Eutaw City to purchase former Carver School facility for $213,000

At its monthly meeting held, March 26, 2018, the Greene County Board of Education, on the recommendation of Superintendent James H. Carter, approved the sale of the former Carver Middle School facility to the City of Eutaw. Dr. Carter’s recommendation stated: “The sale of Carver Middle School building along with acres that will be designated to the City of Eutaw.”
The City of Eutaw offered $213,000 as total payment for the facility and rendered a down payment of $50,000, with the balance to be paid in $50,000 annual payments over the next three years, and a final payment of $13,000. The board approved the proposal on a four to one vote.
The former Carver facility is approximately 61,000 square feet and sits on 15.40 acres. The amount of acreage that will be part of the sale has not been determined.
In 2016, the Carver facility was appraised with a market value of $640,000. Previously, the board was advised that the property could be sold for less than the appraised value provided that the purchaser utilized the facility for educational programs and projects.
As a pre-requisite for consideration of sale of the property, the proposed buyer was required to submit a detailed proposal on how the property would be utilized. The specific sale arrangements have yet to be worked out between Eutaw City and the Greene County Board of Education. No final sale documents have been officiated.
The former Carver Middle School and the former Paramount Jr. High School were closed at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The School Board consolidated the two schools to form Robert Brown Middle School serving 4th through 8th graders.

The board also approved the following personnel items:
* Additional service contracts for Justine Booth as assistant football coach at Greene County High for 20108-2019 academic year.
* Corey Cockrell as assistant football coach at GCH for Spring training only.
* Employment of Russell Rivers as auto mechanic at Greene County Career Center and
Robert Brown Middle School.
* Resignation of Rachel Nickson as Early Childhood Coordinator, Eutaw Primary School, effective March 30, 2018.
* Resignation of LaJoycelyn Davis as secretary at Robert Brown Middle School, effective March 30, 2018.
* Catastrophic leave (maternity leave) for Jerria Prince.
* Non- Renewal
Contract for Fredrick Square, Principal, Robert Brown Middle School, effective June 30, 2018.
In administrative services, the board approved the following.
* Supplemental Contracts for football coach to be paid starting October 1, 2018 and ending September 30, 2019.
* Dexter Hinton to travel to Mississippi State University, for UWA STEM Challenge, March 22, 2018.
* Tamika Thompson to travel to Atlanta Georgia, for HSTW Staff Development Conference, July 10 – 13, 2018
* The sale of Carver Middle School building along with acres that will be designated, to the City of Eutaw.
* Additional information to Greene County Board of Education Policy Manual.
* School Calendar (option B) for the 2018-2019 school year.
The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to implement a policy statement specifically for employees who perform special duties outside their normal job description. The policy will allow employees to be paid a minimum of $200 per month and a minimum of six months up to $1,200 and a maximum amount up to 12 months or $2,400

School Board hears update on GEAR UP Program; in its fourth year

At the regular monthly meeting of the Greene County Board of Education, held Monday, February 19, 2018, Superintendent James H. Carter invited representatives of the GEAR UP Alabama program at Greene County High to give an update of projects and activities. Students in grades 9 and 10 are the current participants in GEAR UP, having begun the program as 7 and 8 grade students at the former Carver Middle School and Paramount Jr. High. GEAR UP will follow those students through high school graduation.
The updates were given by Lynne Marine, Region 5 Coordinator of GEAR UP Alabama and Marva Smith, Site Facilitator for Greene County. Ms. Smith described the various programs available to the students which include Financial Wellness Workshops, Financial Literacy Lessons, Kaplan Resources (books for various courses that are purchased for each student participant); ePrep (computer based instruction and testing) and Dual Enrollment for students who qualify; Comprehensive Mentoring; Mini Camps and Field Trips.
The GEAR UP acronym represents the following: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

