The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 and selected Mr. Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent, effective immediately in order to allow for a smooth transition with Dr. Corey Jones, whose last official day as superintendent is September 30, 2025. Following the preliminary opening, including removing the executive session item from the agenda, Mr. Aikerson was asked to give a presentation to the board, staff and community members present. He noted that he has served in multiple leadership positions in public education, including teacher, principal and superintendent. Specifically, he served for six years as superintendent of Tuscumbia City Schools (2015-2021). Prior to that, he served as Director of Federal Programs for the Bessemer City Schools for 21 years. More recently, Aikerson served three months in 2024 as interim superintendent for the Selma City School System. According to Aikerson, Selma City Schools were having financial challenges once the ESSER Funds were depleted. “Much of these funds had been applied to high salaries, which the system could not continue,” he said. He also stated that he left the Selma City Schools in a good condition. Responding to board inquiries on his style of administrative leadership, Aikerson noted the following: Leadership starts with building relationships; that always comes first; that’s more important. I will communicate regularly with individual board members, meet principals and administrators, connect with parents including attending PTA meetings, athletic and other school events.” In closing, Aikerson said, “ I am available to contract with the board as a consultant to help with the seamless transition with the new superintendent.” Following questions from the community members, Board Vice President, Veronica Richardson, moved to accept Mr. Aikerson as interim superintendent. Ms. Carrie Dancy seconded. There was unanimous approval. A second motion, authorizing the Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Richardson, along with Board Attorney Hank Sanders, to work out the details with Mr. Aikerson, was made by board member Brandon Merriweather, seconded by board member Veronica Richardson. The board gave unanimous approval. President Branch stated that the timeline of the arrangements with Mr. Aikerson will be worked out in the negotiations. The meeting was adjourned.
School board calls meeting to transfer investments and update bank signatures
The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Auditorium with a focus on administrative issues. Board member present included Robert Davis, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Merriweather and Board President Leo Branch. Carrie Dancy was absent. Administrative items included: – Closure of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Synovus as of September 23, 2025. Opening of Certificate of Deposit (CD) at the 13 month term rate with Merchants and Farmers Bank in Eutaw and necessary signature updates; out of state travel of GCHS football team and coaches to attend Atlanta Falcon game on November 16, 2025. Richardson made a motion to approve the items as a blanket; Davis seconded, and there was unanimous approval. The meeting was adjourned.
Alabama Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has selected Greene County CSFO, Mrs. Marquita Lennon to participate in the organization’s 2024 Leadership Program. The objective of AASBO Leadership is to develop future leaders in school business management to help improve the quality of education in Alabama and their respective communities. Mrs. Marquita Lennon was selected to be one of 12 CSFO’s out of 137 CSFO’s in the state of Alabama.
The Greene County Board of Education held its regular session, Monday, May 20, 2024 with all members present along with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones and CSFO Mrs. Marquita Lennon. In his report to the board, Dr, Jones stated that 90% of Eutaw Primary School 3rd grade scholars scored at reading proficiency level, a significant increase from the previous year. Jones noted that only 6 students did not score on proficiency level, out of 61 students, but they can enroll in summer school classes and retake the ACAP exam. “We have encouraged the parents to please get their children in summer school to prepare for another opportunity to move on to the 4th grade,” he said. Jones also explained that student scores in remaining grade levels will be released in June. Dr. Jones gave a special salute to Mrs. Marquita Lennon for her selection into the AASBO Leadership Program. He presented the following positive school news. Robert Brown Middle: Teacher and staff appreciation held May 6-10; Athletic Banquet held May 7 with scholars receiving certificates and trophies; Honors Program held May 8; May Day held May 10; 8th grade graduation held May 14, where Sheriff Jonathan Benison presented $150 Walmart gift cards to 65 eighth graders. ARLA presented tokens of appreciation to students in Math and Science. Greene County High: Senior Honors Day held May 1, acknowledging student scholarships from colleges and other organizations; Sheriff Jonathan Benison presented the following awards – Valediction received $15,000; Salutatorian received $10,000; student ranking third received $6,000; students ranking 4-11received $2,000; students ranking 12-50 received $1,000. GCHS graduation was held May 16. Greene County Career Center: Dr. Jones shared a video featuring students speaking about their experiences in Career Center programs. He noted that 10 Welding students graduated from Wallace Community College Selma, including 8 juniors and 2 seniors. Modern Manufacturing scholars participated in West Alabama Works Signing Day. Cosmetology Hair Show was held May 2. Onsite Facilities and Compliance Review completed May 17. School construction and Renovation Projects Update: New flooring and roof completed at Eutaw Primary School. All units and materials for the HVAC Project at RBMS have been delivered to the site. Mr. Otis Robinson agreed to clean up all debris at Peter J. Kirksey site at no cost. Dr. Jones reported that three new buses have been delivered and three additional buses are on order, which will provide air conditioned buses for all students. “ We also have a fleet renewal funding plan in place,” he stated. The board approved the following personnel actions recommended by Superintendent Jones. * Catastrophic Sick Leave for Angela Jones, Elementary Teacher, Eutaw Primary School. * Retirement for Cindy Taylor, Truancy Officer for the system, effective June 1, 2024. * Rescinding resignation of James Gaines, Transportation Supervisor. * Resignations: J’Kia Carpenter, Teacher Aide, Eutaw Primary School, effective April 22, 2024. Shafontaye Myers, 6th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective May 24, 2024. Alanda A. McEwen, Ed. D, Counselor, Robert Brown Middle School, effective June 11, 2024. Nicole Henley, Health Science teacher, Greene County Career Center, effective June 1, 2024. Employment: Dena Jordan, 7th/8th grade Math TEAMS teacher at RBMS; LaJeffery Carpenter, Bus Driver. * Supplemental Contracts – Separate Contract (Spring Football): Corey Cockrell- Head Coach; Zaddrick Smith- Assistant Coach. * Letters of termination for “Additional Services” contracts to the following employees: (Separate Contract): Greene County High School – Janice Jeames-Askew, Athletic Director; Corey Cockrell, Head Football Coach; Zachary Smith, Assistant Football; Denzel Davis, Assistant Football/ Assistant Baseball; Victoria Moore, Head Volleyball/ Head Girls track/Assistant Softball; Torethia Moore, Assistant Volleyball/Assistant Basketball/Head Softball; Rodney Wesley, Head Boys Varsity Basketball/Assistant Boys Track; Howard Crawford, Head JV Boys Basketball/Head Boys Track; Shafontaye Myers, Head Girls Basketball; Ashley Moody, Assistant Girls Basketball; Quentin Walton, Head Baseball; Halven Carodine, Assistant Boys Basketball. Robert Brown Middle School – Henry Miles, Head Football Coach/Assistant Basketball Coach Boys; Quentin Walton, Head Basketball Coach Girls/Boys/Assistant Football Coach; Tyneshia Fulghum, Cheerleading Coach; J’Kia Carpenter, Assistant Basketball Coach Girls. * Personnel for Summer Learning program: June 3 -27, 2024, from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm – Monday – Thursday: Eutaw Primary School – Carla Durrett, Lead Teacher; Gwendolyn Webb-Paraprofessional; Pamela Pasteur; Pamela McGee; Montoya Binion; LaShaun Henley; Keisha Williams; Shana Lucy Walter Taylor. Robert Brown Middle – Felecia Smith, Lead Teacher; Vanessa Bryant; Demetris Lyles; Raven Bryant; Pinkie Travis, Teacher Assistant; Mary Hobson, Special Services Paraprofessional; Brenda Lawerence, Nurse; Delois Brantley, -Custodian; Michelle Williams, Custodian. Greene County High – Janice Jeames, Lead Teacher; Sylvia Williams; Drenda Morton; Clifford Reynolds; Angela Harkness; Tameshia Porter; Victoria Moore; Tura Edwards; Dr. Dutchess Jones; Rodney Wesley – (Alternate as needed); Jacqueline Edwards – Custodian. Greene County Career Center – Shamyra Jones, ACCESS Facilitator for Career Preparedness; Tweila Morris, ACCESS Facilitator for Career Preparedness (Alternate as needed). Transportation: (Drivers, bus aides and alternates) – Eddie Coats; William Mack; George Pippen; James Gaines; Marilyn Finch; Ayanna Crawford; Carla Russell; Johnny Pelt; Gerald Holloway; Stanley Lucious; Garria Spencer; Carla Russel; Jerdin Grays; Natasha Lewis; James Powell; Arleen Jackson; Coresha Walton; Denise Horton. Summer Feeding Program workers for Eutaw Primary School and Greene County High School at a rate of $19 per hour for managers and $17 per hour for cooks for six hours per day for four days a week beginning June 3 – June 27, 2024. (These schools will be used as satellite kitchens): Youlonda Coleman, Manager; Sandy Wilson, Manager; Mary Hill, Cook; Romonda Askew, Cook; Jimirriam Roscoe, Cook; Rosie Mae Davis, Cook. Non-renewal of the following employees: Eutaw Primary School – Barbara Woods, CNP Cook; Sharon Jones, CNP Cook; Quenterica White, Elementary teacher; Sarah Crawford, Elementary teacher; Zaddrick Smith, P.E. teacher. Robert Brown Middle School – Quentin Walton, 6th grade; Jordan Pelt, 6th grade; Tyneshia Fulghum, 6th grade; Valencia Moore, Special Services; Denzel Davis, In-School Suspension Specialist; Tyletha Lord, Media Specialist. The board approved the following administrative items: * Contractual Agreement for Greene County