Demopolis BOE approves new school calendar
Using formula funds from the Career Tech bond issue, the Demopolis Board of Education Monday approved Project Lead The Way, a program to enhance the automation and robotics curriculum in Ashley Brock’s class at Demopolis Middle School.
The $9,800 cost of the program, which can be used at any campus, includes two CAD programs, one-time fees and training.
In her monthly report, CFO Evelyn James reported tax receipts in the city are up considerably from the previous year. Last month’s receipts totaled almost $17,000 from the same month a year ago, and the total for the year so far is more than $70,000 ahead of 2013.
The board congratulated DMS student Mary McClain Colgrove on her election as president of the state Beta Club for 2014-2015 and on the excellent showing of the club at the state convention.
Colgrove displayed the banner that took first place. The club also took a first for their campaign, and Colgrove won second place for her campaign speech.
Club members will travel to Richmond, Va. in June to compete at the national Beta meeting.
In addition, Colgrove is one of 102 national “distinguished finalists” – and the only middle-schooler – for the Spirit of Community Award for her campaign against human trafficking.
The board approved the following personnel changes:
• Formally accepted the retirement of Deon Pritchett as a DMS custodian requested in February.
• Accepted the retirement of third grade teacher Johnnie Scott effective May 30.
• Accepted the retirement of Westside Elementary School Reading Coach Debbie Butler, effective June 1.
• Accepted the retirement of Demopolis City Schools administrative assistant Sherry Feller effective June 1.
• Hired Brad Daniels as assistant soccer coach for both A and B teams.
• Hired Deborah Boykin as assistant track coach.
• Hired Sandra Washington as DMS custodian.
The board also accepted the proposed calendar for school year 2014-2015. Classes will begin Aug. 11 and the last day of school will be May 22, 2015. Students will have a full week at Thanksgiving.
U.S. Jones principal Leon Clark announced that Tammy Causey has been named to the State Adapted and 504 Physical Education Task Force.
In his report, Supt. Dr. Al Griffin said he would be in Montgomery during the last few days of the legislature to fight for the repeal of the Alabama Accountability Act and for teacher compensation.
After the meeting, Alabama Education Association representative LeBaron Mack said the AEA is encouraging teachers to remember the legislature’s actions at the June primaries.
He said the vote by the lawmakers “took money for a six percent raise (for teachers) and put it everywhere but where it needed to be.”