The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, January 23, 2023. The meeting date was adjusted to the fourth Monday since Dr. King’s National Holiday fell on the third Monday. All board members were present, except for Brandon Merriweather. Board President Branch explained that Mr. Merriweather’s work schedule could not accommodate the change in the meeting date.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones opened his report to the board with an update on student enrollment, comparing enrollment in mid December, 2022 and enrollment in mid January, 2023.
Eutaw Primary School had 275 scholars enrolled in December and 280 in January 2023; Robert Brown Middle School had 340 scholars in December and 334 in January; Greene County High School had 259 in December and 260 in January. Comparative totals for the two months were the same, 874 scholars enrolled.
In school positive news, Dr. Jones noted that new playground equipment for Eutaw Primary has arrived and installation is in progress. EPS educators and scholars celebrated Math Week and the 100th Day of School during the week of January 16. Seven scholars have obtained 100 or more Accelerated Reader points and are part of the 100 Points Club. Pre-K scholars enjoyed a field trip to the Children’s Hands On Museum on January 20.
Positive news for Robert Brown Middle School include the following: Parents are invited to eat lunch with their children on Thursday, January 26; RBMS Teacher of the Year is, fourth grade teacher, Ms. Vanessa Bryant; the Epsilon Mu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is sponsoring a Valentine Luncheon for RBMS staff and teacher incentive gift cards.
Positive news for Greene County High include the following: GCHS celebrated coming off the Comprehensive School Improvement List; ACT Prep is offered twice a month on Saturdays at GCHS from 9-11 and attendance is increasing; after school enrollment has increased from nine to 35 students;
In her financial report to the board, CSFO Marquita Lennon, presented a draft of the FY 2023 ESSER II Budget Amendment. She noted that there is a carryover amount of approximately $2.5 million and funds must be expended by September 30, 2023, with the budget amended by March 15, 2023. Lennon listed other elements of the budget amendment including the following: ESSER II Committee of school personnel and community stakeholders was formed; Capital expenditures capped at 50%; Learning loss must be 20%. Key items of expenditure will include Janitor salaries and benefits; Playground Equipment for EPS; Computer Lab for RBMS; Flooring for EPS and Peter J. Kirksey; Insurance for Chrome Books; Learning Licenses; ACT Prep; Transitional activities.
CSFO Lennon presented the school system’s monthly financials as of December 31, 2022. Her Financial Points of Interest and Financial Snapshot included the following: Operating Reserves – 3.77M combined general fund reserve;1.89M cash reserve; ( All bank accounts have been reconciled); General Fund Balance – $2,266,229.97 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report); Accounts payable Check register – $181,347.67; Payroll Register $926,501.71; Combined Ending Fund Balance -$4,529,923.07; Local Revenue – (taxes and bingo revenue) $268,768.
The board approved the following personnel items.
Employment – Ms. Delois Powell Bus Aide, Department of Transportation; Natasha Lewis, After School Bus Driver, for 2022-2023 School term. The board also approved a Retention Bonus Agreement Contract for School Bus Driver, Natasha Lewis for 2022-2023 school term. The board approved a $500 stipend for Pamela McGee for Response to Intervention (RTI) Chairperson.
Resignation – Demilia Snyder, Robert Brown Middle School Teacher, effective January 31, 2023.
Supplements for Spring Track Team Personnel – Greene County High School, Head Coach for Males – Howard Crawford; Assistant Male Coach – Rodney Wesley; Head Coach, Females – Ralph Marshall; Assistant Coach, Females – Torethia Mitchell.
The board approved the following administrative items.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Contract between Greene County Board and Ability Pilot, Student Intervention and Embedded Coaching, Kid First Education.
* Memorandum of Understanding between Greene County High School and Stillman College, Dual Enrollment, for 2022-2023 School Term.
* Amendments to ESSER II (4296) Budget to include: Custodial Salaries; Learning Licenses;
ACT Preparation; Data Processing Updates;
* Memorandum of Understanding between Greene County Board of Education and Advancing Evidence Improving Lives (AIR), CDC Youth Empowerment Project.
* Approval of Corey Cockrell to attend Glazier Football Clinic, Franklin, TN February 24-26, 2022.
* Approval of Greene County High School Seniors to travel to Destin, Florida for Class of 2023 Senior Trip.