Smith noted that GEAR UP students will be eligible to enroll in any two year college in the state tuition free. An added benefit is that their parents will also be eligible to enroll in any two year state college tuition free. Smith also stated that they are hopeful that GEAR UP Alabama will enlist a new group of students in middle school when the current group has graduated.
In his report, Dr. Carter emphasized the commitment to insure that all students are achieving at their highest potential every day. “The technology initiative will be the focus of instruction. We will be revisiting our infrastructure this year to provide the quality system that is needed for students to use technology the entire school day. We are exploring the addition of WIFI for students on buses as well as isolated areas in our school district.”
Superintendent Carter also announced that he hopes to implement a Field Day for special needs population in Greene County, inviting neighboring counties to participate.
In other business the board acted on the following items recommended by Superintendent Carter.
* Approved employment of LaToya Consentine as full-time bus driver.
* Approved employment of Justin Booth as substitute bus driver.
* Approved employment of Tweila Morris as long-term substitute in administrative assistant position at Eutaw Primary School for remainder of school term.
* Accepted resignation of Dana Blackwood McMillian as school nurse at Greene County High School.
* Approved Greene County High School baseball team out of state travel to Macon, MS, April 5, 2018 to compete against Noxubee County High School.

School board selects officers in reorganization; sets meeting schedule

At it regular monthly meeting held, Monday November 20, 2017, the Greene County Board of Education held it annual board re-organization, electing Mr. Leo Branch as Board President and Dr. Carol P. Zippert as Board Vice President for another year. The board also set the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. as its regular meeting schedule.
In his report to the board, Superintendent James H. Carter, Sr. emphasized the positive role of collaborative learning among students. “ Any successful educator will agree that interested, stimulating, and engaging lessons are paramount in meeting needs of all students. It is an old cliché, but a true one, that students learn best some of the time from other students,” he said. Carter stated that peer teaching-learning will become more prominent in our classrooms. He noted that the challenges to collaborative learning include keeping the students focused with the different personalities in a class setting; redirecting students to the task at hand.
Carter stated that assessment are a critical part of the teacher and student teaching/learning process. “In order for principals, teachers, and students to thoroughly understand this process, assessments are important to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum being taught. Selecting the appropriate assessment tools is part of the challenge,” he said.
In his report Superintendent Carter also noted that technology has become an integral part of educational landscape. Many teachers are very much interested in integrating digital concepts into everyday activities in the classroom as well as the entire curriculum. He stated that parents are currently being trained on how the Chrome Books and Tablets should be used in the Greene County School System. After parents are trained, students can start the process of checking out Chrome Books, to take home for school related activities. Students can currently utilize the Chrome Books in the classroom .
Dr. Carter congratulated Robert Brown Middle School Tigers for an undefeated football season and becoming the the West Alabama Regional Football Champions.

As part of the superintendent’s report, Toice Goodson, Jr., 9th Grade Academy Principal, presented a power point update of the curriculum program administered with the students,
In other business, the board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
* Resignations of Tren’D’Mis Davis as bus driver and Jadia Goree as bus driver;
* Rescind resignation of Teresa Atkins.
The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent.
* First Reading: Greene County Child Nutrition Program Worthless Check Policy; Uncollected Meal Charge Policy
* Contract with West Central Official Association of York, Alabama for Girls Basketball Officials during the 2017 -2018 school term.
* Contract with West Central Official Association of York, Alabama for Boys Basketball Officials during the 2017 -2018 school term.
* Bid Submitted by Covington Flooring Company for Greene County High School Gymnasium with 4 options (ONLY BIDDER). The Superintendent recommends to the Board, (Option – 1)
Removal of existing water damage floor and assembly and dispose of; install new flooring system. Bid Amount: $121,600.00
* Makane Morrow, Out of State Travel, New Orleans
* Give permission to the Superintendent to buy a low millage car or SUV. The cost should be in range of $16,500.00 or $17,500.00 without a trade in.
*Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
*Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Katrina Sewell, CSFO
Instructional services approved:
* First Reading: Voluntary Religious Expression Policy; 21st Century Staff Handbook; 21st Century

