Demopolis Board approves new hire incentives; plans to cut culinary arts from career tech program

School systems throughout the state are in competition with each other to find qualified teachers for specialized positions. With that in mind the Demopolis City School Board approved an incentive package at its meeting Monday.

Teachers eligible for the package are K-12 special education, grades 6-12 math and grades 6-12 science teachers, said Supt. Kyle Kallhoff. Those who are hired will receive a $1,000 signing bonus on the first contract day and $500 each year for two years on the anniversary of that contract day.

“If you lose one of those it’s hard to replace them,” said Kallhoff of the specialized teachers.

In addition, he said 24 business partners in the area were asked to help put together packages for the first five hires. “The response was overwhelming,” he said, and contributions came in for more than five packages.

At a recruiting fair two weeks ago, he shared the plan with teachers who were very excited about it. He also had door prizes for anyone who left a resume at his booth. Among those he received were eight for one of those specialized openings.

Kallhoff presented an ambitious five-year capital improvements plan divided into four priorities and totaling more than $30 million. Among other changes, the plan would convert Westside Elementary to a pre-K through fifth grade school and turn U.S. Jones Elementary into a career-tech center. (See separate story.)

Public school money comes from the state for capital improvements. Currently $630,000 is tied up in debt for the stadium, auditorium and geo-thermal project at Demopolis High School. The school system clears about $140,000 annually in capital improvement money.

Kallhoff gave the board an update on where the Career Tech program stands now and the plans for the 2017-2018 school year.

The system offers business management and administration, finance and insurance, health services,

marketing, welding, industrial arts, culinary arts and ROTC.

Because of the demand, a heating and air conditioning curriculum (HVAC) could be started under the auspices of Shelton State as soon as January. “HVAC is considered a priority one area,” he explained.

Another area of training is for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Since students would be below the age of qualification for a CDL, the program also would include forklift and hazmat training.

However, the culinary arts program is expected to be phased out. In making the decision, Kallhoff said the Executive Advisory Committee looked at the local industry and preparing kids for the jobs in Demopolis. The $60,000 worth of commercial culinary arts equipment purchased last year will be turned back to the state to be placed in one of five systems that need it, Kallhoff said.

“We want to replace that with teaching and training,” he said. Also being considered is a track on the Environment and Natural Resources, leading into fields in the forestry industry.

The board approved conditional employment for Corey McCormack as Technology Technician. Added to the substitute list were Karen Durbin, Amy Ward, Willie Lucy and Gandy Elliott. Lisa Martin was granted maternity leave beginning Jan. 16, 2017.

Students and teachers from USJ and DHS were recognized at the meeting. From USJ were A.J. Etheridge, a third grade teacher, and Kylie Stokes, one of her students. Librarian Cynthia Whitlock and senior Lauren Boone were also honored.

All received a gift certificate to Batter-Up, and the teachers were given a session with Southeast Massage.

In other action, the board approved:

• A memorandum of understanding with West Central Alabama Area Health Education Center, Inc., for six seniors to work in local physician offices in a co-op program.
• A memorandum of understanding with the Marengo County Board of Education to provide transportation.
• System average daily attendance report of 2,257.85 students, seven more than last year.
• Out of state/overnight field trip for the DECA club Feb. 22-23, 2017, to Birmingham.
• Superintendent’s Rotary dues of $100.

The next board meeting will be Nov. 14.