presented Certificates and gifts made by students in the Career Center. Robert Brown Middle School was scheduled to deliver their gifts of appreciation following the meeting.
    The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) encourages Alabama’s public education supporters to join in celebrating the dedicated service of school board members throughout the state. January marks the 31st annual School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama.  
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Robert Brown Middle School: (Separate Contract): Felicia Smith, Cheerleader Sponsor; Cedric Murry, Head Boys Basketball Coach.
    * Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Rodney Wesley, Baseball Coach; Tracey Hunter, Girls Track Coach;Howard Crawford, Boys Track Coach.
    * Resignation of Montoya Binion as After-School Tutorial Program teacher, effective January 7, 2025.
    Employment: Jorien Reeves, Mechanic Helper, for the Greene County School system; Glenda Hodges, Long-term substitute at Eutaw Primary School for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    Catastrophic sick leave for Mrs. Angela White, Counselor at Greene County Career Center.
    The board approved the following administrative items.
    * Renewal of service agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Albireo Energy to provide service, support, and software license for access controls for the HVAC and security systems at GCHS/GCCC.
    * Contract between Parchment K12 District Record Services to allow students and alumni to request transcripts.
    * Out of state and overnight travel for Greene County High Debate Team to travel to Mississippi State for a Debate Competition on March 26 – 27, 2025.
    * Travel for football coaches to attend Glazier Clinics Football Coaching Clinics in Atlanta, GA on February 20 – 23, 2025.
    * Revised service contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to do Welding Enrichment at Greene County Career Center.
    * Adjustments to the Additional Service Salary Schedule.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    Agreement with Gifted Specialist, Demisha Stough, to provide contractual services for the Special Education Department for the 2024-2025 school year.

    CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon presented the monthly financials as of December 31, 2024. The operating reserves indicated 6.49 months combined general fund reserves and 6.11 months in cash reserves. All bank accounts have been reconciled. Financial Snapshot: General Fund Bank Balance totaled $6,424,612.72n (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $201,301.62; Payroll Register totaled $933,637.76. Total gross pay to include employer match items. Combined Fund Balance totaled $6,767,200.46. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $143,493.67; Sales Taxes – $104,410.56; Other taxes.
    School Board Attorney, Hank Sanders, who served on the committee with Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Veronica Richardson, to determine Superintendent Jones’ salary for the two year contract approved earlier by the board, reported that Dr. Corey Jones’ salary beginning July 1, 2025 is $150,000 annually. This is an increase of $11,600, approved unanimously by the board.
    The State Department of Education’s 2024 listing of superintendents salaries indicates that current salaries of superintendents in county schools adjacent to Greene County, as well as other superintendents in the Black Belt region, all exceed the current salary of Greene County’s superintendent. – $264; Amendment 743 – $60,000; Total Local Revenue – $308,168.23.

  • Board of Education receives two school buses; four additional buses still on back order

    Shown above with newly delivered school buses: Mr. Leo Branch, School Board President; Mr. James Gaines, Transportation Superintendent; Ms. Mary Henderson, Transportation Secretary; Ms. Verna Nickson and Earl Pelt, Bus Drivers; and Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.