Superintendent Carter updates board on school initiatives

In the recent meeting of the Greene County Board of Education, held Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, Superintendent James H. Carter, Sr. reported on the following initiatives in the school system.
*The Backpack Meal Program has been implemented at Eutaw Primary as a pilot this year. This program is a partnership between the Greene County School Board and the Tuscaloosa Food Bank
*Greene County High School will begin producing a Greene County High newspaper this fall.
* STEAM program this year will provide students an opportunity to show their skills in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Each program will have a Robotics Component. STEAM is not just about providing access to resources or programs; it is about providing quality teaching and learning experiences to students – how much is needed in a curriculum to ensure students are career and college ready.
*The school system has been approved for a grant in the amount of $15,000 for the At-Risk Program, Launching Excellence and Achievement Project.
*The system will develop a social media lounge for teachers and students to go on Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat to express their support for public schools; develop a College and Career Ready Room for students to apply for colleges and universities; also to provide students the opportunities to apply for financial aid and scholarships.
*The system will implement an action plan to decrease the absentee rate for students and teachers. This plan will address the specific reason why absenteeism is more problematic in some schools versus others.
*The system will pursue T-Mobile to give hotspots to students who do not have internet access at home.
*Congratulations to Robert Brown Middle School on the very innovative concept of going out to visit the school community, instead of community visiting the school.

In other business the board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Carter.
* Employment: Carl Oliver, Part-time Maintenance/ Part-time Custodian, Greene County High School; Employ Additional Resource Officer at Greene County High School; Additional Service contract(s) for the following employees at Robert Brown Middle School for the 2017 – 2018 academic year. (Separate Contract): Corey Cockrell, Head Girls Basketball Coach; Henry Miles, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach:
* Catastrophic Leave: Sadie Moore, Secretary, Eutaw Primary School.
Family Medical Leave: Verna Nickson, Bus Driver, Department of Transportation. * Leave without pay: Siegfried Williams, request leave of absence for every Tuesday in the month, beginning August 22 – December 12, 2017. Total of 17 days. * Travel: Rachel Nickson to travel to Atlanta, GA to attend Save the Children Cluster Meeting on November 14 -17, 2017.
The board approved the following administrative services recommended by the superintendent. First Reading: Student Discipline Implementation Guide; Email Acceptable Use Policy; Travel Policy; Capital Plan 2017-2018; Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll; Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Katrina Sewell, CSFO.
School Board CSFO, Katrina Sewell, presented the following report for September. Total revenue for September was $734,680.56; From the accounts payable register, state funds expended totaled $57,652.40; federal funds expended totaled $92,143.89; local funds expended totaled $321,578.79. Accounts payable totaled $471,285.08. Payroll expenditures for the month totaled $861,819.08. The current fund balance of $3,274,984.27 does not include final expenditures for accounts payable in FY 2017.
Attorney Hank Sanders, in his report to the board, advised that a lawsuit has been recently filed by the Alabama Attorney General against six counties where electronic bingo operates. “If this lawsuit succeeds, the Greene County School System, along with other entities, will lose funds,” Sanders noted. Attorney Sanders also informed the board that a law suit filed by an employee has been settled, but the employee is seeking more.