* Bus Driver- Stillman College Upward Bound, Mr. Leslie Carlisle;
* Purchase of Computers for Robert Brown Middle School.
Tag: Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones
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Board approves ESSER II Budget Amendment, Superintendent gives update on enrollment and positive school news
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Superintendent updates board on school enrollment and student and employee absenteeism
The Greene County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Monday, December 12, 2022, one week early due to Christmas holidays. The school system will closed Friday, December 16 and re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023 for a Professional Development Day. Students return to classes on January 5.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones open his report to the board with an update on local school enrollment. As of December 12, Eutaw Primary has 275 scholars enrolled, not including the pre-K class. This is 22 students less than last year at this time. Robert Brown Middle has 340 scholars enrolled, nine more than last year; and Greene County High has 874 scholars enrolled, 16 less than the previous year. Jones noted that there are various factors that account the enrollment numbers, mainly that the county as a whole is losing population.
Dr. Jones then informed the board that the system is currently monitoring absenteeism of students and employees on a weekly basis. He presented this as an additional approach toward accountability. He noted that there are more absentees of students and teachers on a Friday. “I am directing my principals to monitor all attendance on a daily basis and submit weekly reports. We have procedures for monitoring student attendance, including conversations and home visits with parents/guardians by the school system’s Truancy Officer. The principals work directly with teachers regarding attendance issues” he stated. Jones said that the Career Center has the lowest absentee rates of students and employees.
Board member Robert Davis inquired as to student absence following the recent Tornado, which left approximately 15 families homeless. Superintendent Jones responded that excused absences are noted in the record and the school system will be assisting those displaced scholars.
Dr. Jones listed positive news for each of the district schools. Eutaw Primary scholars are currently in the process of completing the Aimsweb Assessment for mid year. Educators will utilize the data to plan whole group and small group instruction.
Robert Brown Middle School Girls Basketball Team is on the road to an undefeated season. So far they have won every game this season.
Greene County High School has 92% of scholars passing the Civics Exam on the first attempt, a requirement for graduation. The remaining scholars will test again on Thursday, Dec. 15. GCHS has exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement School (CSI), which means the high school no longer falls within the bottom 6% of Title I schools within the state’s accountability system.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
* School nurses receive payment to service students involved in extracurricular activities for 2022-2023 school year as needed.
* Ms. Dorthea Smith, long-term substitute teacher, 7th/8th grade Science.
FMLA Maternity Leave and Catastrophic leave for Demilia Snyder effective December 13, 2022.
The board the approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent.
* Payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Imagine Learning, for 2022-2023 School term.
* Authorization between Greene County Board of Education and Encourage ACT, for School District.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Triumph Learning.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Nearpod Support License Renewal.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Albireo Energy Service and Support Agreement Renewal.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Sophos Antivirus Software Renewal.
* Extension of contract for Mrs. Evelyn James to consult/assist on an as needed basis until the end of fiscal year 2023.
* Encourage ACT-Resources to connect students with colleges and Universities Nation Wide. -
Local stakeholders join in welcoming Greene County High scholars on first day back to school
Greene County High School Principal Andrea Perry put out a special call for community to rise early and join her faculty and staff in welcoming scholars to their first day back to school for 2022-2023 year. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones joined the cheering group after arriving from his early morning bus ride with students on the Forkland school bus route. 
Welcomers shown above include Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, GCHS Principal Andrea Perry and staff, members of the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Florence Williams Chapter President, Eutaw Councilperson, Valerie Watkins, Lea Banks with Alabama Power Company, Carrie Logan with the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce, visiting graduates and other community stakeholders. -
Superintendent presents spotlight on Career Center programs; highlights positive news in school system
At the Greene County Board of Education’s monthly meeting, held Monday, April 18, 2022, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, as part of his report, called on Ms. Teresa Atkins, Greene County Career Center Director, to present a comprehensive report on the various courses and programs available to students at the Career Center. Ms. Atkins noted that the most effective message of the Career Center is Preparation for the Real World. The overall goal is to prepare well-rounded students for college, careers or the military.
In her presentation, Ms. Atkins spotlighted the following offerings: Health Science, Cosmetology, Industrial Maintenance, Business, Career Preparedness, and JROTC. In addition to these, the Career Center offers Dual Enrollment courses in HVAC and Welding, through an arrangement with Wallace Community College Selma. She explained that the dual enrollment program gives students the opportunity “…to gain a jump start on the college experience.” This affords students the opportunity to receive the Associate Degree as well as High School Graduation certification.
