Greene County Democrat

Tag: Teresa Atkins

  • Saluting Young Women Entrepreneurs during Women’s History Month

     Kimberly Atkins

    Raised in the Black Belt city of Eutaw, Alabama, Kimberly Atkins built a successful career in accounting and real estate. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with an accounting concentration from Auburn University and an MBA from Auburn University Montgomery. She has over 12 years of accounting experience in both private and government sectors.
    Kimberly began her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 with the launch of ABT Financial Solutions. The company’s goal is to help clients reach financial freedom through empowering them with financial literacy and independence. In 2020, Kimberly expanded into real estate by starting
    Dreams to Reality Realty, successfully flipping houses and acquiring rental properties. Her passion lies in restoring old properties and transforming communities.  Grounded in faith and supported by family, Kimberly remains dedicated to growing her businesses and uplifting
    small cities like her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with loved ones. We proudly recognize Kimberly for her contributions to the community
    and for paving the way for women after her. Kimberly Atkins is the daughter of Willie and Mattie Atkins of Eutaw. She is a graduate of Greene County High School.

    Teresa Atkins

    With a strong commitment to preparing students for success, Teresa serves as the Career and Technical Education Director at Greene County Career Center. Under her leadership, the center has expanded hands-on learning opportunities, strengthened industry partnerships, and programs to enhance career readiness. She is passionate about workforce development in rural communities, ensuring students have access to skills training and real-world experiences.
    In addition to her role in education, Teresa is a multi-business entrepreneur with a deep commitment to family and community. She is actively involved in her family’s business, Uncle Willie’s BBQ Sauce, helping to grow the brand through sales, marketing, and business development.
    She is also the founder of Broad Horizons Travel, a travel agency offering curated vacations, cruise preparation, and travel consultations while expanding a network of independent travel agents.
    Faith is central to Teresa’s journey, guiding her work and personal mission. Her passion for faith inspired Journey with God, a brand featuring Christian journals, devotionals, and apparel. She has authored multiple books, including Walking in Purpose: Building a Christ-Centered Business and Worthy & Loved: Embracing Your Singleness While Preparing for Marriage.
    As a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son, Caleb, Teresa prioritizes faith and family. Through education, entrepreneurship, and faith, Teresa continues to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change in her community.
    Teresa is a 1998 graduate of Eutaw High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Alabama A&M University and went on to obtain a Master of Education in Family and Consumer Sciences from Iowa State University. Continuing her pursuit of educational excellence, she earned an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Samford University in Educational and Organizational Leadership.
    Teresa is the daughter of Willie and Mattie Atkins of Eutaw.

  • School Board and administrators hold roundtable discussion on School Safety Plans

    The Greene County Board of Education held a work session, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 on School Safety Protocol. The board members along with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones held a roundtable discussion with school principals and the system’s safety officer on all the element in place to assure the safety of students, school personnel and school premises. Each school has a safety plan.
    Eutaw Primary School was represented by Principal Brittany Harris; Robert Brown Middle School by Assistant Principal Gary Rice; Greene County High School by Principal Andrea Perry; and the system’s Safety officer Rebecca Coleman. Ms. Coleman also presented the safety report for Teresa Atkins, Director of the Greene County Career Center.
    The school administrators detailed the components of the safety plan at each school, indicating the following:
    *Eutaw Primary has one resource officer who monitors the front driveway as buses arrive. Persons driving students to school must use the side entrance. Doors are locked at 7:48 am. All visitors must sign-in and get a visitor’s badge and sign-out. Monthly weather drills as well as shooter drills are conducted. There is a camera in the front office with 22 angels of the premises. Only the principal has access to the camera. Students are instructed to not open the front door for anyone.
    *Robert Brown Middle has similar arrangements with resource officers; metal detectors at entrance; doors locked; visitors signing-in, cameras and monthly drills. Mr. Rice also noted that students are monitored in the halls at all times. Students must get a pass for restroom breaks. Administrators use two-way radios to communicate on the premises. Mr. Rice noted that fencing is needed around the school; lighting in the parking areas; improvements with the intercom system.
    *Greene County High has resources officers; metal detectors; locked entrances, monthly drills and cameras. Students who drive to school must get a decal. Principal Perry noted that the lights in parking area need cleaning. Some doors need replacing. She said that the central office is notified when service personnel will be on campus.
    *Career Center has monthly drills with posted drill routes. There is a new metal detector, but cameras are needed for blind spots. Front door needs fixing. Facility needs outside lights.
    As Safety Officer, Ms. Rebecca Coleman offered the following recommendations to improve safety plans at each school: Cameras need professional cleaning; each school needs access cards to the building. These can work with the cameras. The Kirksey Center does not have a security monitoring system, except for the Federal Programs parental involvement area. She noted that her office is working on a digital Visitor ID System; ID badges for students and employees.
    Resource Officer Davis corroborated the safety measures in place and noted that Resource Officers are available at schools until 6:00 pm. Additional officers are hired for sports events.
    Davis said more signs should be posted stating that all school properties are Smoke Free, even at sports events.