Greene County School System awarded $25,000 arts grant

The Greene County School System was recently awarded a $25,000 grant through the Alabama Arts Education Initiative (AAEI) of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. At the Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting, held Monday, February 20, 2017, Superintendent James H. Carter, Sr. announced that the Greene County High Artistic Flow and Expo Project will focus on classroom experiences in the arts with opportunities for students to study a variety of cultures and artistic expressions. The project will also increase students’ awareness of the arts through field trips to various artistic venues.
According to Dr. Carter, the major components of the arts project include Music Development and Appreciation; Integrated Academic and Artistic Enrichment; Enhancing School Culture and Community Pride; and Staff Development to Enhance Program Implementation.
“Greene County Schools understand the significance of integrating the arts into the classroom. Our goal is to continue to expose students to the arts through their course of study,” Carter said.
In his report, Superintendent also informed the board that in order to fill difficult teaching positions, especially in mathematics and science, his office is formulating a plan to explore the Troops to Teachers Program sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). This program connects retired military personnel with various school classrooms.
Dr. Carter announced that Tutor.com will be implemented in Greene County Schools to help students who are struggling in reading and mathematics. This program is also sponsored by the ALSDE.
Carter reported that Friday, February 24, he, along with members of the Greene County School Board, will attend a symposium on charter school authorizers’ roles and responsibilities in Montgomery sponsored by ALSDE.
Superintendent extended a special salute to the Greene County High Girls Basketball Team as Area Champions and progressing to the Sub-Regional competition. A special appreciation is planned for team and coaches.
On the recommendation of the superintendent, the board approved the following personnel items:
* Employment: Frances McGhee as full-time Cook at Greene County High School; Sheila Billups as 5th Grade Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Resignations: Josephus Patrick as In-School Suspension Specialist and Track & Field Coach from Greene County High School, effective January 24, 2017; Jacob Sullivan as Head Softball Coach at Greene County High (Separate Contract).
* Leave of Absence without pay for Siegfried Williams to be off every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. until May 26, 2017.
Additional Service contract(s) for the following employees at Greene County High School for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. (Separate Contract): Cordarrin Wilson as Track & Field Coach; Sukova Hicks as Softball Coach.
The board approved the following administrative service items recommended by the superintendent:
* Change order for roofing project at Peter J. Kirksey in the amount of $5,000.
School Calendar 2017 – 2018.
Field Trip Requests: Eutaw Primary School – Audubon Zoo and Aquarium in New Orleans,LA on May 12, 2017; Eutaw Primary School – Chattanooga Aquarium/Imax in Chattanooga, TN on May 11, 2017; Greene County High Debate Team – Competition at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS on March 2, 2017; Greene County High Choir – Choral Performance at Festival Disney in Orlando, FL on April 27, 2017;
Professional Leave for Makane Morrow to attend Procurement in the 21st Century-Institute of Child Nutrition in Oxford, MS on February 21 – 22, 2017; Professional Leave for Makane Morrow to attend School Nutrition Action Legislative Action Conference, in Washington, D.C. on April 2 – 4, 2017;
Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
The board approved the followed instructional items recommended by the superintendent:
Partnership with T-Mobile, Greene County Housing Authority, and Stillman College for Connecting the Classroom with the School Community Project.
The abbreviated financial report presented at the board meeting for the month of January included the following, with the note that, in the absence of a CSFO, all accounts have not been reconciled: total revenue was $1,432,975.86; total expenditures were $1,114,137.11; payroll was $866,140.29; local taxes collected totaled $1,419,904.75; total bingo receipts were $64,351.45

 

 

