Demopolis BOE approves dual enrollment program; looks to fill two principal openings
Demopolis High School students now will have the opportunity to take advantage of Early College Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit courses through the University of Alabama at half the regular tuition cost.
After Supt. Kyle Kallhoff explained the agreement, the Demopolis City Board of Education voted to approve the program, which is hoped will be implemented as soon as this fall.
Students beginning in 10th grade who maintain a B average will be able to take on-line courses through UA that will count toward college credit and, in some cases, also will serve as requirement for high school credit as well.
In addition to English, social studies, math and science courses, UA is offering a selection of foreign languages, arts and a varied list of other electives.
DHS also has partnerships with UAB, UWA and Shelton State to offer basic courses. All course credit, no matter which school is sponsoring them, can be transferred.
Frasier-Ousley was the only contractor to bid on Phase II of the ADA renovations at Demopolis Middle School. The bid at $144,000 was $44,000 over the budget, but Kallhoff said the work must be done for the system to be in compliance with ADA. The money will be taken from reserves set aside for just such contingencies.
Inclement weather forced the 2018 DHS graduation into the gym with audience spillover into the auditorium. Alternate plans now are set in place to hold two ceremonies should weather prevent graduation ceremonies being held in the stadium.
The superintendent shared the first draft a long list of possible expenditures if the school system receives the $500,000 expected from Education Trust Fund. He said he expects the list to be revised several times.
The board learned that the system expects some 100 fewer students in the fall, which could mean it would lose funding for four teacher units.
Kallhoff said at least 50 applicants have applied for the Westside Elementary School principal position. He said the list of applicants would be whittled to 7-10, and interviews will begin the week after Easter. Since Tori Infinger has announced her resignation as U.S. Jones Elementary principal, also, the board will be hiring two elementary principals for the fall.
Kallhoff made the following announcements:
- The school system has $390,000 in certificates of deposit maturing soon. CFO Evelyn James now is investigating the best returns from area banks.
- The 72-passenger school bus ordered in November will arrive next week.
- State assessment tests for grades 2-8 in reading and math and grades 3-8 in science and ACT tests for high school juniors will take place in May.
- Professional development days for teachers will be this Thursday and Friday.
- Summer work hours May 28 through July 25 are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7-11 a.m. Friday.
In other action the board approved:
- Out-of-state or overnight field trips for the DHS tennis team to Mobile; three DMS Beta Club members to the national convention in Oklahoma City, and DMS Science Club to Disney World in January 2020.
- Use of the DMS cafeteria by the DHS Class of 1969 May 4.
- Purchase of a storage building at DHS for football equipment.
- Disposition of outdated or unusable equipment.
The board will advertise for elementary teachers, middle school content area teachers, high school content area teachers and middle school instrumental teacher/band director for the fall.
The following personnel changes were approved:
- Resignations/retirements: Mary Stuedeman, Stephanie Polk and Amelia Mackey, USJ; Adam Brown, DMS band instructor; Charlene Jackson, DMS; Sydney Leonard, DMS cheerleading coach.
- Allyson Beverly requested removal from the substitute roster.
- Miranda Maher, WES pre-K teacher, maternity leave, with Brittney Stacey serving as her sub.
- Rakeena Anderson, WES, extension of leave of absence.
- Stephanie Polk, USJ, medical leave of absence.
- Roger Locke, maintenance supervisor, leave of absence
- Additional summer work hours for Donald Richardson, DHS custodian.
Students, staff
