DHS Band to get new uniforms

Demopolis High School’s marching band will don new uniforms next fall, thanks to the Board of Education’s approval to proceed with the purchase at its regular meeting Monday afternoon.

The uniforms – 70 coats and 70 hats – will cost approximately $14,000, and will be purchased with Band Booster funds. DHS Band Director Matt Fields said pants will not have to be purchased, due to what he termed “the generosity of Rock-Tenn” in 2009.

The Board of Education heard Superintendent Dr. Al Griffin announce the system has received $40,000 in grant funds to upgrade technology, and Board Member Jim Stanford noted during the financial discussion that additional significant technology upgrades are needed, particularly at the middle school and high school. Griffin added that a geo-thermal heating and cooling system is needed at the high schoo as well. The superintendent noted that the school system has 4.2 months of financial reserves, well above the state’s requirement that systems keep three months of reserves. He said the possibility of using some of the reserve capital to fund the technology and heating/cooling projects would be discussed at a later date.

Griffin commended Stanford on his efforts toward enhancing technology in the system and pursuing the grant. Also as part of the financial report, Griffin said the system’s sales tax receipts are up $37,066 over last year. He thanked the citizens of Demopolis for their support of the school system and community.

In other matters, the BOE heard from a concerned parent regarding a recent cheerleader selection controversy; however, BOE Chairman Linda Russell told the parent that a committee had been formed to address the matter and had taken the steps it felt was necessary to resolve those issues. Russell invited the parent to contact DHS cheerleader sponsor Andi Turberville about the possibly of joining the committee.

In a related action, the BOE approved the final list of Cheerleader Committee members, which includes one parent, but gave Griffin the discretion to add other members.

The board approved the 2013-14 school calendar. School will start on Aug. 19, and the system will observe Labor Day and return from Christmas holidays on Jan. 3. That schedule was preferred by a majority of school employees over other options.

The BOE approved $2,600 in assistance to Westside Elementary teachers Addy Card and Jennifer Pruett, who are pursuing National Board Certification.

The board tabled a discussion regarding Security Resource Officers for the schools.