Dr. Carter and board promote positive learning environment for students

The Greene County Board of Education, at its regular meeting held Monday, December, 19, 2016, approved a declaration that the entire school system must work to create and promote a positive learning environment for all students. The statement asserts that this is the responsibility and duty of every principal, teacher and all other personnel of the system.
The board established that “…every principal, teacher and other personnel must establish a positive learning environment for all students. An assessment of the positive learning environment will be conducted at the end of each academic year. If sufficient progress has not been made in establishing a positive learning environment, then the principal, teacher and or other personnel may be reassigned or terminated pursuant to the laws of Alabama.”
In his report to the board, Superintendent James H. Carter, Sr. brought further emphasis to the board’s position. “It is imperative that students have challenging standards and curriculum if they are going to be College and Career Ready. If students are going to achieve at their maximum level there should be a genuine partnership between school, family, and the entire school community,” Carter stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Carter said that in order to raise our students’ aspirations, there are two major components necessary. “The first is caring. There must be heartfelt care for students exhibited in all aspects of the education community. Secondly, students must feel like they belong. Every teacher and administrator will be encouraged to speak to each student as they enter the school building and the classroom. Teachers and principals will continue encouraging students to graduate from Greene County High School and take the next step.”Other aspects of Superintendent’s Carter’s remarks were as follows:
* Teachers and students must be sufficient in the use of technology. Technology must be integrated into all subject areas.
* Students will be encouraged to become actively involved in community services.
* Each school will be asked to schedule a school pride day and a school clean-up day.
* Teachers and Principals will set aside 10 minutes per day to have Get to Know My Students Time
* Students should be allowed to have a garden on their campus. This will educate students about the importance of growing your own food. It will also teach students not to be wasteful of food that is prepared for them.
* Professional Learning Community can change the way of educating our children. We know that educators meet regularly, share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and improve the academic performance of students.
* Students will have an Early Dismissal at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20th
* Board Appreciation Month – January 2017.
The board approved the following personnel items:
* Termination of Sondra Terry, Part-time Health Science teacher.
* Resignation of Ivory Robinson, Elementary Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Payment for additional services contract for 2016 – 2017: (Separate Contract): Codarrin Wilson – Asst. Football Coach; Angel Cardona – Dance Line Sponsor.
* Resignation of Mr. Leon Dowe, Jr., CSFO Greene County Board, effective January 18, 2017.
* Search for a new CSFO.
* Appointment of Mrs. Cillia Morrow, Long-term Substitute Math Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School effective December 19, 2016.
* Authorized signatures of superintendent, board president and board vice-president at Bank of Tuscaloosa.
The board approved the recommended administrative services:
* Authorized the Superintendent to develop procedures for sale of properties at Paramount Jr. High School and Carver Middle School.
* Authorized Superintendent to advertise the sale of surplus equipment and supplies owned by the Greene County School Board.
* Authorized the Superintendent to have drinking water tested for lead.
* Authorized Superintendent to complete refurbishing the restrooms at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Create a career tech public database of real world improving projects that student of all ages can do.
* Field Trip Request for Robert Brown Middle School’s 7 – 8 grade to participate in the Disney YES (Youth Educational Series) Program in Orlando, FL on May 7, 2017.
* Renaming bank account at Citizen’s Trust Bank to Robert Brown Middle School.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mr. Leon Dowe, CSFO.
The board approved the following instructional services:
* Develop a RFP format regarding Public Charter School Authorizer. The Public Charter School RFP will focus on At-Risk Students Program.
* Integrate attendance as part of a teacher performance evaluation.
* A positive learning environment must exist for all students. Therefore, every principal, teacher and other personnel must establish a positive learning environment for all students. An assessment of the positive learning environment will be conducted at the end of each academic year. If sufficient progress has not been made in establishing a positive learning environment, then the principal, teacher and or other personnel may be reassigned or terminated pursuant to the laws of Alabama.

 

Superintendent Carter honors retired school personnel School Board approves 4% pay raise for all its employees

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School Superintendent, Dr. James Carter, presented Certificates of Recognition of Service to the school system to six retirees of 2016. L to R: School Board President, Leo Branch; retiree Mrs. Dorothy Branch; retiree Mr. Charles Carter. Honored retirees not shown are: Mr. Otis Crawford, Mrs. Jerdin Gray, Mrs. Billie Jean (BJ) Wallace, and Mrs. Fannie Aaron.

At the monthly Greene County Board of Education meeting held June 13, 2016, the board approved a 4% pay raise for all employees of the school system. The Alabama State Legislature approved a 4% raise for school employees with annual salaries of $75,000 and less and a 2% raise for school employees with annual salaries above $75,000. Individual school systems could opt to give the 4% increase to all employees, making up the difference for the upper pay levels with local funds. Superintendent James H. Carter stated that seemed to be the most equitable way to handle the raise. School personnel had not received a pay raise since 2008 and that raise was only 2%.