  • School board holds special meeting on school personnel

    The above scholars completed the requirements for the Structural Welding Certificate from Wallace Community College in Selma on Friday, May 10, 2024. Pictured left from right: Janice Jeames Askew, Scholar : Jeremiah Bullock, Nicholas Henley, Michael Gibson, Jr. Kalvin Jones, Jakaylon Bridgemon, Curtis Jordan, Zacary Rutledge, Welding Instructor, Dr, Corey Jones, Superintendent, Scholar John Cockrell, Jaylon Mitchell and LaTravis Jones. Also in attendance was Teresa Atkins, Greene County Career Center Director.

    The Greene County Board of Education held a special call meeting, Thursday, May 9, 2024 with a focus on school personnel. All board members were present as well as Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Board Attorney Hank Sanders, GCHS Principal Ms. Andrea Perry, Robert Brown Middle School Principal Ms. Tammy Anderson, Eutaw Primary Principal Dr. Brittany Harris and CSFO Ms. Marquita Lennon.

    Shortly after the official opening of the meeting, following roll call and approval of the agenda, Attorney Sanders certified an executive session for the board. President Leo Branch explained that the session was called to discuss personnel issues that may involve good name and character, legal matters that may involve strategy and safety. The Principals and CSFO were asked to remain in the session with the Board, Superintendent and Attorney. The executive session lasted approximately two hours.

    When the board resumed its open meeting, President Branch announced that no decisions were made and no actions taken in executive session.

    In previous board meetings Superintendent Jones did caution the board that budget cuts would be necessary for the next school year, especially in personnel. The ESSER funds which provided support for additional Academic Coaches would end this fiscal year.

    In the open session, the board acted on the following personnel items.

    * Approved resignation of Mr. James Gaines, Transportation Supervisor for the Greene County School System, effective June 30, 2024.

    * Approved supplemental contract for Janice Jeames-Askew to serve as Athletic Director for GCHS for 2023-2024.

    * Approved supplemental funding agreement for in school personnel.

  • 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.

  • School board approves personnel transfers, non-renewals and resignations

    At its regular meeting held Monday, May 14, 2018, the Greene County Board of Education approved a variety of changes regarding the school system’s personnel as recommended by Superintendent, Dr. James Carter. Transfers among the central office personnel effective for the 2018-2019 school year include the following: Robert Stewart from Technology Coordinator to Truancy Officer; Cindy Taylor from Truancy Officer to Attendance Supervisor; Makane Morrow from Child Nutrition Program Director to Technology Coordinator.
    Other transfers from the various school facilities effective for the next school year, include the following.
    * Garry Rice from Principal at Greene County High School to Principal at Robert Brown Middle School;
    * Fredrick Square, from Principal at Robert Brown Middle to Assistant Principal at RBM;
    * Toice Goodson, from Principal of 9th Grade Academy at GCHS to Principal at Greene County Learning Academy;
    * Barbara Martin, from Principal at Robert Brown Middle to Principal at Eutaw Primary School;
    * Teresa Atkins from teacher to CNP Director;
    * Patricia Rhone from Business Education Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School to Teacher at Greene County Career Center;
    * Nathaniel Webb from Transportation Department to Maintenance Department;
    *David Peterson from Maintenance Department to Transportation Department.
    The board approved the following non-renewals recommended by the Superintendent Carter. It should be noted that individuals approved for non-renewal at the close of a school term may be called back to the school system, for the next term, on an as-needed basis.
    * Eutaw Primary School Non-Renewals: Johnnie Lee, 1st Grade Teacher; Kendra Payne; 1st Grade Teacher; Fentress Means, Physical Education Teacher; Tweila Morris, Secretary; Katlin Whittle, Art Teacher; Jacqueline Allen, Reading Intervention Teacher.

