Demopolis BOE members recognized in meeting; community meeting set to discuss USJ future use
Instead of the monthly appreciation of outstanding teachers and students from Demopolis schools, Supt. Kyle Kallhoff recognized board members at the January meeting as part of School Board Appreciation Month.
Kallhoff thanked the board members on behalf of the 2,300 students and 230 employees in the system. Each of the four schools honored a board member, and the Central Office recognized the fifth. Members were given gift baskets or gift certificates for their service.
Westside Elementary School honored Floy Mayberry; U.S. Jones Elementary, Carolyn Moore; Demopolis Middle School, board Chairman Conrad Murdock; Demopolis High, Olen Kerby, and the Central Office, Jim Stanford, who has served as a board member for 13 years.
The board approved the first reading of a revision to Policy 5.10.1. It adds foster care children to the school system admission policy for homeless, migratory, immigrant and limited English proficiency students. Kallhoff said a hearing will be set for public input before the second reading and vote.
He also said an open meeting is planned for Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. in the USJ gymnasium to discuss the future use of the school. The meeting is in response to concerns by Marengo County Commission Freddie Armstead and others.
The board approved supplemental salaries for extra-curricular activities at the schools for the 2017-2018 term. The supplements include coaches and assistant coaches, band director and team and club sponsors as well as other designated employees.
Approved for out-of-state or overnight field trips were:
- DHS HOSA, Feb. 23-24, to Montgomery.
- DHS Student Council, April 9-10, Tuscaloosa.
- USJ Fifth Grade Honor Club, April 22-26, Washington, D.C.
- DHS track team, April 28-29, Mobile.
- DHS track team, May 5-6, Gulf Shores.
In personnel matters, the board approved conditional employment of Mary Fields, Child Nutrition Program worker at WES, and Katrina Sprinkle as a substitute.
The Jack-Corene Community Development Corp. was approved to use DHS facilities on May 13.
In his comments, Kallhoff said further research is being done on fees for the use of the DHS auditorium and gymnasium after the issue was brought up at the last meeting.
He invited board members to visit the HVAC program being taught by Shelton State Community College in the former New Era building. Eleven students are enrolled.
He also said Alison Brantley with UWA workforce development will speak to DHS students on the ACT Work Keys tests they will take in February and the importance of the exams.
He complemented 28 employees who had perfect attendance during the first semester.
The board will hold a called meeting on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.