Demopolis BOE hires Special Education Coordinator

Yolanda Samuel will begin duties as the Special Education Coordinator for Demopolis City Schools Feb. 4.

The graduate of Demopolis High School was approved by the DCS Board of Education at a special called meeting Tuesday night

Samuel has been an instruction specialist at Wilcox Central, an assistant principal and taught special education in both elementary and high school.

In other action the board approved the School Continuous Improvement Plans for each campus as well as the district prior to evaluation by an accreditation team inspecting the school system Feb. 22-24.

The team will conduct interviews and visit facilities in addition to studying submitted written reports and will release its findings at a called board meeting at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Gina Johnston, federal programs and curriculum director, said the schools and district each completed an executive summary, self-assessment, stakeholder feedback and student diagnostic in preparation for the accreditation visit.

“It’s huge,” Johnston said of the work done by all those involved. “One person cannot do it. One person at each school cannot do it.”

The board also approved a bid by Jones Construction Co. for storm drainage, gutters and an extended canopy at Demopolis Middle School for $23,846.35. Work will begin immediately.

The board accepted the resignation of chemistry teacher Gresha Thurmond, effective Feb. 5.

Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said some 200 people attended the Young Authors Showcase and Symposium Jan. 25.