BOE honors ‘Butch’ Russell; prepares for construction, renovation projects

The Demopolis City Board of Education opened its meeting Friday by passing a resolution memorializing former Demopolis High School principal H.D. “Butch” Russell who passed away earlier in the month.

Russell served as DHS principal from 1983 through 1998, overseeing the move to the current facility in 1996. The resolution was passed “to recognize and honor the legacy” that Russell left behind.

Supt. Kyle Kallhoff presented several items to the board to get projects in place before he leaves Demopolis to become the superintendent of Cullman City Schools and to take the burden off the new superintendent, whoever is selected.

First on the list was the approval of Lathan Architects of Hoover to oversee the interior renovations at U.S. Jones Elementary and Demopolis Middle schools. The renovation will include painting and reflooring at DMS and painting at USJ.

Kallhoff said the projected cost of the work is well within the budget. He will ask the architects to present an alternate plan for DHS bathroom renovation if the money is available.

The board approved Leon Clark to be the administrative construction coordinator for the construction of the multi-purpose building at Westside Elementary School, and Charles Jones Jr. to coordinate the site-based construction.

Also approved were the calendar for the 20211-2022 school year and textbook committees for math and career tech.

The board okayed the disposal of technology items that are out-of-date or no longer in working order; spring athletic schedules, and out-of-state and/or overnight trips for the DHS track team for March 23 to Meridian, Miss., April 23-24 to Mobile and April 28-May 3 to Gulf Shores.

The board approved a policy revision on purchase orders by the Central Office, removing a cap of $2,500. The change would allow blanket purchase orders for recurring expenses, which would streamline operations.

The personnel changes approved are as follows:

• Resignations: Kyle Kallhoff, superintendent; Kristina Kallhoff, USJ third grade teacher; Ricky Pulliam, DHS Special Education teacher, and Freddie James, DHS secretary.
• Conditional Employment: Donald Richardson, as 12-month custodian at WES, moving from nine-month custodian at DHS, and Brianna Bryant, third grade teacher at USJ.
• Other: RMLA request from Jessica Campbell, USJ aide, from Feb. 27 to April 22; Leslie Morrison as long-term sub at DHS for Special Education; FMLA request from David Vann, maintenance assistant, from Jan. 28 to April 5, and FMLA request from DMS Special Education teacher Julie Wright from Feb. 18 to April 5.

Because of the resignations and transfers, the board also approved advertising for a DHS custodian, DHS secretary/receptionist, K-5 Summer School Coordinator and 6-12 Summer School Coordinator.