Board of Education and Denise Horton to serve as Behavioral Aide for the system FY 2024- 2025. * Ms. Denise Horton to serve as the behavioral aide for the summer learning program (June 2024). * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Kim Herren to provide developmental services for pre-school children during the 2024- 2025 school year. * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Quitt Consulting to provide speech-language therapy services for children in Greene County for the 2024-2025 school year. * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Tammy W. Lewis MSCCC-SLP to provide speech services for the 2024-2025 school year. * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Behavioral Solutions of Mississippi for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Consultative Services and Functional Behavioral Assessments/Behavioral Intervention Plans for students displaying behavioral issues for the 2024-2025 school year. * Out-of-State travel for Shirley Stewart to attend the School Nutrition Association’s upcoming Annual National Conference in Boston, MA, July 14-16, 2024. * Service Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to develop and provide a Dual Enrichment (Welding Level I Lab) program for students at Greene County Career Center. * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and West Alabama Therapy, LLC to provide physical and occupational therapy to IDEA eligible students for the 2024-2025 school year. * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education, Special Services, and H&H Educational Services, LLC to provide psychometric services for the 2024-2025 school year. * Greene County School District Credit Recovery Plan 2024. * Permission for Otis Robinson to clean Peter J. Kirksey property at no cost. * Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Official Association to supply football officials for Spring Game, retroactive to May 7, 2024. * 4-day work week for all extended employees beginning June 3, 2024 and ending July 26, 2024. * Certificate of Affirmation of School Board Member for Leo Branch, Carrie Dancy, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Meriwether, Robert Davis. * Out of State Travel request for Paula Calligan to replace Angela White attending the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9-12, 2024. * Permission to publicly sell or dispose of surplus items according to Perkins guidelines. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO. CSFO Marquita Lennon presented Financial Snapshot Report as of April 30, 2024.Operating reserve – 5.53 (months) Combined General Fund reserve; 4.07 (months) Cash Reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General Fund Balance totaled $5,008,743.80 (reconciles to the Summary Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $696,547.91. Payroll Register totaled $938,338.36 (total gross pay to include employer match item). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $6,808,512.46. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $36,134.29; Sales taxes – $98,351.50; Other Taxes – $2,429.12; Total – $139,914.91.
The Alabama Association of School Boards awarded each school board member a Certificate of Completion for meeting all training requirements for the 2022-2023 school year. AASB also awarded the board a Certificate as a Member in Good Standing. Shown L to R: Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Board Members Carrie Dancy, Leo Branch, Veronica Richardson, Robert Davis, and Brandon Merriweather.
The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session on August 28, 2023 with all members in attendance. Prior to beginning the official business, Board President Leo Branch called attention to an omission in the minutes of July 17, 2023. A personnel item recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones at the July meeting did not indicate how the board had acted on the item. Mr. Branch and Attorney Hank Sanders recalled that the vote was two for, two against and one abstention, thus the item failed. On a motion by Board Member Robert Davis and second by Board member Brandon Merriweather, the minutes were approved with the necessary corrections. In the personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones, the board approved the following Resignations: Dalajah Bryant-Kemp, 6th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle, effective July 18, 2023; Tyesha Weeks, Parent Engagement Facilitator and Homeless Liaison, effective August 1, 2023; Chandra Toney, 3rd grade teacher, Eutaw Primary School, effective August 7, 2023; Siegfried Williams, Music/Choral teacher, Greene County High and Robert Brown Middle, effective August 2, 2023; Breshayla Hoskins, 4th grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle, effective August 24, 2023; Denetria Ruffin, 7th and 8th Grade teacher, Robert Brown Middle School, effective immediately; Marshae Pelt, At-Risk Coordinator, effective September 30, 2023 and to remain on administrative leave until September 30, 2023 The board approved the following employment items recommended by Superintendent Jones: Eutaw Primary School: Tabitha Smith – Secretary/Bookkeeper; Angela Jones – 3rd grade teacher; Canesha Ray – Long-term sub (3rd grade) and to include retroactive pay from February 2023. Robert Brown Middle School-Retroactive Approval: Breshayla Hoskins – 4th grade teacher, effective August 2, 2023; Jordan Pelt – 6th grade ELA teacher; Howard Crawford – PE teacher; Tyneshia Fulgham – 6th grade Teacher; Denzel Davis – In School Suspension; Dorthea Smith – Long-term Substitute Teacher (5th grade); Cillia Morrow – Long-term Substitute (6th grade); Sharon Jones – Cook; Glenda Hodges – Long-term Substitute Behavioral Aide; Lakesha Pelt Long-T Substitute Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School. Transportation: Carla Russell – Vocational Driver (This route will transport CTE students to RBMS for Modern Manufacturing and REHVAC courses). Greene County High School: Patricia Coleman, Long-term Substitute (Biology); Khadijah Hunter Long-term Substitute (In School Suspension). Non-Acceptance of employment: Monica Watkins, Science teacher Greene County High School; Janice Jeames-Askew, Assistant Volleyball Coach. The board approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2023-2024 school term. Robert Brown Middle School: Henry Miles, Head Football Coach; Quentin Walton, Assistant Football; Greene County High School: Victoria Moore, Volleyball Coach; Torethia Mitchell, Assistant Volleyball Coach; Rodney Wesley, Varsity Basketball Boys; Halven Carodine, Assistant Varsity Basketball Boys; Shafontaye Myers, Varsity Basketball Girls; Torethia Mitchell, Assistant Varsity Basketball Girls; Ashley Moody, Assistant Varsity Basketball Girls; Quentin Walton, Boys Baseball Coach; Torethia Mitchell, Girls Softball Coach; Victoria Moore, Assistant Girl’s Softball; Howard Crawford, Track Coach, Boys; Rodney Wesley, Assistant Track Coach, Boys; Denzel Davis, Assistant Football Coach. The board approved the following personnel to work athletic events at Greene County High School for 2023-2024 school year: Latanya Cockrell, Sarah Brewer, Mary Henderson, Tracey Hunter, Twelia Morris, Wanda Gaitor, Sharon Washington. The board approved a supplement for Barbara Martin to serve as At-Risk/Testing/Accountability Coordinator for the system, effective August 29, 2023. In its personnel items, the board approved the re-enrollment of student J.T. at Greene County High School for the 2023-2024 school year. The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent. * Contract between Greene County Board and Uniti Fiber to upgrade server for 2023-2024 school term. * Agreement between Greene County Board and Greene County Ambulance Services for 2023 football game season. * Agreement between Greene County Board and West Central Volleyball Officials for 2023 volleyball season. * Approval of Gosa’s Mobile Car Wash & Detailing to detailing 20 school buses. * Approval of Greene County High School Debate Team to travel to Washington DC June 9-17, 2024. * Greene County Board Transportation Department to transport students to and from Stillman College for Upward Bound Program. •Approval of McKee and Associates as Architect for Window Replacements at Robert Brown Middle School. •NNC Morgan Construction Company to replace windows at Robert Brown Middle School. * Quote from Little’s Trucking 1 LLC for Brush cut undergrowth and Bush Haul area at Greene County High School. * Quote from Little’s Trucking 1 LLC for removal of trees and grinding of additional stumps that are present. * Clear Winds Technologies for 1yr Renewal Device Repair Services. * Quote from Riverside Technology Inc. to purchase Chrome books. * Quote from Extreme Patio to replace storm damage covers and install new awning at Eutaw Primary School. * Reynolds Electric and Refrigeration Inc. to repair AC System at Central Office. * Revision of terms for CD with Synovus Bank. * Contract between Greene County Board and Southern Regional Education Board/School Improvement for Career Tech professional Development. * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Cynthia Crawford to serve as Technology Assistant and provide Technical Support for Greene County Schools District. * Contractual agreement between Greene County Board and BSOM to provide school consultation services for special needs students. * Purchase and Subscription Service agreement between Greene County Board and RAPTOR Technologies for visitors management system. * Purchase of parts from Reynolds Electric and Refrigeration, Inc for Welding Shop at Career Tech Center. * Renewal of Class-wallet Software for 2023-2024 school term. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO. * Purchase of HVAC equipment and supplies from Source Well via Mingledorff’s for Robert Brown Middle. * Agreement between Greene County Board AND West Central Officials Associations for football officials at Robert Brown Middle for 2023 football season. •Agreement between Greene County Board and West Central Officials Associations for football officials at Greene County High for 2023 football season. All personnel and administrative items recommended by the superintendent were approved with four board members voting in the affirmative and only board member Carrie Dancy abstaining on all items. In his report to the board superintendent Dr. Corey Jones indicated the following: * COVID positive cases August 21-27: Eutaw Primary School. – 