Concerned parents address Demopolis BOE
Backed by several supporters, Nikki Carter, the mother of two students in Demopolis schools, addressed the Demopolis Board of Education Monday calling for a resolution to the problem of bullying.
Recognizing bullying is an issue for parents and the community as well as the school board, Carter stressed that a school not only is responsible for academics but for providing a safe place for its students to learn.
“We all have a part to play in the bullying,” she told the members of the board.
Carter said her son has been a victim of bullying, including an incident that required him to seek medical treatment. “It breaks my heart that everything my son has to say about school is negative,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with this bullying at school for years.”
She urged the board to find some solutions, or the next step is to take a group of parents to the state for satisfaction.
Many resources are available to aid the school system in training parents, teachers, the community and students on how to recognize and address bullying, she said, and added there is no reason Demopolis cannot use them.
Carter read from the school system’s Code of Conduct when she asked for more a detailed policy to be implemented. Board attorney Alex Braswell clarified that the school system has a comprehensive manual of Policies and Procedures that spells out intimidation and harassment.
Board member Carolyn Moore asked Carter to meet with Supt. Kyle Kallhoff to determine the next steps to be taken and to lead a group of concerned citizens who can offer solutions.
The following personnel changes were approved by the board:
- Deborah Boykin will receive a coaching supplement of $1,000 as assistant track coach to be paid at the end of the season.
- Jackie Tripp extending leave to Feb. 1
- Rakeena Anderson granted leave of absence from Jan.8 to Feb. 18 due to her micro premature child coming home from the hospital.
- Elaine Carter will sub for Anderson.
- Termination of contract of employment with Bereshith Davis.
- Carly Turner, Social Science teacher at DMS, granted maternity leave beginning April 1.
- Brittney Stacey will serve as a long-term sub for Turner.
- Crystal Harvey-Murphy, Special Education aide, transferred from WES to USJ.
The board okayed disposition of computers and smart boards that are beyond repair. Kallhoff said usable smart boards at DMS were sold at auction to a private school in Mobile after Prometheus Boards were installed at DMS.
He announced teachers of the year at each campus will be awarded plaques and certificates. They are Terri Speegle, WES; Jennifer Helms, USJ; Jackie Tripp, DMS, and Tonya Thornton, DHS.
The board approved the use of the USJ gym and cafeteria by the Adams Family, the DHS auditorium by the Two Rivers Arts Council on Jan. 24 and Feb. 28, and the DHS Gym on March 24 for the Alabama Step Show.
Overnight/out-of-state travel was approved for the DHS Senior Trip to Six Flags of Georgia May 3 and the DMS Junior Beta Convention March 13-15 in Birmingham.
In other consent items, the board approved a lease agreement for a copier in the central office and the 2019 softball and baseball schedules.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 5:15 p.m.