Demopolis BOE moves to fund STEAM initiatvies

In keeping with the focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education, the Demopolis Board of Education Monday voted to redeem two certificates of deposit at their maturity Feb. 1 to finance projects at Demopolis Middle and U.S. Jones Elementary Schools.

The funds, totaling about $268,000, will be used to repurpose the old shop building at DMS into a STEAM center and construct an outdoor classroom at USJ.

The board also okayed hiring McKee and Associates Architecture and Interior Designs to spearhead the work.

Once the funds are redeemed, some $2.6 million will be left in CDs, said Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff. The projects have been in development since October, he added. Local industry and educators were consulted on the projects.

The superintendent opened the meeting by recognizing board members during School Board Appreciation Month. Each of the five members received a gift from the Central Office or from one of the campuses.
In his remarks, Kallhoff said emphasis on ACT preparation at the high school is showing results.

This time last year, he said, five seniors had scored 25 or more on the ACT. This year the number has jumped to 29. Already, he said, four seniors and four juniors have scored 30 or more on the test.
In keeping with the Strategic Plan, Kallhoff has scheduled five community meetings in March to give a report on the state of the school system.

The board voted to transfer William Jackson from custodian at Westside Elementary to WES lunchroom as a CNP worker, and Mary Ellen McCrory from CNP worker to custodian at WES.

Jenna Morgan and Veronica Long were approved as substitutes, and Whitney Mosley and Pam Morgan were granted leaves of absence.

Consent was given for overnight travel for band students, DECA, HOSA and BETA clubs and the DHS track team.

DHS senior Tristan Mullen, one of two Alabama students selected to serve in the U.S. Senate youth program, asked to speak to the board at its March meeting to report on his experience. He will be in Washington, D.C. March 3-10.

The next meeting of the board will be Feb. 19.