The preparations at the Career Center emphasize real-world skills, mentoring, and internships. This includes a focus on preparing students to earn national credentials in various career areas.
Career Tech Student Organizations include active chapters in HOSA, Skills USA, FBLA and DECA.
Continuing his report, Dr. Jones highlighted more positive news in the school system. These are featured below.
The Technology Department has launched a new Mass Notification system with Blackboard. This system provides a more personalized way of communicating by sending messages to specific audiences. Stakeholders can receive messages simultaneously via phone calls, email, text messages and social media. The system also includes a feature to notify a parent once his/her child receives an unexcused absence in Power School.
The Special Education Department attended and participated in Noah J 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Festival, Saturday, April 16, 2022.
Eutaw Primary School completed ACAP testing on April 14, 2022. AIMSWEB-Scholars will be tested in various domains related to reading and math beginning April 25, 2022. May Day Celebration is tentatively set for the week of May 16, 2022. Scholars will be celebrated for their accomplishments during the 4th Nine Weeks.
Robert Brown Middle School (P.A.W.S.) Parents Always Willing To Support nominees will be highlighted in newspapers and will receive certificates and gifts. On April 18, Greene County High School scholars spoke to RBMS students to stress importance of the ACAP test. Test Taking Pep Rally Scranton Scholars and ACAP All-Stars will be recognized and GCH band will participate. RBMS P.T.A. meeting is scheduled for April 28.
Greene County High School Debate Team completed its final competition in Fairhope, AL. Jaila Brooks finishes her senior year with a total of four awards, three in first place. The GCHS Track Team is back. The boys competed at Central High School and performed well. The next track meet is April21, 2022. The Athletic Banquet was held April 14. Praise report from Program Manager from ACCESS: 30 students from GCH have a score of 70 or higher and is actively working in their ACCESS course. On April 15, Mu Alpha Theta (18 students ) traveled to Georgia to visit Great Wolf Lodge and Dave and Buster. Individual conferences have been scheduled with students to select courses for 2022-2023 school year. Eleventh grade students participated in ACT on March 29-31, 2022, with only two make-ups for 100% completion.
Dr. Jones also announced that the Alabama Legislature has passed a 4% pay raise for all employees, effective October 1, 2022. This is combined with a new salary schedule which will affect most school employees.
Superintendent Jones noted that the school system is coordinating efforts to assist the students whose families were affected by the recent tornado that hit the William M. Branch Heights community. He said buses will be re-routed to accommodate students who have been placed with their families in local hotels and other locations. Uniform dress requirements for those students have been suspended for the remainder of this school year. Other assistance that the school system can provide will be forthcoming.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
One-time supplemental payment for Janice Jeames Askew for additional duties Greene County High School.
One-time supplemental payment for Rosalyn Robinson for additional duties at Robert Brown Middle School.
The board approved the following administrative items:
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Community Service Program of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start.
* Resolution for Conveyance of Birdine Property to Town of Forkland. -
Greene County School System receives $1,337,678 in annual Federal Programs, separate from various COVID relief funds
The Greene County Board Education held its monthly meeting March 28, 2022. The week’s delay was due to Spring break observance the previous week. As part of his report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones scheduled Dr. Charlayne Jordan-Riley, Federal Programs Coordinator, to present an overview on role and importance of federal programs in our schools.
Dr. Riley opened with the purpose of federal programs, which is to “…ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.” She stated that her role as Federal Programs Coordinator is to plan, develop, direct, implement and evaluate all functions related to federal programs and grant programs.
Dr. Riley describe the various federal funds and uses coming into the system, noting that for fiscal year 2022, Greene County Schools received $1,337,678. The system’s allocations are based on the average daily attendance of students. Federal Program funds support the following: personnel salaries and benefits; professional development; educational programs; teacher supplements; classroom supplies, equipment and hardware; parent engagement activities and the executor administrator. She noted that the system’s Parent Resource Center, housed at the former Peter J. Kirksey Career Center, will hold it open house soon.
Federal Programs also provide resources to assist homeless students.