2; Robert Brown Middle School – 6; Greene County High School – 5. He stated that these numbers represented students and personnel at the schools. Dr. Jones also advised all principals to recommend wearing masks in the facilities at this stage. •Enrollment to date: EPS – 277; RBMS – 326; GCHS – 249. Total – 852 reflects four less than last year’s enrollment. “We expect the enrollment to increase after Labor Day; that usually happens,” Jones stated. •EPS has purchased a BookVending Machine. Scholars will be awarded with tokens to purchase books. After-school enrollment totals 150 scholars. Educators are now in process of completing the Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Assessment (Aimsweb/Reading, i-Ready/Math). •RBMS welcomed community stakeholders who joined opening school rally, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Pastor Willie Lang and daughter Willesha Land, Mt. Zoar Baptist church. RBMS scheduled for window repair bids. Concession roof, ticket booth roof and football field fence are all completed. Temporary press box will be utilized. Bleachers received on Friday. Scoreboard arrived on Thursday. Stadium seats will be pressure washed. Mold areas in the facility were cleaned and treated. •GCHS will have roof leaked repaired this week. Mold areas in the facility were cleaned and treated. Career Center is also scheduled for roof leak repairs this week. CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon gave the following financial snapshot for the period ending July 31, 2023. Operating Reserve: $5.34M combined general fund reserve; $3.38M cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General fund Balance totaled $4,051,747.75. (Reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts payable Check Register totaled $338,532.51. Payroll Register totaled $907,118.66. Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $6,561,059.16. Local Revenue sources totaled $122,853. There was no revenue from Bingo for the month of July. The first of two scheduled Budget Hearings for fiscal year 2023-2024 was held Monday, August 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Board’s Central Office. Special note was made that the remaining $5 million in ESSER III funds must be allocated by September 30, 2023. The next Budget Hearing is scheduled for Monday September 11, 2023 in the Central Office at 3:00 pm.
Joe Biden won the support of 1,782 (72.38%) Democratic voters in Greene County for the nomination to run for President. Mike Bloomberg came in second with 406 votes (16.49) and Bernie Sanders was third with 191 (7.76%). Statewide in Alabama Biden won with 63% of the votes, with Sanders finishing second and Bloomberg was third. Biden also won in other southern states on Super Tuesday including Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. The three races for local positions in Greene County were very close and decided by margins of less than one percent. Arnelia ‘Shay’ Johnson was nominated for the position of Greene County Revenue Commissioner by a vote of 1,154 (50.17%) to 1,146 (49.83%), a difference of 8 votes out of 2,300 cast in this race. For Greene County Board of Education, District No. 3, Veronica Richardson with 292 (51.05) votes defeated William (Coach) Morgan, the incumbent school board member, with 280 votes, a margin of 12 votes. For Greene County Board of Education, District No. 5, incumbent, Carrie Dancy with 233 votes (50.65%) defeated challenger Mary Edwards Otieno with 227 (49.35%) votes, a difference of just 6 votes. Greene County voters, leading a statewide trend, defeated Statewide Amendment No. One by a vote of 2,312 (85.69%) to 386 (14.31%). This amendment would have transferred the power to select the Alabama State School Board from the voters to the Governor. This amendment lost statewide by two-thirds and was not supported by a majority of the voters in any county in the state. In the Republican Primary, Trump was supported by 419 to 4 for Bill Weld. In the Senate race, in Greene County, Bradley Byrne received 103 votes, to 24 for Roy Moore, 140 for Jeff Sessions and 145 for Tommy Tuberville. Statewide there will be a Republican run-off election on March 31, between Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville for the Republican nomination to the U. S. Senate seat. The winner of this primary will face incumbent Senator Doug Jones, the Democratic nominee. Jones is considered among the most vulnerable Democratic candidates in the nation for the U. S. Senate. Doug Jones must win his re-election campaign, to help the Democratic effort to take control of the Senate and oust Sen. Mitch McConnel from his leadership position, which has blocked progressive legislation passed by the Democratically controlled House of Representatives. Turnout in Greene County of 3,038 total votes was down from previous elections. The turnout was below 50% of the eligible registered voters in the county and reflected both the bad weather and the limited number of contested local elections in the county. “Turnout must increase for the November General Election or Democrats will have a hard time winning statewide elections, like the Doug Jones, U. S. Senate race,” said an official of the local Alabama New South Coalition chapter.