Dr. Carter presented special acknowledgements and certificates of appreciation to six retirees including Mrs. Dorothy Branch for 27 years in the school system; Mr. Charles Carter for 20 years; Mr. Otis Crawford for 25 years; Mrs. Jerdin Gray for 35 years; Mrs. Fannie Aaron, for 31 years and Mrs. Billie Jean Wallace for 25.5 years. Dr. Carter noted that efforts are continuing in preparation for the consolidation of middle school grades beginning with the next school session in August. “ The transformation continues with the consolidation of Paramount Jr. High School and Carver middle School into one campus. This should provide our middle school students, grades 4-8, with more course offerings and a nicer facility to teach and learn in for students and staff,” Dr. Carter said.
In his report, Dr. Carter remarked that he was pleased with the number of students enrolled in summer school, but he was perplexed that more students weren’t enrolled in the enrichment program. He stated that approximately 167 students are enrolled in summer school.
Superintendent Carter also gave a recap of the initiatives of the previous school year including choir, band, Performing Arts Program, Learning Academy, chess program, additional sports teams such as volleyball, softball, baseball and track. “At every stop, we saw most teachers using proven best practices in ways to engage students. We saw students who were more than capable, serious and focused and facilities that are conducive to learning,” stated Carter.
The board approved the superintendent’s request to declare as emergency projects the renovations needed at the former Greene County High School and the Peter J. Kirksey Vocational Facility. Carter explained that this action would speed up the process with the State Department of Education. The board also approved moving the Greene County Learning Academy from the former Greene County High School facility to the Peter J. Kirksey Vocational Facility.
In other business, the board approved the voluntary transfers of the following teachers for the 2016-2017 school term:
Katoya Quarles from 6th grade Math teacher at Carver Middle to 7th and 8th grade Math teacher at the consolidated middle school; Majorie Duncan from 5th grade teacher at Carver to 7th grade reading intervention teacher at the middle school; Rebecca Coleman from 2nd grade teacher at Eutaw Primary to computer science teacher at the middle school; Elona Washington from kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary to 1st grade teacher at Eutaw Primary; Sheila Tillman from 1st grade teacher at Paramount Jr. High to kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary; Charlease Smith from 3rd grade teacher at Eutaw Primary to 2nd grade teacher at Eutaw Primary; Cheryl Morrow from kindergarten/1st grade teacher at Paramount to 2nd grade teacher at Eutaw Primary.
The board approved a probationary 11 month contract for Toice Goodson as Principal of Greene County High School 9th Grade Academy.
The board also approved employment of the following for the middle school: Henry Miles, Jr. as elementary teacher; Frank Jackson as auto mechanics teacher 1/2 time; Migeual Catlin as long-term Math substitute. Employment for Greene County High School: Frank Jackson, auto mechanics 1/2 time; Jamar Jackson from custodian 11 months to custodian 12 months. Employment in Performing Arts: Vassie Brown, adjunct instructor, Theatre; Angel Cordona, adjunct instructor, Dance.
The superintendent recommended and board approved the recall of Shekitha Crowell as 5th grade teacher for the middle school and Jerome Franks as physical education teacher (TBA). The non-renewal recommendation of Cassandra Allen as business education teacher at Carver was also approved.
The board approved the following additional service contracts at Greene County High School for the 2016-2017 school term: Rodney Wesley, Head Basketball Coach (boys); Kendra Payne, Head Basketball Coach (girls); Gentrell Eatman, Head Football coach; Janice Jeames, Girls’ Volleyball Coach; Frederick Holmes, Band Director; Jerome Franks, Head Baseball Coach (boys); Jacob Sullivan, Head Softball Coach (girls); Walter Taylor, Assistant Football Coach. Dorris Robinson, Cheerleader Sponsor.
Additional service contracts approved for the middle school include: Corey Cockrell, Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, B-Team Basketball Coach (boys); Jacob Sullivan, Assistant Football Coach; Jeffery Wesley, Head Basketball Coach (boys); Marjorie Duncan, Head Basketball Coach (girls); Drenda Blackman, Cheerleader Sponsor.
Teachers employed for the Summer School Program include Carla Durrett, Gentrell Eatman and Angel Cordona for June 6 – June 17. Gloria Lyons was employed as manager for the Summer Feeding Program at Eutaw Primary for June 20 – June 30, 2016. Angela Harkness was employed as after school tutor – Special Needs, Summer School Teacher.
On the recommendation of the superintendent, the board declared various items from the Child Nutrition Program as surplus to be removed from the CNP inventory. Several buses were also declared as surplus to be sold and removed from the inventory of the School Bus Shop.
Various Out-of-State travel requests were approved for students, faculty and staff.
The board approved the summer school contract for the Resource Security Officers.