In addition to the annual federal funds allocations, the system has been awarded federal resources through COVID Relief Funding. The ESSER (CARES ACT) which is the Coronavirus Aid Relief & Economic Security Act for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund provided $864,032 in the initial allocation ESSER I; ESSER II has allocated $3,319,901; and ARP ESSER (American Rescue Plan At has allocated $7, 461,407. Dr. Riley clarified that all these funds are not on hand, but the system has access to them and the funds must be spent in a timely schedule.
In other business the board approved the following recommendations by Superintendent Jones.
Employment: MarShae Powell, Bus Aide, Transportation Department; Kadijah Hunter, Substitute Teacher, Science Department, Greene County High School, for 2020-2022 School Term; Zaddrick Smith, Physical Education Teacher, Eutaw Primary School; J’kia Carpenter, Kindergarten Teacher, Eutaw Primary School for the 2021-2022 School Term; Barbara Woods, Full-time, Cook Robert Brown Middle School; Clara Simmons, Substitute Cook, Robert Brown Middle School.
Resignation: Dorothy Powell, Bus Aide, effective February 24, 2022.
Supplemental Contract: Vanessa Bryant, Cheerleader Coach, Robert Brown Middle School for 2021-2022 School Term.
The following administrative items were approved by the board.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Lighting Services Agreement between Greene County Board and Alabama Power
* Contract between Greene County Board and LAF Sign Language Interpreting Services.
* Contract Agreement between Greene County Board and Uniti Network Services.
* ACT Booth Camp -
School Board finalizes new principals’ contracts; hires Career Center Director
The Greene County Board of Education met in its regular session Monday, December 20, 2021 with three board members constituting the quorum, Leo Branch, Veronica Richardson and Carol Zippert.
In the personnel actions recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, the board approved the employment of Ms. Brittany Harris as Principal of Eutaw Primary School as well as her one year probationary contract, effective January 1, 2022.
At its November 15, 2021 meeting, the board approved Ms. Andrea Perry as Principal of Greene County High School, effective November 1, 2021, following the resignation of former Principal Willie Simmons, and, subsequently, at Monday’s meeting, approved Perry’s one year probationary contract, effective November 1, 2021.
On the recommendation of the superintendent, the board approved the employment of Teresa Atkins as Director of the Greene County Career Center, effective January 1, 2022.
Nyesha Watson was hired as Pre-K Teacher at Eutaw Primary School for the 2021-2022 school year.
The board approved the voluntary transfer of Dencer Hall from Maintenance Helper to Full-Time Maintenance Employee.
The board accepted the resignation of School Nurse, Deidre Paige-Hall, effective December 31, 2021.
The following administrative items recommended by the superintendent were approved by the board.
* Service Authorization Fee Agreement between Greene County Board and Links 2 Learning, Linking Pivotal Services for Learning.
* Proposed Salary Schedule for Maintenance, School Custodial Workers, and Instructional Substitutes.
* Field Trip Request for Greene County High School, to travel to LaGrange, Georgia, April 14, 2022, for end of year success for Math Excellence.
* Greene County High School Boys Basketball Team to travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee for basketball tournament December 16-19, 2021.
Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
Fuel Award for the 2021-2022 school year to Pruett Oil (only bidder).
Approval of Tuesday, December 21, 2021 as alternate day for Friday June 18, 2021, relative to Juneteenth National and State Holiday. Employees were approved for a 4-day work week (summer plan) and had completed the time requirements to satisfy the week prior to the proclamation. On June 17, 2021, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation declaring Friday, June 18, 2021 a state holiday to commemorate Juneteenth, a new federal holiday that falls on the 19th of every June.
In his abbreviated report to the board, Dr. Jones noted that positive COVID-19 cases reported in Greene County had risen to 3.8% out of 105 tested in the previous seven days. He stated that the system is prepared for online classes if the situation warrants returning to virtual instruction. “We have the technology in place; we will just have to adjust delivery of instructional plans and materials,” he said.
Jones said the system is also planning to return to virtual Town Hall Meetings to encourage our community to get vaccinated. -
Board approves key personnel changes; new leadership at GCHS and Eutaw Primary
At its monthly meeting, held Monday, October 25, 2021, the Greene County Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones recommendations for several key personnel changes in the school system. Greene County High School Principal, Willie Simmons, submitted his resignation effective October 31, 2021, and the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation that Assistant Principal, Andrea Perry, serve as Interim Principal.