    The Greene County Board of Education received two of six new school buses ordered two years ago. The two 72 passenger, fully air conditioned buses arrived at the school bus shop, Friday, December 8. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones said the four additional buses with same capacity and convenience are expected for delivery by May 2024. The buses have a price tag of $112,122 each. “This is an indication of the school system’s efforts to improve the comfort and safety in transporting students between home and school and other school related events,” Dr. Jones stated.
    The school board held its regular monthly meeting, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, with three board members in attendance, including Mr. Leo Branch, Mr. Robert Davis and Mrs. Veronica Richardson. The meeting date was moved a week earlier because of the school’s Christmas Holiday schedule, beginning Friday, Dec. 15.
    The personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones and approved by the board are as follows: Employment of the following Teacher Mentors for the 2023 – 2024 school year.
    Eutaw Primary: Montoya Binion, Valerie Moore, Walter Taylor, Carolyn Beck.
    Robert Brown Middle School: Vanessa Bryant, Annie Howard, Marva Smith, Clifford Reynolds, Raven Bryant.
    Greene County High School: Larry Burnette, Tura Edwards, Ka’Needa Coleman, Teresa Atkins, Angela White, Rodney Wesley, Tameshia Porter.
    Stipends for the following employees for after-hours events/activities which may include weekend college tours, test prep bootcamps, and other activities outlined in the College and Career Readiness Grant include the following: Hourly rate of $30 per hour for after school activities/events and $200 per day for all day college and industry tours: Tura Edwards, Victoria Moore, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, LaMonica Little, Shamyra Jones, Teresa Atkins, Andrea Perry, Janice Jeames,
    Supplement pay for LaTanya Cockrell Fowler for additional duties in the amount of $450 per month. Additional supplement in the amount of $500 for Paula Calligan for additional duties with the band.
    The board approved Catastrophic Sick Leave and FMLA Leave for Shana Lucy, teacher at Eutaw Primary.
    The following administrative items recommended by Superintendent Jones were approved by the board.
    * Out of state and overnight field trip requests for Greene County Career Center Business and Marketing class to attend Spring Sports Marketing Day with the Hawks and college tour in Atlanta, GA on March 28 – 29, 2024 (Funding Source: CCR Grant).
    * Change order proposal from Fraiser-Ousley in the amount of $29,759 to add toilet room at end of new press box.
    * Quote from RJ Young for Sophos MDR Renewal (1 year).
    * Travel for LaMonica Little to Dominican Republic for Professional Learning in the Dominican Republic February 15 – 20, 2024 (Funding Source: Educational Tours Professional Development Scholarship, Professional Development Funds).
    * Agreement between and Greene County Board of Education and Johnny Pelt, Jr. to assist the mechanic in the Transportation Department on an as needed basis at the rate of $25 per hour.
    * Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for Alabama Rural Learning Accelerator Program.
    * Permission to dispose and sell for salvage the serving line that was removed from Robert Brown Middle School and the butcher table that was removed from Eutaw Primary School. (Proceeds will go to the CNP fund account).
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    In his report to the board, Dr. Jones gave updates on positive COVID cases reported from each school. The week of Nov. 12-18, RBMS reported two cases; GCHS reported one case. The week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 2, RBMS reported one case. The week of Dec. 3-9, no COVID cases were reported from the schools.
    In his school positive reports, Superintendent Jones noted that GCHS hosted a Community Block Party in which all the schools participated. GCHS Garden Club participated in Ag Exploration Day at Tuskegee University.
    Scholars from the Greene County Career Center visited UWÅ for a campus tour on Nov. 11.
    All welding booths, totaling 19, are installed and functional. Jag students visited Birmingham-Shuttlesworh International airport on Nov. 9. Military Mondays are held at the Career Center. The Army Reserve was the latest Service to visit the Center. Dual enrollment scholars had Friday presentations with the following guest speakers: Rodney Pelt, Mind Changers; Terrance Fletcher, Boss Ties, LLC; and Doug Fulghum, Extension Serve. The National Career Association had its Installation Ceremony. The GCCC received the Future Teacher Association grant.
    CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of November 30, 2023. Operating Reserve: 4.69 combined general fund reserve; 3.04 cash reserve; all bank accounts have been reconciled. General Fund Balance: $3,647,704.35 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register – $485,897.21; Payroll Register – $901,437.20; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $5,624,297.17. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $291,625; Sales Taxes – $89,923; Other Taxes – $3,158.

  • Greene County Emergency Medical Services issues report showing need for new ambulances, equipment, staffing and better facilities

    Mayor Hattie Samuels of Boligee (center) presents $5,000 donation to the members of the Greene County Emergency Medical Services Board. L to R, Rodney Wesley, Ardelia Colvin, Samuels, Joe L. Powell and Dr. Marcia Pugh.

    By John Zippert, Co-Publisher
    Zac Bolding, Acting Director of the Greene County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS Inc.), presented a detailed written report to the Board of Directors on the status of ambulance and other emergency medical services in the county, at their most recent meeting last week. The Greene County Democrat was provided with a copy of the report.

    The GEMS Board consists of seven members, two appointed by the County Commission (Joe L. Powell, Chairperson and Dr. Marcia Pugh, Vice Chair); two appointed by the City of Eutaw (Rodney Wesley, John Hahn) and one each from the three municipalities in the county: Town of Boligee (Walter Staples), Town of Union (Ardelia Colvin) and Town of Forkland (David Craig – appointment pending Commission approval).

    The current GEMS Board, which was appointed last year, came into a situation where the staffing was in turmoil and the equipment outdated. Two long term employees, Bennie Abrams and Stanley Lucious retired in 2020. Nick Wilson, was selected by the prior board, on the recommendation of Abrams, to be the director.

    When the new board appointed by the Commission and municipal officials, took office in 2021, they were unable to find clear records of past operations, financial statements and board minutes. The new director was not cooperative with the new board and soon left after a family leave of absence. The new GEMS Board designated Zac Bolding, ranking staff member, as Acting Director and began a search for a new director.

    In his report, Bolding explains that GEMS first priority is to provide a paramedic staffed ambulance 24/7 for the people in Greene County. The second priority is to provide pre-scheduled repetitive EMS transports for qualified persons to dialysis, wound care, cancer care and other medical services. This also includes hospital – to – hospital transfers for Greene County Hospital patients needing additional specialized care. When staffing and equipment allows, the service can also respond to emergencies in neighboring counties.

