Demopolis BOE accepts Griffin’s retirement, three resignations

Taking the first step toward selecting a new superintendent, the Demopolis City Board of Education Tuesday morning at a called meeting accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Al Griffin effective July 1.

The vote on Griffin’s retirement was accepted along with the resignations of Demopolis High School social science teacher Ben Ramer, effective April 5; U.S. Jones Elementary School physical education teacher Tammy Causey, and DHS bookkeeper Kathy Oates.

Board chairman Jim Stanford proposed that members take part in a free two-hour training by the Alabama Association of School Boards to explain legal issues and other factors in one of three ways the board can go about selecting Griffin’s successor. He will try to set up such training with Sally Howell, director of AASB, before the next board meeting April 20.

Stanford said the board can opt to hire a private consultant for the search, which it always has done in the past; opt to have the board attorney screen applicants for the members to choose from, or hire the AASB to conduct the search.

Griffin said he made the decision to retire “after a lot of prayer and careful consideration.”

“I have a lot invested in Alabama, I’m young, and I just think it’s time for me to turn over a new chapter in my life,” Griffin told the board.

“Right now I’m working to make sure my successor is set up for success,” he continued. “I’ll always be a part of this place. I love this place.”

Expressing appreciation for Griffin’s work, Stanford said, “He’s done a good job while he’s been here. I know he’s entering a new phase of his life, and the board wish him well in his next endeavor.”