BOE approves funding to close learning gap, hire mental health professionals; Smith, Roberts honored

Members of the Demopolis City Board of Education Monday okayed the budget for spending the third wave of federal COVID relief funding, a total of $5,831,326.94.

The money from ESSER 3 (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds) extends through 2024. It has more restrictions that the first two rounds, requiring at least 20 percent be directly related to closing the learning gap caused by the interruptions in classroom education during the coronavirus. Supt. Tony Willis said the DCS plan exceeds the 20 percent minimum.

The money also can be used for technology upgrades, facility improvements and security.

The board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with One Place, a division of Tuscaloosa Health Services, to provide mental health professionals in Demopolis schools.

Also funded by ESSER 3, the two-year contract will not exceed $46,500 per year. One Place will provide an employee five days a week to rotate among the campuses to work with children identified as needing the services or who are causing problems.

For repeat offenders or those who are acting out, “We have a punishment, but sometimes this is what’s needed to get to the root of why this is happening,” said Willis.

Turning to the principals attending the meeting, board member Harris Hurst pointed his finger and said, “Ya’ll take advantage of that.”

The board approved updates in grading policy by setting the minimum number data points on which to base student’s grade. Willis said the policy changes were made after a collaboration with leaders and teachers at WES and USJ.

In other action, the board approved:

• An agreement with Lower Bros. Co., Inc. for $29,050 for the DHS tennis courts.
• Textbook adoption for Career Tech.
• Inventory dispositions.
• Travel for the DHS cross country team to Quitman, Miss., Aug. 28; Collinsville, Miss., Sept. 11 and Sept. 23, and Cullman Nov. 5-6.

The board recognized DHS Senior Cooper Smith for completing his Eagle Scout project that benefitted DMS. Along with the DHS soccer team, DMS Junior Beta Club and other volunteers and supporters, Smith oversaw landscaping and sidewalk repairs and will install a handrail.

Also honored was teacher Mary Lillian Roberts who took on the task of giving the Central Office a facelift with upgraded landscaping. Both Smith and Roberts received a certificate and gift card.

The following changes in personnel were approved:

• Resignations: Gabrielle Essex, DHS ACCESS Lab facilitator and DMS girls basketball head coach, and Kelvin Sterling, USJ aide.
• Termination: Teresa Lamb, WES lunchroom worker.
• Hired: Lisa Orem, WES lunchroom worker; Marlana Mitchell, WES and USJ English language learner’s aide.
• Change of payroll status: Connie Davis, Career Tech teacher/director, from 9-month to 10-month employment.
• Transfer: Lydia Bedsole, USJ lunchroom worker to DMS assistant lunchroom manager.
• Leave of absence: Caitlyn White, DHS science teacher, from Jan. 24-March 18, 2022, and Brenda Moore, DMS lunchroom worker, Aug.16-Nov. 8.

The next board meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 22.