    The report indicates that the GEMS possess five ambulance vehicles and a car, all but one of which are over ten years old and have significant mileage beyond their expected safe and reliable service life. At the time of the report, the one late model (2018) ambulance was out of service due to repairs. This vehicle has since been repaired and is functioning with over 140,000 service miles.

    The Greene County Commission in its most recent meeting approved an allocation of $150,000 to remount and refurbish the ambulance box from one of GEMS old models on a new Ford F-450 Diesel Chassis. This new ambulance remount is back ordered and will not be delivered until July 2022.
    The company is considering providing a loaner model until the new remounted ambulance is delivered.

    The GEMS Acting Director in his report indicates a need for at least one more new ambulance and equipment costing in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 to have a fully operational ambulance service. There is also a need for a better facility with bathroom, kitchen and shower facilities for staff, who work 24-hour shifts. The system also needs to update its billing practices and qualify for higher reimbursement rates.

    The GEMS Board invited the four mayors of participating Greene County municipalities to its most recent meeting to ask for their financial support toward a second ambulance and medical/communications equipment to upgrade the emergency service for all Greene County residents. The Board asked municipalities to make a contribution from their American Rescue Act funding allocations.

    Mayor Hattie Samuels of Boligee presented the Board with a $5,000 check towards its goal and said more was coming. Mayor Latasha Johnson of Eutaw said that the city had already contributed $70,000 of CARES Act funds for major life saving equipment and would consider additional support for the ambulance. Mayor James Gaines of Union said we would consult with his city council about the request. Mayor Charlie McAlpine of Forkland encouraged the GEMS Board to look for government grant funding and said that his city would help with matching funds.

    The report also includes a financial section showing that for the first nine months of 2021, the GEMS received $473,173 in operating income and spent $464,484 in operating expenses. The operating account had a balance forwarded of $93,195 at the end of September 2021. No list of outstanding accounts payable or actual audited statements were provided.

    The operating bank account in Merchants and Farmers Bank, is one that the new Board does not yet directly control. The Board is working through some details with the bank to claim control of this account and designate appropriate signatories from the new board to replace the old check signers. The new GEMS Board has a separate bank account for funds that they have received for grants and donations since the beginning of the year.

    The Democrat will continue to follow development of the Greene County EMS and report on the status and improvements. While Greene County has the smallest population in the state, it covers a large rural area of 660 square miles of area. The people of Greene County need and deserve a state-of-the-art ambulance service that can transport them to the hospital when they have an emergency.

  • In Eutaw Municipal elections: Runoff for Mayor between Raymond Steele and Latasha Johnson

    By: John Zippert
    Co-Publisher

    Raymond Steele
    Latasha Johnson

    In yesterday’s City of Eutaw Municipal elections, 1,219 voters cast ballots. There were five candidates in the Mayor’s race. Incumbent Mayor Raymond Steele led with 403 (33%) votes, Councilwoman Latasha Johnson came in second with 359 (30%) votes; Joe Lee Powell received 257 (21%); Sandra Walker 183 (15%) and Queena Bennett Whitehead 17 (1%).
    There will be a runoff election on October 6, 2020 between Raymond Steele and Latasha Johnson for Mayor.
    In Forkland, Incumbent Mayor Charlie McAlpine was reelected with a vote of 216 to 60 for Rev. Michael Barton.
    In the Eutaw City Council races, there will be a runoff in District I, where Valerie Watkins received 115 (44%) votes to 107 (41%) for Chondra Mayes and Ke’Undra Quintez Cox received 38 (14.6%). The runoff also scheduled for October 6 will be between Watkins and Mayes.
    In District 2, LaJeffrey Carpenter received 160 (69%) votes to 70 (30%) for Bryant Snyder, Jr. and was reelected to the Eutaw City Council. In District 3, Tracy Hunter, who was unopposed was elected to that seat.
    In District 4, Larry Coleman received 110 (51%) votes in defeating incumbent Councilwoman Sheila Smith with 105 (49%) and will take the seat.
    In District 5, Jacqueline Stewart with 120 (52%) votes defeated Rodney Wesley with 109 (48%) capturing this seat.
    When the Mayor and Council are seated and sworn-in, for a four-year term, on November 10, 2020 there will be four new council members with only LaJeffrey Carpenter returning.
    In Forkland, in the only contested city council race, for District 3; Alonzo Thomas with 48 votes won with Preston Davis receiving 25 and Willie Sashington getting 9 votes.
    The Mayor’s position and city council races were not contested in the Towns of Boligee and Union, so the same officials have been reelected for another term.
    1,219 (49.7%) of voters out of 2,450 registered in the city turned out to vote in the first primary on August 25, 2020. “We will need to work hard to raise the turnout for the Municipal Runoff on October 6 and the important November 3rd General Election for U. S. President, Senators, Congress and other offices,” said Carol Zippert, Greene County Chair for the Alabama New South Alliance.