The board approved the voluntary transfer of Eutaw Primary School Principal, Barbara Martin, to the position of Curriculum Coordinator for the School System, effective November 1, 2021. Ms. Brittany Harris, current Assistant Principal at Robert Brown Middle School will serve as Interim Principal at Eutaw Primary School, effective November, 1, 202.
On the superintendent’s recommendation, the board approved the employment of Marshae Madison-Pelt as At-Risk Coordinator for the School System, effective November 1, 2021, and the employment of Arthur Williamson as English Teacher at Greene County High School for the 2021-2022 school year.
The board also accepted the resignation of Dr. Rhinnie Scott as Principal, Greene County Career Center, effective January 1, 2022 and the retirement of Bridgette Ward as Pre-K Teacher at Eutaw Primary, effective November 1, 2021.
Supplement Contracts were approved for Ralph Marshall as Girls Basketball Coach GCHS and JaKela Woods as Assistant Girls Basketball Coach GCHS for the 2021-2022 school year.
On the superintendent’s recommendation, the board approved a basic salary increase of $15 per hour for full time custodians; part time custodians will be paid at the rate of $8 per hour. The base pay for CNP workers will also increase from $10 per hour to $15 per hour.
The following teachers were approved for the after-school tutorial program at Eutaw Primary School: Carla Durrett, Gwendolyn Webb, Destiny Taylor, Sherita Pickens, Pamela Pasteur and Keisha Williams. Dr. Jones stated that this is supported by supplemental funds from the Alabama State Department of Education.
The board approved the following administrative services items:
* Agreement for legal services for E-Cigarette Litigation.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Blackboard Mass Communication, to Replace School Cast.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Woods Therapeutic Services, Inc.
* Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and UA Capstone College of Nursing.
* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Glenwood, Inc.
Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
In his report, Superintendent Jones noted that the current student enrollment is at 896. He stated that according to the ACT Summative Assessment, student scores are low and there is major concern over Math scores. “ We are continuing to develop and adjust plans to improve student outcomes,” he said.
Dr. Jones noted that the entire heating and cooling system at Robert Brown Middle School will be replaced. The school system will request bids for the project. “The approximately $3million project will be supported by ESSER Funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The financial report as of August 31, 2021 indicated that the school system is financially stable, maintaining the state mandated operating reserve of one month to include, continuously maintaining an operating reserve within our general find for over a year.. The system’s current operating reserve is 5.8 months.
Dr. Jones stated that the FY 2022 Budget has been approved by the State Department of Education. The financial close out for 2021 is still in process.
Financial Snapshot as of August 31, 2021:
* General Fund Balance $1,773,379.71 (Reconciles to the Summary Cash Report)
* Accounts Payable Check Register – $966,624.42.
* Payroll Register – $854,994.24
Combine Fund Balance – $5,175,709.02
Property/Sales taxes total $94, 225; Bingo income totaled $59,238; Total Local Revenue $153,463. -
Superintendent addresses parents concerns on returning students to in-class instruction
The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, September 20, 2021. One of the key issues addressed related to the re-opening of face-to-face classes for students. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones stated that various official health reports indicate that COVID positive cases are down in Greene County at this time. He also said that the data indicates that achievement rates are lower among students who are in virtual programs. “My main concerns are for the safety of our students and, just as important, my concern for the achievement of our students. We cannot allow our students to continue to fall back,” he explained.
Several parents were in attendance and were allowed an opportunity to express their concerns which related to cleaning routines at school facilities, availability of cleaning supplies, the cooling system at Robert Brown Middle School, alternate instructional programs for students with pre conditions, and the consideration of implementing the Hybrid Instructional Plan where the number of students in a class is reduced. Dr. Jones addressed these assuring all that the maintenance department worked additional hours each day for repeated cleaning of facilities. He stated that the school system will remain in full attendance at this time, but students needing alternative instructional methods will be considered on an individual basis. He added that parents can make such requests through the school principal or directly to him.
As part of the personnel items presented to the board, Superintendent Jones recommended the suspension of Corey Cockrell as teacher and coach for five days without pay. The board held a closed conference with Cockrell and when returning to open session, no action was taken on the superintendent’s recommendation.
Regarding other personnel items recommended, the board approved the following:
Employment: Marqavius King as 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School. Resignation: Nyesha Watson as 1st Grade Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School; Jamar Jackson as Custodian at Robert Brown Middle School.
