Demopolis BOE handles end-of-year business

End-of-the-school-year items filled the Demopolis City Board of Education agenda Monday as board members recognized Ronnie O’Neal for his five years of service.

O’Neal is leaving the board at the end of this month. His successor, Olen Kerby, sat in on the meeting.

“It’s been an honor – most of the time,” joked O’Neal.

Conrad Murdock was elected to succeed Jim Stanford as board chairman beginning June 1. Linda Russell will serve as the vice chairman.

School superintendent Dr. Al Griffin opened the meeting by presenting a resolution honoring Junior Beta Club members and teachers from Demopolis Middle School after students took first place honors at the state convention.

The board approved the Chalkable Statement of Work for a grant of $11,036 for special education teachers at U.S. Jones and DMS. Training for the teachers will be in the fall.

Also approved was a policy addressing life-threatening allergic reactions. The procedure was approved based on state guidelines and consultation with board attorney Alex Braswell and Dr. Marsha Burke.

Demopolis High School history teacher Joey Browder was approved again this year for out-of-state travel to Louisville, Ky., to serve as an AP History Exam Reader. His duties will be fulfilled May 31-June 7.

The Theo Ratliff Activity Center received approval to use all three school gyms for activities June 15-16.

The following personnel recommendations were approved:

• The resignation of Candace Pitts at the end of the school year.
• Posting Pitts’ position at DHS ACCESS through June 3.
• Maternity leave for Adrienne Etheridge.
• 10 additional contract days for DMS counselor Traci Pearson.
• The resignation of Anthony Jacks a DHS Social Science teacher. Jacks, who was hired at the last meeting, decided not to accept the position and is reportedly remaining at Sylacauga.
• Posting Jacks’ position through June 3.
• The resignation of Tera McCarty at the end of the school year.
• Hiring Ashley Allen as DMS Business Marketing teacher.
• Hiring Brittany Dunson as USJ Physical Education teacher.

The next regular board meeting will be June 15.