    * Robert Brown Middle School Non-Renewals: Teresa Atkins, Consumer Science Teacher; Justin Booth, Agro-Science Teacher; Danielle Edison, Special Education Teacher; Fredrick Holmes, Music / Band Teacher; Shunetta Kirkman, 6th Grade Teacher; Ashley Moore, 5th Grade Teacher; Cardelia Page, 5th Grade Teacher; Deborah Summerville, 7th Grade Teacher; Miakka Taylor, 8th Grade Teacher; Katlin Whittle, Art Teacher; Jacqueline Edwards, Part-Time Janitor.
    *Greene County High School Non-Renewals: Justin Booth, Part-Time Physical Education/Agro-Science Teacher; Wanda Gaitor, Part-Time Secretary; Fredrick Holmes Music / Band Teacher; Fentress Means, Driver Education Teacher; Demilia Snyder, Science Teacher.
    * Greene County Career Center Non-Renewals: Sondra Green, Health Science Teacher; Mary Henderson, Part-Time Secretary.
    * Greene County Learning Academy, Non-Renewal: Dr. Bennie Pennington, Lead Teacher.
    * Maintenance Department Non-Renewal: Carl Oliver.
    * Transportation Department Non-Renewal: Gerald Holloway, Bus Driver.
    The board approved the following resignations: Shennell Spears, Business Management Administration, Greene County Career Center, effective May 312, 2018; Diana Bowden, Lab Aide, RBM, effective May 26, 2018; Dr. Sharon Jennings, Principal Eutaw Primary School, effective May 31, 2018; Marsha Powell, Bus Aide, Department of Transportation, effective March 16, 2018; and Dora Hardy, Cook at Greene County High School.
    The Superintendent recommended and the board approved sending letters of termination to the following personnel for Additional Service Contracts (Separate Contracts).
    * Robert Brown Middle School: Corey Cockrell as Head Football Coach, B-Team Basketball Coach and Athletic Director; Henry Miles as Assistant Football Coach; Dorris Robinson as Cheerleader Sponsor; Jeffery Wesley as Head Basketball Coach.
    *Greene County High School: Rodney Wesley as Head Basketball Coach & Assistant Football Coach; Kendra Payne as Head Basketball Coach (Girls); Karon Colman as Head Football Coach & Track Team Coach; Jacob Sullivan as Assistant Football Coach; Janice Jeames as Girls’ Volleyball Coach and Girls’ Basketball Coach; Frederick Holmes as Band Director; Fentress Means as Head Baseball Coach; Justin Booth as Assistant Baseball Coach; Su’Kovia Hicks as Head Softball Coach (Girls); Drenda Morton as Cheerleader Sponsor.
    The board approved the following recommendations for employment as bus drivers for the Summer Enrichment Program: Felecia Davis; Marcus Steele; Teresa Hill; Eddie Coats; Ayanna Crawford; Michael Bolden; Verna Nickson.
    The board also approved hiring Walter Taylor of Montgomery, AL as Interim CSFO.
    In Administrative Services, the board approved Robert Brown Middle School request to travel to Six Flags Over Georgia for Math and Science Day; and payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
    In other business, the board approved the 4-day work week, each day from 7:30 am to 4:45 pm, beginning the week of June 4-8, 2018 and ending the week of July 23-27, 2018. Any and all schedules that differ from the one stated above must be submitted and approved by the superintendent prior to the start date of June 4, 2018.