Supplemental Contracts: Elroy Skinner as Assistant Football Coach at RBMS; Cyonti Lewis as Assistant Football Coach at GCHS,
The board approved the following administrative items presented by the superintendent.
* Payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
Bank reconciliations as submitted by LaVonda Blair, CSFO.
Confirmation of Interim CSFO Contract.
* Confirmation for Limited Financial Agreement.
* Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board and Stillman College Foundation.
* Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board and the University of Alabama Dual Enrollment.
* Memorandum of Understanding between Greene County Board of Education and UAB for voluntary COVID weekly testing for students, faculty and staff, pending attorney’s review and superintendent’s agreement.
* Contract between Greene County Board and Malysa Chandler for Educational Consulting Services.
* Partnership between Greene County Schools and Alabama Cooperative Extension Services for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program. -
Greene County school system’s chief financial officer resigns
The Greene County Board of Education met in a special call meeting, Thursday, September 2, 2021, for matters involving the system’s CSFO, Lavonda Blair and for personnel matters. Following an executive session, the board voted unanimously to accept the CSFO’s resignation, effective September 16, 2021. The board did not disclose reasons for the resignation. Ms. Lavonda Blair was hired as Chief School Financial Officer for the Greene County School System, on a three year contract, beginning August 1, 2018. In June of this year, the board renewed Blair’s contract effective July 1, 2021, expiring June 30, 2024. The board authorized the President, Dr. Carol Zippert, with the assistance of the Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, to seek temporary personnel to continue the tasks in the system’s CSFO Department, especially regarding the closeout of the books for the current fiscal year ending September 30. The board further authorized President Zippert and Vice-President Kashaya Cockrell to initiate the search for a qualified CSFO for the system. Regarding personnel items, the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to hire the following: Mary Henderson as Secretary for the Department of Transportation; Cyontai Lewis as Physical Education Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School. Following the close of the board meeting, Superintendent Jones announced that Greene County Schools would continue the remote learning program for approximately another two-weeks, up to the next regularly scheduled school board meeting, September 20, 2021. Dr. Jones noted that his decision is based on the rising number of COVID virus cases in Greene County and the surrounding region. According to Jones, each school would prepare lesson packages for students not yet able to participate in the on -line virtual classes. “We had to secure more tablets or repair existing ones as well as purchase more hot-spots for students in areas not accessible to the internet. Even with the hot-spots, some students are having difficulties logging-on. To address this, the system is arranging for log-on spots (crater points) that students can access,” he said. Dr. Jones urged everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. “The low vaccinated rate in our county, including among parents, school personnel and eligible students, is the main reason the COVID virus is attacking us,” Jones said. It was also announced that beginning with the September 20th meeting, the board will hold its regular monthly meetings at 5:30 pm in the Central Office.
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Greene County schools return to virtual classes as COVID positive case rise
The Greene County Board of Education met in a special called meeting, Friday, August 20, 2021 to address the school system’s need to revert to virtual classes due to the number of positive COVID cases among students and school personnel. Subsequently, the board approved Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones’ recommendation to end in-person classes from August 20 until September 7, and further authorized the superintendent to extend the virtual program beyond that date, up to the September board meeting, if pandemic health issues warranted the same. At the time of the board meeting, 32 positive cases in the school system had been reported. According to Dr. Jones, the tracing procedures indicated that these positive cases did not originate in the school system. The August 20 Greene County High School football game scheduled in Aliceville was cancelled due to one player testing positive, which may have exposed others. To date, the number of reported positive COVID cases among students is 32, with 12 in quarantine and 8 positive cases among school personnel. The GCHS football team is scheduled to play Keith in Orrville, Friday, August 27. The Alabama Athletic Association stated that athletes who are vaccinated and become exposed may still play. According to Dr. Jones, school officials have prepared educational packets for students to avoid a gap in learning as the technical devices are distributed or upgraded. “Some students did not return their tablets at the end of the previous school term as requested, and some tablets turned in were damaged and had to be sent out for repairs. The tablets that were returned in good order were re-issued.” he stated. Dr. Jones noted that students’ school issued tablets would be activated and hot spots would be provided for those students needing the device. The board also approved the revised School Resource Officer Contract for 2021-2022, as recommended by the superintendent. Once the board meeting had adjourned, GCHS Coach Corey Cockrell and some football players expressed concerns regarding the school’s football program.